Justin Thomas Faces Heartbreak at the 2025 U.S. Open: A Deep Dive into His Struggles at Oakmont

By Kevin Cunningham
June 13, 2025

The 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont was set to be a formidable test for all competitors, and Justin Thomas was no exception. Renowned for its challenging layout and lightning-fast greens, Oakmont has a reputation for exposing vulnerabilities in even the most skilled golfers. As Thomas stepped onto the course for Round 2, little did he know that his journey would be marked by moments of triumph and despair. This article dissects Thomas’s rollercoaster of emotions and performance that Friday, particularly focusing on his notable four-putt debacle.

Struggling to Regain Form After a Tough Start

Justin Thomas, a two-time major champion, kicked off his second round after a disappointing six-over 76 in Round 1. His performance left him fighting an uphill battle, knowing he needed a strong comeback not just to stay competitive but also to make the cut. Starting on the back nine, every shot counted heavily towards his overall score. However, a series of mistakes began to unravel his game almost immediately.

As Thomas navigated through Oakmont’s demanding holes, he encountered trouble early on. The back nine threw its first curveball at him on the short par-4 11th. A wayward tee shot found him in a native area, cementing his unfortunate start with a bogey. Just when he thought he might stabilize his score, he lost strokes again at 15 and 18, even as he managed to regain one at 14 with a birdie. But the errors continued to compound, culminating in a disastrous double-bogey at the par-3 16th.

The Cost of Pressure at Oakmont

Oakmont’s challenging conditions heightened the stakes for every golfer in the tournament. The greens are notoriously fast, registering over 15 on the stimpmeter, requiring exceptional skill and finesse to navigate. For a professional like Thomas, such challenges are the norm, but the pressure can still unnerve even the best. The golf world awaited to see how Thomas would handle this high-pressure environment.

When Thomas arrived at the par-5 12th hole, he found himself eyeing a 22-foot putt for birdie, a situation that should instill confidence in any golfer. However, at Oakmont, even seemingly straightforward birdie opportunities can escalate into frustrating failures. As he prepared to execute his putt, the pressure of the moment seemed to intensify, and the wheels began to wobble.

A Devastating Four-Putt Moment

The pivotal moment of Thomas’s round came as he charged toward the 12th green, filled with the hope of retirement from constant worry to a simple two-putt. That hope was quickly dashed as his initial putt slipped agonizingly close to the hole, only to roll several feet past. Standing over an uncharacteristically short par putt, Thomas watched in despair as it lipped out to the left, leaving him with yet another challenging attempt.

His next putt, aimed more cautiously, again refused to drop, causing panic to settle into his game. Finally, after three agonizing strokes, he managed to sink the putt, but only with a double-bogey 7. It was a heartbreaking moment not only for Thomas but also for his supporters and fans who had seen him struggle against the course’s unrelenting demands.

Reactions from Fans and Fellow Golfers

The ramifications of Thomas’s four-putt at Oakmont reverberated throughout the golf community. Fans couldn’t help but express their astonishment and disappointment as social media buzzed with reactions. Fellow competitors and analysts weighed in, debating the antiquated wisdom that even elite athletes are susceptible to the course’s mental and physical challenges.

Understanding the psychology of a golfer in a moment of crisis can provide insight into the pressures they face. Thomas’s performance highlighted the thin line that separates success from failure, particularly in the high-stakes atmosphere of a major championship. As discussions bubbled regarding the demands of Oakmont, many began to draw comparisons to past U.S. Opens in which the course proved to be a formidable opponent.

The Bigger Picture: Golf’s Psychological Battle

The mental game is often an underappreciated aspect of professional golf. Thomas’s struggles at Oakmont underscore an essential element that defines the sport—mental fortitude can make or break a player’s success. As well as physical ability, maintaining focus and emotional stability during moments of adversity is crucial for achieving positive results.

With the intense scrutiny that accompanies high-profile tournaments, players like Justin Thomas often must deal with self-doubt and negative thoughts that can hinder their performance. As rounds unfold, one small error can snowball into a series of mistakes, as Thomas experienced during his unfortunate outing. The burden of expectation paired with the intensity of the competition adds layers to the already complicated world of elite golf.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Thomas?

Despite the disappointment of the U.S. Open, one of the lessons for Thomas is that there is always room for improvement. Every round presents new challenges, and this experience, however painful, could serve as a catalyst for growth. Professional golf is not just about the wins but learning from failures and maintaining a positive outlook.

Golf fans remain hopeful that Thomas will bounce back in upcoming tournaments and recapture his form. The potential for redemption exists within the very fabric of the game, and it is precisely this potential that keeps players motivated and fans engaged. Thomas has a tendency to learn and adapt, turning setbacks into strengths. Taking valuable insights from his time at Oakmont may allow him to develop a stronger approach going forward.

A Legacy of Challenges at Oakmont

Oakmont has become legendary not merely for its history but also for the uniquely challenging brand of golf it demands. The course’s reputation is built upon a plethora of memorable moments and crash courses of reality encountered by many professional golfers over the years. The 2025 U.S. Open will be remembered not only for its thrilling action but also for the lessons it provides.

For Justin Thomas and many others, golf is about resilience in the face of adversity. Moments like his four-putt serve to humanize these professional athletes, reminding us all that even the best can falter but have the potential to rise again. As we look toward future tournaments, all eyes will be on Thomas to see how he leverages his experience at Oakmont for growth and improvement.

In Conclusion: The Unpredictable Nature of Golf

Golf, with all its unpredictable twists and turns, continues to teach valuable lessons to players and fans alike. Justin Thomas’s outing at the 2025 U.S. Open was a compelling reminder that the sport is fraught with challenges that require mental toughness, skill, and a little bit of luck. While his disappointing performance unraveled in the high-pressure environment of Oakmont, it also showcases the importance of perseverance.

Moving forward, Thomas’s journey will undoubtedly be watched closely and discussed within the broader context of his career and contributions to the sport. As he continues to learn, cope with setbacks, and seek redemption, it’s clear that the world of golf remains an ever-evolving adventure filled with highs and lows, unexpected triumphs, and enduring challenges.