The opening round of the 2025 US Open at the formidable Oakmont Country Club delivered both triumph and tribulation as JJ Spaun surged to a remarkable bogey-free 66, while Rory McIlroy—fresh off his historic Masters win—faltered with a four-over-par 74.
McIlroy’s Frustrating Day at Oakmont
What began as a promising round for McIlroy quickly turned turbulent on the notorious back nine at Oakmont. After a booming 392-yard drive and early birdies, the reigning Masters and Players Champion appeared poised to contend. However, Oakmont, known for its punishing layout, soon showed its teeth. McIlroy collapsed down the stretch, carding a double-bogey at the par-3 8th hole and closing with a back-nine 41.
While McIlroy’s struggles were not unique—several big names found themselves battling the unforgiving course—his dip in form raised eyebrows given the momentum he carried into the tournament. Since completing the career grand slam at Augusta in April, McIlroy has appeared mentally and technically unsettled. He continues to grapple with driver accuracy, ranking near the bottom of the field in fairways hit, and his putting woes persisted throughout the round.
Yet, despite the difficult day, McIlroy’s determination was clear. His intense focus and frustration showed a player still hungry for more, even after reaching golf’s highest milestones.
JJ Spaun Shines Bright on Opening Day
In stark contrast, it was JJ Spaun who stole the show. Delivering a masterclass in precision and patience, Spaun posted a bogey-free 66, matching the lowest first-round score ever recorded at Oakmont in a US Open. The 34-year-old Californian appeared unflappable, stringing together smart approach shots, clutch putts, and a calm demeanor that stood out as others faltered.
Spaun’s round was made more impressive given the context. Just three months ago, he lost a dramatic playoff to McIlroy at the Players Championship. That performance, however, seems to have ignited a new level of belief in Spaun, who credited the experience as pivotal in helping him handle high-pressure scenarios.
“You can maybe fake it at the Sony Open or Cognizant Classic, but not at the Players,” Spaun said after his round. “That gave me the confidence that I can perform on the biggest stages. Now I want to be the guy everyone is chasing.”
His determination was evident as he navigated Oakmont’s brutal roughs and slick greens with composure, finishing one stroke ahead of South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence.
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A Rough Outing for Golf’s Elite
McIlroy wasn’t the only star to struggle. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler posted a 73, defending champion Bryson DeChambeau ended with a 73 after an early charge, and Dustin Johnson limped in with a 75. Even 2022 Open Champion Cameron Smith failed to register a single birdie, finishing at five-over-par.
Phil Mickelson, potentially playing in his final US Open, and England’s Tommy Fleetwood both matched McIlroy at 74. Shane Lowry had an even tougher day, carding a 79, while 2016 Oakmont winner Dustin Johnson suffered the indignity of a shanked iron from the center of the fairway.
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Koepka and Rahm Stay in Touch
Among the few bright spots for the sport’s elite, Brooks Koepka turned in a solid 68, and Spain’s Jon Rahm finished with a 69 as the sun dipped over the Pennsylvania hills. Koepka revealed post-round that he’d endured a stern 45-minute lecture from coach Pete Cowen earlier in the week—advice that may have spurred his focused opening effort.
Robert MacIntyre also impressed, posting a level-par 70 despite a late bogey. The Scotsman praised Spaun’s round as “unbelievable” and spoke candidly about the mental strain Oakmont places on every shot. “It’s like walking a tightrope out here,” he said. “You’re always one bad swing away from disaster.”
Looking Ahead
As the second round approaches, all eyes will be on Spaun to see if he can sustain his lead under mounting pressure. McIlroy will need a bounce-back performance to avoid missing another cut at Oakmont, where he previously struggled in 2016.
The course remains a daunting test, demanding not just skill, but also mental resilience. For JJ Spaun, this may be the moment that transforms him from a respected journeyman into a major contender. For McIlroy, it’s yet another battle in a complex post-Grand Slam journey—a reminder that greatness never arrives without adversity.
