Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont

This week marks the return of the prestigious U.S. Open to Pennsylvania’s historic Oakmont Country Club, a venue hosting the tournament for the tenth time-more than any other course in the event’s history. After nearly a decade, golf enthusiasts are eager to witness the action unfold on this notoriously challenging course. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the tournament, including key dates, viewing options, and player insights.

Schedule and Key Dates for the U.S. Open

The 2023 U.S. Open kicks off on Thursday and concludes on Sunday, providing four days of intense competition. Mark your calendar for the following schedule:

• Thursday: Play begins at 6:30 a.m. ET, with coverage on USA Network until 5 p.m., followed by streaming on Peacock from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Friday: Action starts at 6:30 a.m. ET on Peacock, continues on NBC from 1 to 7 p.m., and concludes with streaming on Peacock from 7 to 8 p.m.
• Saturday: Coverage on USA begins at 10 a.m., with NBC broadcasting from noon until 8 p.m.
• Sunday: The final round starts at 9 a.m. on USA, with NBC coverage from noon to 7 p.m.

Throughout the tournament, Peacock will also feature dedicated streaming channels focusing on featured groups, ensuring fans can follow their favorite players closely.

Venue Spotlight: Oakmont Country Club

Located approximately 25 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh, Oakmont Country Club is renowned for its formidable layout and storied history. This year’s event marks its tenth hosting, a record among U.S. Open venues. Known as one of the most demanding courses globally, Oakmont’s design includes dramatic elevation changes, rolling fairways, and lightning-fast greens that often slope away from the fairway, making approach shots particularly treacherous. The recent wet spring in western Pennsylvania has also contributed to thicker, more challenging roughs, adding another layer of difficulty.

Historically, Oakmont’s U.S. Open results reflect its toughness: in 2016, only four players finished under par, and in 2007, Ángel Cabrera’s winning score was 5-over-par, underscoring the course’s reputation for punishing even the best golfers.

Last Year’s Champion and Notable Performances

In 2022, Bryson DeChambeau secured his second U.S. Open title with a clutch par save from a bunker on the final hole, finishing one stroke ahead of Rory McIlroy. McIlroy had led by two strokes during the final round but faltered with bogeys on three of his last four holes, allowing DeChambeau to capitalize. This victory cemented DeChambeau’s status as a major champion, showcasing his resilience under pressure.

Field Composition and Qualification Criteria

The tournament features a robust field of 156 players, including recent major winners, top finishers from last year’s U.S. Open, and leading professionals from around the world. The field also comprises winners of significant PGA Tour events from recent months, top-ranked players according to the Official World Golf Ranking, and notable competitors from European, Asian, African, and Australian tours.

Qualifying for the U.S. Open involves a series of global tournaments, with 65 players earning their spots through these qualifiers. Notably, the qualifying process on June 2, dubbed “Golf’s Longest Day,” requires players to complete 36 holes in a single day, testing endurance and skill.

Predicted Contenders and Betting Odds

As of Tuesday, Scottie Scheffler is the favorite to claim victory, with betting odds of +280-making him the most favored U.S. Open contender since Tiger Woods in 2009. Other top contenders include Bryson DeChambeau (+700), Jon Rahm (+1200), Rory McIlroy (+1200), Xander Schauffele (+2200), and Collin Morikawa (+2500). For those considering bets, these players represent some of the strongest chances to win, with Scheffler leading the pack.

Injury Updates and Player Participation

Legendary golfer Tiger Woods will not be participating this year, having undergone surgery for a torn Achilles’ tendon in March. Despite his three U.S. Open titles, Woods has struggled in recent appearances, missing the cut in four of his last five tournaments at the event.

Additionally, the field includes 14 LIV Golf participants, an increase from last year. This year’s tournament features a new provision: the top player from the top three LIV standings who has not otherwise qualified will earn a spot. Joaquín Niemann secured this invitation, while Sebastián Muñoz, Peter Uihlein, and Cameron Tringale qualified as alternates, ready to step in if needed.

Understanding the Cut Line

The cut at the U.S. Open is particularly stringent, with only the top 60 players and ties advancing to the weekend. Historically, this results in a smaller percentage of the field making it through compared to other majors. Last year, approximately 47.4% of players survived the cut, slightly above the average for the tournament. In comparison, the PGA Championship saw a 50% cut rate, the British Open around 51%, and the Masters approximately 67.4%.

Prize Money and Tournament Incentives

The winner of the 2024 U.S. Open will receive a substantial cash prize-last year, Bryson DeChambeau took home $4.3 million-and secure a decade-long exemption to compete in the event. Additionally, the champion earns five-year invitations to the other three majors: The Masters, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. If the winner is a regular on the PGA Tour, they also gain a five-year invitation to the Players Championship, one of the most prestigious non-major tournaments.

Weather Outlook and Its Impact

Forecasts predict warm, dry conditions for the first two days, with temperatures climbing into the 80s and gentle breezes providing ideal playing conditions. However, the weekend’s weather appears more unpredictable, with potential thunderstorms and showers expected on Saturday and Sunday, which could influence scoring and course conditions.

Starting Times and Tournament Format

The tournament begins on Thursday with players teeing off from hole No. 10, a traditional starting point for major championships. Tee times are scheduled throughout the day, with the first groups set to start early in the morning, ensuring ample coverage for fans eager to follow the action live.