The US Open 2025 Preview: Who Are the Contenders

As the 125th US Open approaches, all eyes are on Oakmont, known for its brutal challenges and history of dramatic finishes. The historic venue is regarded as the oldest top-ranked golf course in the United States, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
This edition of the U.S. Open marks the tenth time the tournament will be held at Oakmont. The course is very challenging, with the rough expected to be particularly tough. Additionally, the par-3 8th hole is projected to play at or even over 300 yards this year, making it a formidable challenge for the players.
Given its length, it might be considered a drivable par 4, but it remains a challenging par 3. Known as one of the most difficult US Open venues, Oakmont presents players with significant difficulties, largely due to its lightning-fast greens, creative bunkers, and its punishing rough.
The Main US Opens 2025 Contenders

The main contenders for this championship are world number one golfer Scottie Scheffler and the world number two, Rory McIlroy. These two have shared the major spoils so far this year, with Scheffler recently winning the PGA Championship and McIlroy claiming the Masters back in April.
Scheffler is the favourite, having won three of his last four starts, including the PGA Championship. He also secured victory at the Memorial Tournament in his most recent appearance, marking his second consecutive win there. Scheffler is not only winning; he is winning big. His three recent wins have come by a total margin of 17 shots — he will be a hard player to beat.
McIlroy has played limited tournament golf since capturing the Masters. He has competed just three times recently, finishing tied for 12th at the Zurich Classic with Shane Lowry, tied for 7th at the Truist Championship, and tied for 47th at the PGA Championship. He will compete in the RBC Canadian Open the week before the US Open, aiming to build form and sharpness ahead of the third major of the year.
Other main contenders include champion Bryson DeChambeau, world number three Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, and Collin Morikawa — all of whom are returning to form.
Scheffler is not only winning; he is winning big. His recent three wins have come by a combined 17-shot margin — he will be hard to stop.
Other Potential Winners
Other potential winners who might not be in the initial six main contenders bracket include Irishman Shane Lowry. He has had an excellent year, reaching a career-high 12th in the world rankings. All that’s missing from Lowry’s year is a win.
When the US Open was last held at Oakmont in 2016, Lowry had an impressive performance, finishing tied for second, despite having a 4-shot lead heading into the final round. That defeat had a significant impact on him, and he will be seeking redemption at Oakmont.
Another potential contender is Tommy Fleetwood. Although he has yet to secure a win on US soil, Fleetwood is showing excellent form heading into this US Open. He has recorded three top-ten finishes in his last five starts, including two tied for 4th places. He also has three top-five finishes in US Opens, finishing 4th in 2017, 2nd in 2018, and tied for fifth in 2023, demonstrating he thrives in tough conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this year’s US Open promises to be an exciting one. Many players are heading to Oakmont with confidence, which should lead to a compelling tournament. The US Open is arguably the most challenging test in golf, and Oakmont Country Club is one of the toughest courses these players will face. The winner will need to be not only a great golfer but also possess mental strength and resilience, setting the stage for an intriguing competition.
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Jack Guing
Jack hails from County Offaly in Ireland and joins the team as a Content Writer and Performance Analyst. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and History from Maynooth University and a master’s degree in Sports Performance from the University of Limerick. Jack is a keen sports fan with a love for performance analysis and wishes to use this data-driven style that is seen in performance analysis in his writing to deliver informative predictions.