US Open: The big names in danger of missing the cut

The 2025 US Open is underway and just like that, a raft of huge names are in danger of missing the cut.

Plenty was made of the USGA’s setup at Oakmont this week, with some going as far to slam the “unplayable” rough and “Mickey Mouse” greens.

And while there was some impressive stuff on day one, see JJ Spaun’s bogey-free 66, the third major of the year certainly bared its teeth early.

Here are those aforementioned stars who will be watching the cut line on Friday…

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Shane Lowry

Many fancied the Irishman to thrive on the brutal setup, but Lowry opened his championship bid with a 79 – which included no fewer than three double bogeys. It would be a second straight major MC.

Matt Fitzpatrick

The 2022 US Open champ currently sits just outside the cut line after a first round 74. No huge numbers on the Englishman’s card, just a tough start after a T8 showing at the PGA Championship.

Rory McIlroy

Well, well, well. McIlroy was posed plenty of questions in the build-up and, despite playing his front nine in two-under, wrapped up round one six shots worse off. He’ll have eyes on the cut tomorrow.

Patrick Cantlay

Another slow start in a major championship for the eight-time PGA Tour winner. A triple bogey seven on the par-4 seventh put Cantlay in trouble before a disastrous back nine compiled his misery.

Tommy Fleetwood

The wait for a maiden major – and, indeed, PGA Tour title – looks set to go on for Fleetwood. The Englishman opened with two bogeys and was always on the backfoot en route to a four-over 74.

Cameron Smith

There’s a strong chance Smith misses the cut in a major for the fourth consecutive time this week. A +5 start at Oakmont means the Aussie is just outside the cutline and in danger of heading home early.

Justin Rose

The 44-year-old has been a revelation in majors of late, finishing second at the Masters and last year’s Open. But Rose is staring down a missed cut after an opening round of 77 in Pennsylvania.

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Joaquin Niemann

At +4, the Chilean has some work to do on Friday to make the cut. The record-breaking LIV star arrived in form after a fourth win of the season but couldn’t build on that.

Min Woo Lee

A nightmare day off the tee for the Australian, losing over three strokes. Lee carded zero birdies on Thursday and is now set to miss a third major cut in his last four starts.

Justin Thomas

The American had a day to forget in his national open, carding a six-over 76. Should Thomas miss the cut on Friday, it would be the third consecutive US Open in which he’s headed home early.

Phil Mickelson

With an expiring exemption, Mickelson explained ahead of the tournament that this week’s US Open will likely be his last. And a +4 start means his bid for the career grand slam is also likely over.

Wyndham Clark

Another on the +4 mark, the 2023 champ got off to a quick start before doubles on the ninth and 18th holes derailed his early bid. It would be an eighth major MC in only 15 starts for the American.

Hideki Matsuyama

The 33-year-old Masters champ has enjoyed this test in recent years, finishing fourth in 2022 and sixth two years later. An opening 74 this year, however, means Matsuyama has his work cut out.

Note: This page will be updated throughout Round 1.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.