With less than two weeks until the 2025 U.S. Open, one of the main topics of discussion is the length and thickness of the rough. Rumors have been swirling that the rough at Oakmont Country Club could pose a major challenge this year, even more than usual.
According to Luke Kerr-Dineen, the Oakmont grounds crew has been experimenting with different types of grass to cultivate the thickest possible rough.
To set the U.S. Open apart from the other major championships, the USGA aims each year to make it the toughest test in golf, deg each venue to be uniquely challenging and forcing players to showcase their skills under demanding conditions.
Even Justin Thomas confirmed speculations after visiting Oakmont earlier this week.
The USGA Aims for U.S. Open 2025 to be the Toughest Test in Golf
The USGA is making a statement at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, setting up what could be one of the most challenging courses in major championship history.
Videos from of the media who have had the opportunity to play the course reveal just how brutal the rough already is, and tournament organizers plan to let it grow even thicker ahead of the June 12 start.
A little over 2 weeks until the start of #USOpen at Oakmont and the rough is thick but still not as long as it will be. The @USGA and the great maintenance staff at Oakmont led by Mike McCormick have Oakmont looking awesome ⛳️⛳️ pic.twitter.com/6SYkbQBrQE
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) May 27, 2025
In addition to the punishing rough, the USGA is preparing lightning-fast greens, aiming to heavily penalize players who miss the fairways. The setup is so demanding that there’s growing speculation the eventual winner could finish with a score over par, further cementing the U.S. Open’s reputation as golf’s ultimate test
Justin Thomas Confirms the Rough Thick at 2025 U.S. Open
Recently, Justin Thomas visited Oakmont Country Club and confirmed the growing speculation about the challenging course conditions.
“I actually went to Oakmont yesterday. I got in Monday. It’s still tough,” Thomas said. “I would say all of the rumors and everything are pretty on point.”
His comments only add to the anticipation surrounding this year’s U.S. Open, which is scheduled to tee off on Thursday, June 12, at Oakmont. With notoriously fast greens and rough that’s already drawing attention for its punishing thickness, players will need to bring their absolute best to contend with one of the most demanding tests in golf.
