Major Upsets: The US Open’s Unforgiving Nature Claims Big Names at Oakmont

The US Open has always been known as one of the toughest tests in golf. Among the four major championships, it stands out for its ability to turn the form book on its head. In 2025, the tournament at Oakmont reaffirmed this reputation, as numerous decorated players found themselves heading home early. The deep, punishing rough of Oakmont was as challenging as anticipated, ensuring that even some of the biggest names in golf were unable to advance past the second round.

A Closer Look at the Cut Line Disaster

Before the first round, analysis highlighted the expected difficulty the players would face. Unfortunately, this led to the early exit of many familiar faces. Among them were a slew of major champions who couldn’t find their rhythm in the unforgiving conditions. Below are some key players who fell victim to the Oakmont test.

Defending Champion’s Disheartening Exit: Bryson DeChambeau

Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau found himself having a very different experience at this year’s US Open. After claiming his second title the previous year, this time he finished with a disappointing score of +10, missing the cut by a significant margin. Despite previously having five top-10 finishes in his last six major appearances, this tournament highlighted the pitfalls of pressure. DeChambeau’s recent switch to new irons may have contributed to his struggle, leaving many fans wondering how he will bounce back in upcoming tournaments.

Rookie Star’s Disappointment: Ludvig Åberg

Ludvig Åberg, the 25-year-old who quickly made a name for himself in the golf world, also faced early elimination. A promising performance earlier in the year, including a win at the Genesis Invitational, led fans to expect great things. However, he couldn’t replicate that success at Oakmont where he ended at +8 after rounds of 72 and 76. This marked yet another challenge for Åberg in his quest for a breakthrough major victory, as he failed to make the cut at both The Masters and now the US Open.

Justin Thomas’s Mixed Bag of Results

Early-season success suggested Justin Thomas was back in form, but this major was another disappointment. Having previously won the PGA Championship and secured a respectable T2 at the Truist Championship, many thought he would be a contender. Instead, his two rounds of 75 and 78 left him at +12, leading to yet another missed cut. It’s a continued struggle for Thomas in majors this year, with many hoping he finds his footing ahead of The Open at Royal Portrush.

Joaquin Niemann’s Rise and Fall

Joaquin Niemann, an emerging star from the LIV Golf circuit, gave Oakmont his best shot but fell short. Despite impressive performances in the LIV tour this season, including four victories, his golf did not translate well to this major. After finishing T29 at The Masters and T8 at the PGA Championship, expectations were high, but he stumbled to a +10 score after rounds of 75. With another missed cut, the pressure builds for his next opportunity.

Former Champion’s Early Departure: Wyndham Clark

Wyndham Clark, the reigning champion as of two years ago, faced a disappointing exit. After a spirited battle in his previous title run, this year he scored +8 at Oakmont, narrowly missing the cut. After registering a T46 in the previous Masters and T50 at the PGA, it’s clear that Clark needs to find his form heading into The Open if he wishes to recapture his championship aspirations.

Patrick Cantlay’s Major Struggles

Patrick Cantlay is routinely seen as one of the top golfers, yet his major wins continue to elude him. At Oakmont, he finished with rounds of 76 and 72, putting him at +8 and leaving him wondering “what could have been?” His continued absence from the winner’s circle in major championships remains a significant talking point among fans and analysts alike.

Tommy Fleetwood’s Near Miss

Tommy Fleetwood appeared hopeful early in the tournament, sitting just above the cut line until a sudden collapse on the last few holes sealed his fate. He finished with a score of +9, two shots shy of advancing. His track record in past US Opens shows consistent competitiveness, making this missed opportunity all the more frustrating as he hoped to claim his first major title.

Dustin Johnson’s Disappointing Duplicate Performance

Dustin Johnson, who once claimed victory at Oakmont back in 2016, faced a challenging repeat this year, finishing at +10. Much anticipated after a solid run previously, Johnson’s inability to adapt to the course likely raised questions about his current competitive edge in major events. As he prepares for future competitions, a return to form is crucial for a player of his caliber.

Cameron Smith’s Continued Major Struggles

Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open champion whose performance has been hit-or-miss lately, saw another early exit at the US Open. He finished with rounds of 75 and 73, totaling +8. This marks his fifth consecutive missed cut in major tournaments, making it imperative for him to rediscover the form that previously secured him titles.

Shane Lowry’s Major Woes

Last but not least, Shane Lowry, winner of the 2019 Open Championship, has experienced immense pressure performing in recent tournaments. His disastrous rounds of 79 and 80 at Oakmont left him at +17, leaving little hope of recovery. As he prepares for the next major, the focus will be on whether he can turn around his form and make a deeper run.

The 2025 US Open at Oakmont once again demonstrated the harsh reality of golf’s most challenging tournament. For many iconic players, triumph has turned to tribulation as they now seek redemption in future majors. With the next challenge at Royal Portrush, fans and players alike look forward to seeing who can re-establish their dominance and potentially turn their fortunes around.