All three were between seven and eight shots behind the leader, and all were in danger of being cut Friday. The U.S. Open remains golf’s cruelest test.

The U.S. Open began under partly cloudy skies on Thursday at challenging Oakmont Country Club where Bryson DeChambeau hopes to make a fast start to his title defence while tournament favourite Scottie Scheffler was hours from teeing off.

The main character at the 125th U.S. Open isn't one of the players, but the course itself. When the likes of World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau call it, to some extent,

Golf Channel’s Paul McGinley said, "He’s not been himself at all today. His stats are bad and he’s hit a lot of poor shots for him."

OAKMONT, Pa. — The shot doesn’t matter. It could be on the driving range, the first tee box or the 18th fairway — a quiet practice round at home or the Sunday of a major championship. Scottie Scheffler doesn’t go off-script.

Scottie Scheffler is again favored to win the 2025 U.S. Open, where he says golfers will be tested with the "hardest golf course" they may ever play this week in Oakmont, Pa.