US Open hopeful brands Oakmont rough “unplayable”

If early reports from Oakmont are anything to go by, scoring at this week’s US Open could be grisly.

The Pennsylvania course has been set up to be a characteristically tough test for the world’s best male players as they go in search of major championship glory.

Of particular concern to the field? The rough.

Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau gave a remarkable insight into the state of play on his YouTube channel last week, revealing that the thick stuff had been grown out to a whopping five inches.

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“This is the hardest this golf course could ever play right now,” proclaimed the American.

Jhonattan Vegas evidently agrees.

The Venezuelan, who finished T5 at the PGA Championship last month, posted a video on his X account earlier today which showed the greenkeeping team appearing to trim the long grass. Just not as much as the pros might like.

“Good news guys,” declared the 40-year-old. “They are cutting the rough but it’s still unplayable. Have fun.”

Good news guys, they are cutting the rough but, it’s still unplayable. Have fun 😳😳😳😳😳😳 #USOPEN2025 pic.twitter.com/BCV3FNZ6bH

— Jhonattan Vegas (@JhonattanVegas) June 9, 2025

Dustin Johnson, who won his maiden major title the last time the US Open visited Oakmont in 2016, went even further, declaring the historic track the toughest golf course he’s ever played.

“The course is as hard I remember,” said the American, adding that it’s difficult “no matter what – soft, firm, windy, no wind.”

One man who is embracing the challenge is two-time major champ Justin Thomas.

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“I understand this place is hard,” said the former world No.1 “I don’t need to read articles, or I don’t need to hear horror stories. I’ve played it. I know it’s difficult.

“I also have faith that if I go play well and I’m driving the ball well and I’m hitting my irons like I know I can, I’m going to have a lot of birdie opportunities.

“I just need to kind of pick my spots and take the hole and the course for what I have that day.”

Main pic: USGA/Mike Ehrmann

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Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Head of Content