Surviving Oakmont: The 125th U.S. Open Special
Welcome back to The Drop Digest, your weekly blend of major championship drama and lightly roasted chaos.
This week, we’re stepping onto golf’s most punishing stage: Oakmont Country Club, host of the 125th U.S. Open. In Episode 7 of The Drop, we unpack everything from course brutality to sleeper picks—plus the storylines that could reshape golf history.
“You don’t play the U.S. Open at Oakmont. You survive it.”
— Harrison, The Drop Podcast
Tour Talk: Oakmont Awaits
This isn’t just a golf course—it’s a crucible. Oakmont Country Club returns to host its 10th U.S. Open, the most of any course in history. Architect Henry Fownes designed it in 1903 with one mission: punish imprecision. Over a century later, that DNA remains untouched.
Signature Features
Church Pew Bunkers (Holes 3 & 4): A 100-yard stretch of fescue-covered ridges that torment tee shots and layups alike.
Lightning-Fast Greens: Stimpmeter speeds exceeding 14. False fronts, slope crowns, and roll-offs test every approach.
Opening Gauntlet: Hole 1 is a 482-yard uphill slap in the face. There is no handshake.
Minimal Rough, Maximum Damage: No second cut—just closely mown runoff or five-inch gnarly rough.
Church Pew Bunkers - Oakmont Country Club (USGA Media)
What’s New in 2025
Narrowed fairways to a needle’s width
Expanded greens to reintroduce terrifying pin locations
Uniform, dense rough tested for max grip
Full ShotLink integration on all 18 holes
→ Read Our Full Breakdown of Oakmont Country Club
Dialed In: Notable Gear Changes This Week
Oakmont isn’t just testing swings—it’s testing setups. Here’s what the gear heads are tweaking:
Scottie Scheffler: Has switched to a Vokey SM10 Low-Bounce K grind lob wedge, replacing his previous high-bounce T grind—ideal for firm, tight-runoff conditions
Bryson DeChambeau: Making waves with new LA Golf prototype irons, confirmed by DeChambeau on-site. These feature more weight in the toe and flatter face curvature for enhanced heel/toe forgiveness
Rory McIlroy: Swapped to a shorter-than-normal driver shaft (~44⅝″) and returned to a TaylorMade Qi10 head for the Open—for greater control off the tee
Ludvig Åberg: Quietly moved to a low-spin fairway wood to shape tee shots
Storylines: Who Will Survive?
Scottie Scheffler – Slam Watch
With a major win under his belt in 2025. A win at Oakmont and we start whispering “Grand Slam.”
Rory McIlroy – Redemption Tour
Missed cut here in 2016. This time, he’s got a green jacket, strong form, and something to prove.
Bryson DeChambeau – The Wild Card
The defending 2024 US Open champion at Pinehurst. Can he balance power with placement under Oakmont pressure?
Ludvig Åberg – Breakout Watch
A calm killer with elite control. If conditions get gnarly, he’s built for it.
Phil Mickelson – The Last Walk?
At 54 years old, this could be Lefty’s final U.S. Open appearance. He’s never won it—six-time runner-up—but has always brought drama. If this is the last dance, it’s happening at the sport’s most unforgiving cathedral.
→ Listen to more of the Storylines on Episode 7
Caffeine Corner: Long vs. Short Par 3s
Oakmont’s 8th hole is playing 289 yards this week—making it the longest par 3 in U.S. Open history.
In Episode 7, Harrison didn’t hold back:
“I can watch these guys shoot 20 under all year. But I think the projected scores are going to be well over par. I think we might see some guys crying on the tee box because this looks brutal.”
That tees up the big question of the week:
Are long par 3s better than short ones?
→ Answer this week’s Caffeine Corner question on our IG story
Podcast Spotlight: Episode 7 – Survive Oakmont
“I love any time the U.S. Open is set at a venue that’s ready to kick a player’s teeth in.” – Harrison
“A lot of people are saying plus five is where the winning score will be” - Zach
This episode is our deep dive into all things Oakmont:
Course breakdown
Picks to win, fades to avoid
Winning score predictions (spoiler: over par)
Gear tweaks and mental tests
Our hottest takes and darkest horse picks
→ Listen to the 125th US Open Special
Zach’s Chaos Corner
The Random Round Recruit
You show up to your local course, ready for a chill round with your usual crew—then the starter hits you with it:
“You’ve got a single joining you.”
No big deal… until the guy turns out to be a first-time visitor who immediately clocks you as the local. Suddenly, you’re the unofficial course historian, swing coach, and part-time therapist.
“Where should I aim on this hole?”
“Should I use a 7 or 8 iron?”
“Why didn’t you tell me there was water there!?”
Next thing you know, you’re in the rough with him, witnessing a full-on meltdown after you casually suggested to “just hit it out there.” Buddy, I didn’t know I was caddying today when I laced up my golf shoes.
Tips for surviving the Random Round Recruit:
Keep advice vague. “Middle of the green” is undefeated.
Use your group chat as a lifeline.
Politely shift focus. “I usually just go by feel here.”
And remember: You’re not on the bag—you’re just trying to break 90.
Good luck out there - May your Air Pods be charged and your patience be limitless.
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— Zach & Harrison
The Drop by The Caffeine Caddy
For the Random Round Recruit, another solid response is "I was a few beers deep last time I played this hole so my memory is a little hazy". Usual works if the drinks are already flowing with the group.