We’re gearing up for the third golf major of the year this weekend as the U.S. Open is set for Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
While some events on the PGA Tour are known for a lot of birdies, the U.S. Open typically offers a different level of rigor. Since 2019, only one U.S. Open champion — Wyndham Clark in 2023 — has finished more than six strokes below par.
That may be a disappointment for fans looking for record-setting low scores, but Xander Schauffele, who is looking for his third major title and first U.S. Open win, said the tough conditions the tournament is known for offer golf fans exactly what they want.
“I don’t think people turn the TV on to watch some of the guys just hit like a 200-yard shot on the green, you know what I mean?” Schauffele said. “I think they turn on the U.S. Open to see a guy shooting 8-over and suffer. That’s part of the enjoyment of playing in the U.S. Open for viewers.”
Well, that’s one way to put it, Xander.
Is he right, golf fans? Do you really just watch prestigious majors like the U.S. Open to see golfers’ dreams systematically crushed? If that’s the case, they should be in for quite a treat this week in Oakmont, where the last two U.S. Open winners were Dustin Johnson (4-under) in 2016 and Angel Cabrera (5-over) in 2007.
