125th US Open: Who Survives Oakmont?

CoachDay
Jun 11
3 min read

Finally, the weekend of the 125th U.S. Open has arrived, after weeks of golf pros, YouTubers, and the PGA’ers in the field telling us of the potential carnage ahead. Many believe, due to the conditions of this course in front of us, this Open only has a few true contenders.

Now, no one wants to read another golf blog slobberin’ all over Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Rory McIlroy. So instead, let’s talk about the guys whom no one can complain about if they win, maybe even, dare I say, be a popular winner.

The list of guys below are all the likeables, dudes who just golf. No drama with clubs, media, or other golfers. Just huge vibes boys. BUT they also have legit big talent in their bag, and if it’s all together this weekend, they could find themselves holding up the championship trophy.

Jordan Spieth

This is the easiest pick ever. Who doesn’t smile when Spieth’s name is in the hunt at any golf tournament, let alone a major?

You add in the fact that he’s still searching for his old form (though he has been better this season). A Sunday with Jordan in contention is better for golf. His “never know what’s gonna happen” style keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

He’s the most popular American golfer hands down, Scheffler & Bryson have their haters for sure, but come on, how can anyone hate Spieth? Him hoisting the trophy Sunday evening couldn’t possibly make a single fan mad.

Viktor Hovland

The Norwegian is an easy pick. The former FedEx Cup champion has been close in the U.S. Open before. Still searching for his first major, he’s been playing better as of late after an abysmal 2024.

Hovland still sits major-less, so being such a lovable character on tour means a victory this week would be celebrated by fans and competitors alike. His time is coming, his talent is there. Can he take down Oakmont?

We shall see. Lastly, factor in that he could become the first golfer from Norway to win a major, that’s a bitchin’ storyline.

Ludvig Åberg

The youngster of the three, as he’s only going through his second go-around of major golf. In his only U.S. Open, he was in the hunt last year but fell and finished 12th. After an early win this year, he fell into a major slump, but through it all he kept smiling and looked like he was enjoying the ride.

Now, going into this weekend, he may have found a little groove and confidence. When this Swedish hammer gets going, watch out, because he can play with anyone out there.

His play style and upbeat demeanor have helped him gain a huge following quickly, leaving me to believe a win for him Sunday would be met with nothing but cheers online.

With these three guys, we don’t truly know what could happen. Oakmont looks ready to chew up and spit out every golfer in existence this weekend. The key may be to avoid the blow-ups and play for pars. Find the few holes to pick your spots and be aggressive for birdies.

The scary part about the three listed above? They tend to have “bad” holes, and if you do that this weekend, it could quickly turn into an 8 out of nowhere.

Experts are already clamoring that an over-par winner is a real possibility this weekend.

Major golf, whether it’s a fight with 7 guys shooting 20 under, or one grinding at 3 over, is always a treat. And this weekend could be a special one.

Here’s to hoping Spieth, Hovland, or Åberg find their way through Sunday.

Here are a few fun bet for the weekend as well!

Winner

Ludvig Åberg +3000

Viktor Hovland +6000

Jordan Spieth +7000

Jon Rahm +1200

Bryson DeChambeau +750

Top 10's

Ludvig Åberg +260

Tommy Fleetwood +240

Matt Fitzpatrick +650