George Duangmanee’s U.S. Open debut at Oakmont Country Club marked a significant milestone in his young career. Though he missed the cut and posted Friday’s highest score, the 23-year-old’s journey to golf’s most demanding stage showcased resilience, promise, and the harsh reality of elite competition.
From College Golf to the PGA Tour Americas
US Open Competitor George Duangmanee Just Shot 35-Over-ParImage credit: (Getty Images)
George Duangmanee, a University of Virginia graduate, ended his college career on a high note, finishing 15th at the 2024 NCAA Championship. Following graduation, he turned professional, earning conditional status on the PGA Tour Americas after enduring four rounds of Q-School.
He made his professional debut at the Myrtle Beach Classic, where he survived the cut and competed through the weekend. But it was the U.S. Open that offered Duangmanee a chance to test his skills against the world’s best.
Qualifying the Hard Way
Duangmanee’s road to the U.S. Open was anything but easy. He first survived a local qualifier in Maryland, then delivered rounds of 68 and 67 at the Springfield Country Club in Ohio during final qualifying. He outplayed several seasoned pros to earn his place in the 2025 U.S. Open field—a remarkable feat that demonstrated both talent and composure.
The Oakmont Challenge
George Duangmanee of the United States plays his shot from the 11th tee during the second round of the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic 2025.. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Oakmont Country Club is widely regarded as one of the toughest courses in the world. Its narrow fairways, penal rough, and lightning-fast greens have humbled even the greatest champions. For a young professional like Duangmanee, it offered a brutal but valuable learning experience.
“I knew it was going to be a hard test coming in,” Duangmanee admitted, “but I didn’t think it was going to be this hard. All parts of your game definitely have to be firing.”
His opening round on Thursday reflected Oakmont’s ruthlessness. He shot an 86, struggling particularly on the greens. He lost over five strokes to the field in putting alone and found it nearly impossible to adapt to the course’s speed and undulations.
Friday’s Battle: Breaking 90
If Thursday was difficult, Friday was even worse—at least initially. Duangmanee’s front nine consisted of a triple bogey, two doubles, and five bogeys, resulting in a 47. Many expected him to mentally check out, but he instead regrouped and stabilized his round.
Over the next six holes, he made four pars, highlighted by a stellar tee shot on the 238-yard par-3 16th that left him 15 feet from the pin. His perseverance was evident, even as his name appeared beside one of the highest scores on the course.
At the 18th hole, facing the possibility of shooting 90 or worse, Duangmanee made a crucial up-and-down and holed a seven-foot bogey putt to close with an 89. While it didn’t change the leaderboard, it served as a personal victory in the face of adversity.
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Perspective Beyond the Score
The numbers—86 and 89, for a total of 175 (+35)—won’t make headlines. But in the context of a U.S. Open debut at Oakmont, where even seasoned professionals falter, Duangmanee’s effort was significant. It was less about results and more about what he gained from the experience.
“Just making it here was a big accomplishment for me,” he said. “It proves that what I’m doing—the hard work I’m putting in, the practice—it’s paying off. Being able to compete against the best guys in the world, it’s really where I want to be going forward.”
Learning from the Best
Throughout the week, Duangmanee paid attention to more than just his own game. He studied how top pros prepared, practiced, and handled pressure. That exposure alone is invaluable for a player transitioning from college golf to the pro circuit.
“It’s a little bit intimidating being around people you watch on TV every week,” he admitted. “I’m trying to learn as much as I can—how they warm up, how they focus, how they recover.”
What’s Next for Duangmanee
Following his U.S. Open appearance, Duangmanee plans to continue competing on the PGA Tour Americas. Though physically and mentally drained after a grueling stretch of qualifiers and tournaments, he remains focused on long-term growth.
He stayed in Pittsburgh over the weekend to support other players and soak in the atmosphere—a clear sign of his passion and commitment to the sport. His debut may have ended with a missed cut, but it also marked the beginning of a career grounded in perseverance and perspective.
Why His Story Matters
George Duangmanee’s journey represents the very essence of the U.S. Open. It’s a tournament that rewards not only elite skill but also grit, preparation, and belief. His performance at Oakmont is a reminder that success in golf isn’t always measured by a trophy, but often by the lessons learned under pressure.
In a sport where confidence can be fragile, Duangmanee’s self-awareness and steady mindset may prove more valuable than any leaderboard finish. Oakmont exposed his weaknesses, but also illuminated his resilience—a trait essential for professional success.
As he continues to chase his goals on the PGA Tour Americas, his Oakmont debut will stand as a defining moment—an early chapter in what could be a long and rewarding career.
