Justin Johnson arrives at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont under a cloud of uncertainty, his once-formidable presence in major championships reduced to a series of missed cuts and struggles. Since abandoning the PGA Tour in 2022 for LIV Golf, the two-time major champion has failed to crack the top 30 in a major on nine of ten attempts—a stark contrast to his previous streak of consistent top-10 finishes.
A Fall from Dominance
Johnson’s major résumé once boasted seven straight top-10s, including his victory at Oakmont in 2016. In 2025 alone, however, he suffered consecutive missed cuts at Augusta and Quail Hollow, carding rounds of 12-over at the PGA Championship. His confidence and ball-striking precision, hallmarks of his prime, now seem elusive.
Major Struggles Under LIV
With only four majors per year available and limited opportunity to face the deepest fields, Johnson’s competitive rhythm has eroded. While peers like Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau have continued to capture major titles, Johnson’s best return was a distant finish, highlighting how reduced reps against top contenders may be undermining his game.
Oakmont’s Challenge and Opportunity
Oakmont’s notoriously fast greens and punishing rough demand flawless shot-making and steely mental resilience—qualities Johnson must rediscover if he hopes to contend. The venue that once crowned him could yet serve as a springboard for revival, but only if he confronts the technical flaws and confidence gaps that have plagued his recent performances.
Can He Reclaim His Edge?
As Johnson tees off on June 12, the golf world will watch to see whether the venue that cemented his legacy can also catalyze a resurgence—or whether his decision to “switch” tours has irreversibly dimmed his major-championship prowess.