The 125th U.S. Open is set to kick off on June 12, with 156 players ready to compete at the iconic Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh. This year, the tournament has opted for a traditional approach, allowing players to prepare in advance with scheduled practice rounds.
The U.S. Open is unique in its culture, particularly when compared to other major tournaments like the Masters or the PGA Championship. One notable difference is the requirement for players to schedule their practice rounds in advance. While players on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour enjoy more flexibility, the U.S. Open’s format necessitates that practice times be confirmed and communicated to the organizing committee ahead of time.
As the tournament approaches, players have begun their preparations. The practice rounds on June 9 and 10 are crucial for fine-tuning their games. Scottie Scheffler, for instance, has been diligently practicing since Sunday, focusing on the nuances of Oakmont Country Club. Alongside him, fellow Korean golfers Lim Sung-jae and Ahn Byung-hoon have also been seen strategizing together on the course.
By June 10, most players had finalized their practice round tee times. Scheffler, who had a press conference scheduled for 4 p.m., began his practice round at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau, the reigning champion, wrapped up his press obligations at 2 p.m. and hit the course shortly after.
Lim Sung-jae, aiming for his first top-10 finish at the U.S. Open, kicked off his practice round at 10 a.m. on June 10. He had set aside time in the afternoon for additional shots and putting practice. During his round, he was joined by Will Chandler, Adam Schenk, and amateur Cameron Tankersley, creating a friendly atmosphere as they discussed strategies and shared insights about the course.
Among his practice partners, Chandler holds a special connection with Lim, as they often practice together at TPC Sugarloaf. The two even took a commemorative photo at Oakmont, capturing a moment of camaraderie before the tournament begins.
Lim expressed his excitement about the unique opportunity the U.S. Open provides, stating, “Thanks to the U.S. Open, which requires advance scheduling, I can practice with new players.” This aspect of the tournament fosters new relationships and enhances the competitive spirit among participants.
On June 11, the day before the tournament, excitement was palpable as fans flocked to the course to catch a glimpse of Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irish golfer, fresh off his Masters victory, was set to practice alongside Shane Lowry and Lucas Glover at 6:45 a.m. The anticipation surrounding McIlroy’s performance added to the electric atmosphere at Oakmont.
As the final practice rounds unfolded, Scheffler was back on the course with his close friend Sam Burns, while DeChambeau prepared for his title defense with a late afternoon practice session. The stage is set for an exhilarating U.S. Open, where every stroke counts and the competition is fierce.
