The 2025 U.S. Open, one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, is just around the corner, but instead of the excitement usually surrounding such an event, the focus this year is on something entirely unexpected: the infamous rough at Oakmont Country Club. As practice rounds commence, players and fans are turning their attention to the course’s unforgiving grass rather than the competitors vying for a title.
Oakmont, renowned for its punishing layout and challenging conditions, has earned a new moniker—“Soakmont.” After ample rainfall in the days leading up to the tournament, the lush greens have morphed into a treacherous landscape, and many players are finding themselves in a real pickle when their balls stray from the fairway. The thick rough is not just intimidating but incredibly difficult to navigate, leading some players to express their concern over the course setup.
Videos circulating on social media showcase the sheer severity of the rough, with participants clearly struggling to find their balls after an errant shot. One jaw-dropping moment featured PGA Tour pro Ben Griffin, who, in a video, dropped a ball into the rough, only for it to vanish completely from sight. Such footage serves as a stark reminder of just how dense and unruly Oakmont’s grass has become this year.
Golfing legend Bryson DeChambeau also weighed in on the situation, admitting that even he was taken aback by the rough’s difficulty. DeChambeau, known for his analytical approach and powerful swing, expressed incredulity at the challenges presented by the course. His endorsement adds weight to the growing concerns of players who find Oakmont’s setup bordering on unfair.
Meanwhile, Korn Ferry Tour player James Nicholas demonstrated the frustrations of trying to hack out of the rough with a 60-degree wedge. The video showed that even short shots from a challenging lie can become nearly impossible, as the thick grass clung to the club and thwarted his efforts. Instances like these have led to an outcry among fans and players alike, igniting discussions about whether the challenges posed by the rough enhance or detract from the spirit of the competition.
This year, the U.S. Open is shaping up to be a battle not just against par but against nature itself. Although the tournament is, by tradition, designed to test the mettle of its competitors, the sheer intensity of Oakmont’s rough raises questions about balance. While the course is iconic for its competitiveness, the current conditions are leading many to wonder if they may be going too far in the quest for difficulty.
As the third major tournament of the season approaches, expectations remain high. If the rough’s challenges can be tamed to offer a fair test, the event could still provide exhilarating drama on the leaderboard. However, for now, players and fans alike are captivated by the unpredictable nature of the course, transforming the narrative from traditional golf mastery to one focused on evading the lurking snags of Oakmont’s wild terrain.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on June 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
