Scheffler, McIlroy Struggle at Diabolical Oakmont During U.S. Open

Oakmont, Pennsylvania — Rory McIlroy struggled on the storied grounds of Oakmont Country Club during the first round of the 125th U.S. Open on Thursday. Despite being the world’s top golfer and winning at Muirfield Village just two weeks prior, McIlroy faced significant challenges on this notoriously difficult course.

The rough at Oakmont is notorious for its depth, often hiding shoes under thick grass that poses a challenge for even the best in the game. Scottie Scheffler, the defending PGA Champion, found himself battling both the rough and the speedy greens during his round. On the challenging 618-yard, par-5 12th hole, Scheffler nearly secured a birdie opportunity but sent his flop shot racing across the green, leaving him in the rough on the other side.

Frustration was palpable for Scheffler as he recorded a bogey on the 13th hole and slammed his club in disbelief after missing a six-footer on 15. “The golf course is just challenging,” he said after his round. “There’s so much speed and so much pitch. You’ve got to do your best to stay under the hole and stay patient.”

The harsh conditions of Oakmont also took a toll on other players. Thomas Detry, who ended the day with a solid 1-under 69, echoed Scheffler’s sentiments about the pressure of the course: “It just puts so much pressure on every part of your game,” he said. “It could be a bloodbath out here if it suddenly starts to blow.”

The forecast for Friday suggests wet conditions, which could exacerbate the difficulties for the 156 player field. Highlights from Thursday included Shane Lowry’s eagle on the 3rd hole and Patrick Reed’s remarkable 286-yard drive on the 4th, yet those moments were overshadowed by numerous other players struggling to adapt.

Viktor Hovland and Bryson DeChambeau also faced issues. Hovland’s second shot on 15 only traveled 97 yards due to the rough, forcing a bogey. DeChambeau described the course as merciless and stated, “The rough is incredibly penalizing.”

Despite the challenges, some players found success. JJ Spaun, who led the tournament after day one, admitted feeling anxious but harnessed that energy to stay focused. “I was definitely kind of nervous,” he said, but added that it heightened his drive.

Kim Si-woo finished third after shooting a 2-under par 68, expressing surprise at his performance given the course’s difficulty. Even seasoned champion Jon Rahm felt proud to finish the day at 1-under. “I’m extremely happy,” he noted.

As the sun set over Oakmont, the stakes remained high. The tournament continues Friday with hopes that some might conquer the challenges laid out for them. With its combination of stubborn rough and devilish greens, Oakmont continues to prove a formidable foe for even the most skilled players.