Paige Spiranac is no stranger to controversy, and this week she stepped into the brewing debate surrounding the 2025 US Open course conditions at Oakmont Country Club.
With top players like Bryson DeChambeau and Ludvig Aberg voicing their frustrations over the thick rough and brutal layout, Spiranac delivered a clear message: if you’re a pro, this is exactly what you signed up for.
In a recent video with fellow golf personality Roger Steele, Spiranac recalled her own outing at Oakmont, one of the most unforgiving courses in the United States.
The duo commiserated over the intense rough, fast greens, and overall difficulty. Steele admitted, “D*mn, that course was hard,” to which Spiranac replied, “Yeah, thick rough,” affirming the challenge they faced.
The conversation turned more pointed when Steele questioned why the US Open venues needed to be so tough.
Spiranac‘s response didn’t pull punches: “We’re hosting pros, not golf influencers.” Her take was simple – if this is the stage for golf’s elite, then the course should demand nothing less than greatness.
US Open contenders brace for Oakmont’s fury
Bryson DeChambeau offered a first-hand account of Oakmont’s brutality in a recent YouTube video, where he wrestled with the course’s notorious five-inch rough and lightning-quick greens.
Describing one rough lie as “complete guesswork,” DeChambeau admitted, “This is the hardest this golf course could ever play right now.”
At the par-3 sixth hole, his ball disappeared into the thick, prompting a resigned, “That is cooked beyond belief.” Despite his difficulties, he managed to scramble a par – but the message was clear: Oakmont will not be kind.
Tiger Woods, who has three US Open titles to his name, offered a more traditional perspective. “You just have to hit the golf ball well there… There’s no faking it,” he said, pointing to the timeless truth that precision and power are essential to surviving a venue like Oakmont.
While some players are openly struggling with the setup, others are embracing it. Xander Schauffele, coming off his first major win at the 2024 PGA Championship, welcomed the challenge.
“Maybe I’m just sick and enjoy the challenge, something about it playing really hard,” he said. His sentiments were echoed by Justin Thomas, who emphasized mental focus: “Once I start second-guessing myself or not trusting my instincts is where I get myself in trouble.”
Thomas also believes Oakmont’s toughness may give him an edge. “Being perfectly honest and very selfish, I hope it psychs a lot of players out,” he said, revealing just how vital mindset is when facing a course known to humble even the best.
The 2025 US Open, scheduled for June 12-15, promises to be one of the most demanding in recent memory.
While some players are already rattled, Paige Spiranac and others are standing firm in their belief that the tournament should be the ultimate test.
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