Oakmont U.S. Open Sparks Outrage: Brutal Course and Chaos Ignite Player and Fan Fury
Oakmont Under Fire for Brutality
This week’s U.S. Open at Oakmont is quickly turning into a pressure cooker of frustration, both for players and spectators. The course has long been known for its difficulty, but this year’s setup has pushed everyone to their limits. The combination of narrow fairways, deep rough, and lightning-fast greens has created a scenario many are calling outright unfair.
There’s gotta be a better way @USGA pic.twitter.com/VeQFgepBAo
— Nagels Bagels (@nagelbagels) June 12, 2025
DeChambeau Sounds the Alarm
Bryson DeChambeau, last year’s champion, didn’t hold back. Even before the tournament began, he voiced serious concerns. While preparing on the par-3 6th hole, he hit a ball into the rough and couldn’t even locate it. He referred to the greens as “cooked beyond belief” and called the 11th hole a complete disaster. During official practice rounds, DeChambeau was seen visibly irritated—snapping at volunteers, complaining about slow pace of play, and even asking someone on the 4th hole to contact the USGA for better organization.
Others Agree: “You Have to Be Perfect”
Ben Griffin echoed the sentiment, warning that players “have to hit fairways” if they want any chance of surviving Oakmont. With some fairways just 18 yards wide, a minor miss can land a ball in thick, punishing rough. Swedish player Ludvig Åberg labeled Oakmont “one of the hardest places in the world” and admitted that preparing for it feels nearly impossible.
Maintenance Efforts Slammed
In response to mounting criticism, officials brought in up to 30 lawnmowers to “clean up” the rough. But players say the changes have made things worse. The rough is now about 4¾ inches deep, designed so balls sink into the roots rather than sitting up for a cleaner shot. Phil Mickelson bluntly stated, “They’re not cutting anything,” accusing the USGA of masking problems rather than fixing them.
Fans Stuck and Sunburnt
The fan experience hasn’t been any better. On Day 1, thousands found themselves crammed together on the only bridge providing entry into the course. A social media clip described the gridlock as “There’s gotta be a better way.” With only one of three footbridges open, spectators endured 30–40 minute waits in the blazing sun. Many complained of sunburn and unsafe conditions, with one fan noting the setup felt like a near-stampede.
Historical Design or Historical Headache?
Oakmont’s tough layout is no accident. Designed in 1903 by Henry Fownes, the course was built to punish any mistake. Fownes believed in making every shot count and delivering consequences for every error. A century later, that philosophy still haunts players and spectators alike.
A Test of Skill or a Mental Gauntlet?
The big question remains: is Oakmont a legitimate test of elite golf, or an outdated torture chamber unfit for modern play? With mounting complaints, both inside the ropes and outside the barriers, it seems the real U.S. Open battle isn’t just on the leaderboard—it’s the fight to stay composed in the chaos.