Scottie Scheffler has consistently reiterated his sentiments when queried about how a promising start at the 2025 U.S. Open devolved into a grueling five-and-a-half-hour round that left him lagging on the leaderboard.
“I probably need to create a few more birdie opportunities,” the top-ranked golfer in the world remarked on Thursday after finishing with a 3-over par 73, placing him seven strokes behind leader JJ Spaun.
Scheffler was referring specifically to the lack of viable birdie putts, which were disappointingly scant during his challenging hours at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Yet, he certainly had no shortage of “looks” in other senses.
Frustration was evident when his drive on the par-5 12th rolled into the first cut of the infamous ankle-deep rough, after navigating a sweeping fairway. Moments of sheer disbelief followed, like when a straightforward 1.8-meter (6-foot) par putt on the par-3 13th inexplicably slid past the hole, prompting him to turn to caddie Ted Scott for an explanation with a look of shock.
He also exhibited signs of anger after a wedge shot from 76 meters (83 yards) on the typically manageable par-4 14th overshot the hole by a staggering 12 meters (40 feet). In frustration, Scheffler slammed the club into the ground before regaining composure to finish with a two-putt.
His annoyance grew further when a 3.7-meter (12-foot) birdie attempt on the par-4 17th lipped out. He bent over, hands on his knees, visibly exhaling before regaining his stance.
This round marked his worst opening score in a major, tying the disappointing start he had at the 2021 Masters, prior to a stretch of dominance reminiscent of Tiger Woods’s prime. It’s notable that nine years earlier, he shot a 1-under 69 at Oakmont as a 19-year-old amateur.
Life has drastically changed for Scheffler, who, after leaving the scoring area under the dusky spring sky, reunited with his family, including his young son, Bennett, and wife, Meredith.
Yet, the course maintained its reputation as a challenging mental and physical trial. Despite clear weather, Scheffler teed off at 1:25 PM and didn’t finish his round until 6:52 PM. Oakmont was living up to its challenging nature.
While JJ Spaun thrived with a 4-under 66 earlier that day, Scheffler struggled to find his rhythm, making only two putts over 3 meters (10 feet), with none in his last seven holes and a misstep on the par-3 13th leading to a three-putt. Despite the setback, Scheffler remained optimistic, acknowledging that one lackluster round doesn’t spell the end of his grand slam aspirations.
“If I can sharpen up a bit in the second round, I’m hopeful about my positioning heading into the weekend,” he said.
With each of Scheffler’s 16 victories on the PGA Tour starting from a top-30 position, he’ll find himself outside that range as he begins the second round on Friday morning at hole 10.
“I’ll correct a few of those mistakes, such as the three-putts, and I believe tomorrow will bring a better outcome,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, attempting to recapture the form that led him to complete a career Grand Slam at the Masters in April, began on the back nine and managed two early birdies to move within two strokes of Spaun. However, a faltering second nine, including four bogeys in seven holes and a double bogey on the par-3 eighth, resulted in a 74.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, part of the LIV Golf contingent, also battled Oakmont’s challenging rough, concluding with a 73 as he seeks to be the first back-to-back U.S. Open champion since Brooks Koepka in 2018.
“It was a punishing day on the course, but I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” DeChambeau stated.
This version offers a unique spin on Scottie Scheffler’s performance at the 2025 U.S. Open while maintaining the essence of his experience.