U.S. Open trophy visits Oakmont to begin 2025 celebrations

Members of Oakmont Country Club take pride in having one of the toughest courses in the country.

When the 2025 United States Golf Association brings the Open to Western Pennsylvania for a record 10th time next June, they want the best players in the game to work for their title.

They want the course set up tough and scores to be above par.

“Oakmont is an iconic cathedral of the game,” Oakmont president John Lynch said at Wednesday morning’s news conference. “Dustin Johnson won the 2016 Open by shooting 4-under par. After Gil Hanse’s fantastic restoration with new tee and pin placements and higher roughs, we’re hoping that produces a score above par.

“We will make sure that the 2025 U.S. Open and all future USGA events are the greatest possible experience for the players, the USGA and our membership.”

Oakmont has been the host course for 17 USGA Championships: nine U.S. Opens, six U.S. Amateur Championships and two U.S. Women’s Opens. It has events scheduled at the historic venue for 25 more years and is one of three anchor courses designated by the USGA. The others are Pinehurst No. 2 and Pebble Beach Golf Links.

After next year’s U.S. Open, the U.S. Women’s Open will return in 2028 and the Walker Cup in 2032. The U.S. Open is returning in 2033, 2042 and 2049.

Oakmont head pro Devin Gee said the renovations included lengthening the course by more than 200 yards and realigning the bunkers to make sure they come into play for those who hit the ball far.

“These will be the primary factors,” Gee said. “The changes give us the ability to make the golf course play like we want it to.

“Gil is the master. He’s an incredible listener. He listened to our membership and wanted to know the history of the course. Our membership demands a challenging golf course. It’s always been that way. He understood the importance throughout the process. Something everyone will be proud of.”

Members at Oakmont expect lightning-fast greens, and Gee was asked if the greens are too tough.

“That’s not in our vocabulary here,” Gee said. “They are challenging. The key is keeping the ball on the fairway and out of the 2 1/2 inches of rough. The rough will be much thicker for the Open, and it’s important to stay below the cup.

Beth Major, the USGA communications director, said the arrival of the 125th U.S. Open trophy is the official kickoff for the 2025 tournament.

“We’re excited to be here at Oakmont,” Major said. “It feels like home. There have been a lot great memories here, and we love coming back.

“We’re trying to create a championship and something special for the players and the fans.”

Bryson DeChambeau was this year’s champion, his second U.S. Open victory.

The nine winners at Oakmont:

• 1927: Tommy Armour defeated Harry Cooper in a playoff.

• 1935: Sam Parks Jr., a Pittsburgh native.

• 1953: Ben Hogan, his fourth U.S. Open title.

• 1962: Jack Nicklaus, his first of 18 major championships.

• 1973: Johnny Miller, which included his famous 63 during the final round.

• 1983: Larry Nelson, who rallied on the back nine with birdies on Nos. 14 and 16.

• 1994: Ernie Els, won in a three-way playoff against Loren Roberts and Colin Montgomerie. It was also Arnold Palmer’s final U.S. Open.

• 2007: Angel Cabrera, who smoked countless cigarettes, was the only player who shot under par on Sunday.

• 2016: Dustin Johnson survived a week of rain and rallied during the final round for the win.