125th U.S. Open Tees Off at Historic Oakmont: Golf's Toughest Challenge Returns
June 12, 2025
The 125th U.S. Open golf tournament kicked off on June 12, 2025, at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, renowned as one of the toughest golf courses in the world.
This year marks the U.S. Open's return to Oakmont for a record 10th time, illustrating the USGA's strong preference for this historic venue.
Among the 154 players competing are Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, Scottie Scheffler, the PGA Championship winner, and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau.
Notable pairings for the first round include Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, and Min Woo Lee at 1:03 p.m., followed by Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm, and Dustin Johnson at 1:14 p.m.
The tournament features specific tee times beginning at 6:45 a.m., categorized by Tee No. 1 and Tee No. 10.
The total prize purse for the U.S. Open is $21.5 million, with the winner receiving $4.3 million and a 10-year exemption to future tournaments.
Oakmont is characterized by its challenging rough exceeding five inches in height and sloped greens, contributing to the anticipated chaos during the tournament.
In preparation for the event, Oakmont underwent extensive maintenance to ensure optimal playing conditions for competitors.
Weather conditions could significantly influence scoring, with rain potentially softening the course or dry conditions leading to higher scores.
John Bodenhamer of the USGA emphasized that the course is designed to be tough yet fair, requiring players to utilize their entire skill set.
Last year, Bryson DeChambeau won the U.S. Open by a narrow margin over Rory McIlroy, marking his second victory in this prestigious major.
Fans and players are eagerly anticipating the event, which not only showcases individual talent but also celebrates the historic significance of Oakmont.
Summary based on 19 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Jun 12, 2025
Oakmont’s war of attrition to deliver chaos and carnage in daunting US Open
Business Insider • Jun 12, 2025
How to watch the US Open Golf Championship: Live stream the 2025 tournament
AP News • Jun 12, 2025
US Open underway with high expectations for Scheffler and a tough test for all | AP News