Oakmont’s Treacherous Setup Proves Too Much for Defending Champion

Rory McIlroy has managed to survive the cut at the 125th US Open, but it was a close call for the defending champion. Bryson DeChambeau, on the other hand, was unable to overcome Oakmont’s challenging setup and bowed out of the tournament.

McIlroy’s day began on a rocky note, with two double bogeys in the first three holes. However, he was able to bounce back and finish strong, firing an approach shot to within 4ft of the 18th hole and securing a birdie to finish with a 72. This left him with a six-over aggregate, a score that could potentially give him a chance to win the tournament.

In contrast, DeChambeau struggled to find his footing, adding a 77 to his Thursday score of 73 to finish at 10 over par. This was a surprise exit for the defending champion, who was expected to contend for the title. DeChambeau’s departure was a testament to the course’s ability to humble even the best players.

Other high-profile exits from the tournament included Tommy Fleetwood, Dustin Johnson, Joaquin Niemann, Justin Thomas, and Shane Lowry. Lowry, in particular, had a frustrating day, earning a one-stroke penalty after lifting his ball on the 14th green without marking it. This incident highlighted the course’s notorious reputation for testing players’ mental toughness.

Despite the challenges posed by Oakmont, some players were able to navigate the course with ease. Sam Burns, for example, shot a five-under-par 65, which left him at three under par and in the lead. Burns credited his success to his ability to stay patient and focus on each shot individually, rather than trying to be too perfect with his putting.

“I’ve just been in a really nice mental state this week,” Burns said. “Both of my rounds have been very up and down. I feel like a couple times if it would have happened at another tournament, for example, I could have potentially lost my mind there a little bit. But I felt like I kept things together very well.”

Other contenders, such as Viktor Hovland and Brooks Koepka, also had strong performances. Hovland shot a 68 to finish at one under par, while Koepka bogeyed three shots in a row around the turn but still managed to finish at two over par.

The US Open has proven to be a true test of golfing skills, with many players struggling to cope with the course’s challenging setup. However, for those who have managed to survive the cut, there is still a chance to win the coveted title.

“It’s a tough course, but it’s also a fair course,” McIlroy said. “You’ve got to respect the fact that it’s a major championship, and you’ve got to play to a high standard. I think I’ve done that, and I’m looking forward to the weekend.”

As the tournament enters its final stages, the players will be looking to navigate the course’s treacherous setup and emerge victorious. Will McIlroy be able to overcome his rivals and claim the title, or will another player rise to the challenge? Only time will tell.