Introduction
Oakmont Country Club, a par-70 beast known for lightning-fast greens, deep bunkers, and unforgiving rough, has hosted more U.S. Opens than any other venue. This week marks its 10th—an occasion that consistently reshapes stories and careers. Round 1 of the 125th U.S. Open delivered examples of golf’s highest highs and lowest lows: a rare bogey-free round, a faltering champion, a historic albatross, and a solitary elm offering shade to the masses. Here’s what happened.
1. Spaun’s Masterclass in Precision
J.J. Spaun’s opening 66—without a single bogey—places him atop Oakmont’s leaderboards and in rare company. Only seven other players have gone bogey-free in the history of the U.S. Open at this course . His round was a study in course management: crisp iron shots set up three birdies on the front, and deft scrambling preserved his clean card on the back nine. For everyday golfers, Spaun’s performance is a reminder that fundamentals—alignment, tempo, and short-game creativity—trump raw power when the margin for error is zero.
2. DeChambeau’s Rough Reality Check
Bryson DeChambeau, seeking back-to-back titles, instead found himself in Oakmont’s worst nightmares: deep, gnarly rough and firm, fast greens that punish anything less than perfect contact. His 73 leaves him seven strokes behind Spaun—one of the widest margins for a defending champion after Round 1 in recent memory . DeChambeau admitted “it got me,” highlighting a truth: Oakmont rewards humility. Plenty of golfers dream of power and forgiveness, but here, the course insists on precision. For amateurs, that means drilling greenside bunker shots and honing wedge spin; at Oakmont’s level, the difference between survival and surrender is measured in inches.
3. Reed’s Rollercoaster of Emotion
Patrick Reed’s Round 1 could fill a highlight reel. His albatross on the par-5 fourth—only the fourth in U.S. Open history at Oakmont—was a career highlight. Yet, this moment of perfection was tempered by a triple bogey on the very next hole . Such volatility exemplifies golf’s duality: a game where the same swing can produce euphoria and agony minutes apart. For the mental-game student, Reed’s day illustrates the need for emotional resilience. Recovery drills and routine checklists aren’t just training aids—they’re lifelines when the scoreboard flickers precariously.
4. Oakmont’s Lone Elm: A Natural Sanctuary
In the shadow of golf’s modern spectacle, a solitary American elm stands sentinel by the third tee. As the only tree within the tournament’s interior, it has become more than foliage—it’s a gathering point for sweat-drenched fans seeking shade . Beyond its practical value, the elm offers a metaphor: amid austerity and exacting conditions, small comforts matter. Golf architecture often celebrates strategic voids—wide fairways, barren bunkers—but this tree shows the value of a human-scaled sanctuary. Courses aiming for spectator comfort could learn from this century-old guardian.
5. Lessons for the Everyday Golfer
- Embrace Precision Over Power. Like Spaun, prioritize gear selection and alignment drills.
- Respect Course Demands. DeChambeau’s experience is a clear call to practice recovery from deep rough and navigate undulating greens.
- Cultivate Emotional Resilience. Reed’s day underlines how quickly fortunes change; mental routines matter.
- Seek Small Sanctuaries. Whether a favorite practice hole or a pre-shot routine, find your own ‘elm tree’ on the course—a place or ritual that grounds you.
6. What to Watch Next
- Will a bogey-free round survive the weekend?
- Can DeChambeau summon course-management humility to climb the leaderboard?
- How will leaders adjust to worsening pin placements and increasing wind?
- Is there another albatross—or perhaps a double at the same hole that produced Reed’s miracle?
Conclusion
Oakmont’s Round 1 was a microcosm of golf itself: a stage for skill, strategy, mishaps, and moments of calm. From Spaun’s flawless card to Reed’s emotional rollercoaster, and DeChambeau’s humbling test to the quiet shade of the elm, this U.S. Open reminds us why golf endures. It’s a game of extremes, yes—but also of subtle comforts and human stories.
Explore Oakmont’s challenges and history, and book your own test, on MulliganPlus:
