US Open at Oakmont: A Surprising Turn in the Final Rounds

Oakmont, Pa. — As the 125th edition approaches its final round on Sunday, the excitement at the top of the US Open leaderboard isn’t quite what the Oakmont Grill Room’s TV network anticipated.

Fans here are a little spoiled, really. The club has a rich legacy featuring greats like Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Johnny Miller, and Larry Nelson.

Ernie Els, similar to Dustin Johnson, is among those who have previously clinched the US Open at this venue.

With a field of 156 players, one might expect to see more familiar names up front.

But here’s the twist.

After a solid 65 on Friday, Sam Burns didn’t just fade away in the third round on Saturday. He shot a 69, putting him in the lead by a single stroke with a score of four under par. It’s a chance for a life-changing win, after all.

JJ Spaun has been consistently near the top all week and seems unfazed by the competition. He also shot a 69, trailing Burns by just one shot.

At 44, Adam Scott hasn’t won since 2020, which, honestly, doesn’t seem to bother him too much. He managed a 67, eyeing his second major title since winning the Masters back in 2013.

Viktor Hovland is still chasing that elusive major win, with three top-five finishes to his name, including a runner-up and a tie for third. He shot a 70, leaving him three shots behind Burns.

Then there’s Carlos Ortiz, who’s returning to the championship with a 67, placing him four shots back.

Thriston Lawrence came into the tournament with a bit of a rough start this season, but he’s hanging in there, sitting five shots off the lead.

Liv Golf’s Tyrrell Hatton has six top-10 finishes at major championships and is also five shots behind after a solid 68 on Saturday.

“I don’t really think it matters who has won majors before,” Hatton commented. “On any given day, you have to believe you can beat everyone.”

Among the top 20 on the leaderboard, only Scott and Scotty Scheffler—current World No. 1 and winner of three of his last four tournaments—have major wins under their belts.

It’s interesting, really. Saturday saw some heavy hitters struggling to gain traction. Schauffler shot a lackluster 70 and sits four over par, eight shots behind the leader.

“Anything can happen out here,” Schauffler said, reflecting on past comebacks.

The largest comeback in US Open history was Arnold Palmer’s seven-shot victory at Cherry Hills in 1960.

“Do I feel out of the tournament? Not at all,” Schauffler admitted. “But it’s tough to find momentum. I made some silly mistakes. Overall, I’m just fighting through.”

Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, shot a 74 and stands at ten over, almost relieved to be heading home.

Xander Schauffele, who won two majors last year, also struggled with a pair of 71s.

Former US Open champion John Lahm tallied a 73, but it wasn’t enough.

Brooks Koepka, a past champion, had a promising start on Friday but failed to capitalize afterward.

Collin Morikawa, a two-time major winner, ended up with a 74 and is struggling at eight over this week.

With the final round looming, it looks like many competitors are pushing for their first major championship, with Scott as the notable exception.

“I’m just doing my best out there,” Ortiz shared, “and that’s all I can do. I’d love to win, of course, but really, any tournament win is special.”