The 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club is proving to be one of the toughest tests in golf, living up to its reputation as the most grueling major. With birdies at a premium and the rough thicker than ever, the cut line has become a major storyline, forcing some of the biggest names in golf to fight for survival.
How the Cut Line Works at the U.S. Open
Unlike other majors, the U.S. Open has a stricter cut rule:
- Only the top 60 players and ties advance after 36 holes.
- This differs from The Masters (top 50 and ties) and the PGA Championship & British Open (top 70 and ties).
- The projected cut line for 2025 is +4, slightly lower than last year’s +5 at Pinehurst.
Big Names Facing the Cut
Several former champions and top-ranked players are dangerously close to missing the weekend:
- Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas need a strong second round to stay in contention.
- Bryson DeChambeau, the 2024 U.S. Open winner, has already been eliminated after shooting 73 and 77, finishing at +7.
- Other former champions missing the cut include Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland, Wyndham Clark, Lucas Glover, and Justin Rose.
Leaderboard Standings
At the top of the leaderboard:
- Sam Burns leads at -3, followed by J.J. Spaun (-2) and Viktor Hovland (-1).
- Brooks Koepka remains in striking distance at +2, while Rory McIlroy barely made the cut at +6.
What’s Next?
With Oakmont’s brutal conditions, the weekend rounds promise intense competition. Players who barely made the cut will need a major turnaround to challenge for the title. Meanwhile, Burns, Spaun, and Hovland will look to maintain their lead as the pressure mounts.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025 U.S. Open continues!
