Men’s golf majors have recently been dominated by a small circle of elite players. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Bryson DeChambeau have claimed six consecutive majors. Most of these wins came when the players were ranked in the top three of the Official World Golf Ranking, except for DeChambeau, who plays on the LIV Golf circuit and doesn’t earn OWGR points. This marks a stark shift from the years between 2008 and 2022, where top-three ranked players won only 18% of majors.

 

Oakmont’s Return to the Spotlight

 

Oakmont Country Club, the most frequent host of the U.S. Open, welcomes back the championship for the 10th time. Last held here in 2016, the course witnessed Dustin Johnson's comeback win. Recently restored by Gil Hanse, Oakmont now features larger greens and more varied pin positions. But its brutal nature remains: deep rough, fast greens, and low scrambling rates continue to challenge the world’s best. The first hole is notoriously difficult, and the par-3 eighth could become the longest in major history.

 

Spotlight on Scheffler and DeChambeau

 

Scottie Scheffler is entering as the favorite with good reason, he’s won three of his last four starts, showing remarkable consistency in all facets of the game. Once criticized for poor putting, Scheffler now ranks in the top 25 in strokes gained putting, making him an even bigger threat. Oakmont is also where he made his U.S. Open debut as an amateur in 2016.

 

DeChambeau, already a two-time U.S. Open winner, is chasing his third. Though his accuracy off the tee has been questionable, his aggressive playstyle and steep angle of attack have often paid off. However, his approach game has faltered in 2025, which could hold him back at Oakmont.

 

Mixed Signals for McIlroy and Schauffele

 

Rory McIlroy’s form has fluctuated. Despite a poor showing in Canada, he has placed in the top 10 in the last six U.S. Opens, a streak matched by only a few legends. But with his tee-to-green stats dipping post-Masters, there are questions about his current rhythm.

 

Xander Schauffele’s record at the U.S. Open is stellar, eight starts, all top-15 finishes, but his putting has taken a surprising dip. Once among the best on the greens, he now ranks outside the top 130 in putting from close range. If he can rediscover his form, he remains a strong contender.

 

Other Contenders and Rising Stars

 

Jon Rahm, the 2021 champion, returns to the U.S. Open after missing last year’s event. He’s performed well since joining LIV and remains one of the most consistent U.S. Open players. Collin Morikawa’s accuracy is unmatched, but his lack of distance could be a barrier. Joaquin Niemann, Hideki Matsuyama, Harris English, and Tommy Fleetwood are all names to watch, each bringing momentum or historical strength into this week.

 

More than 40 players will make their debut, including 17-year-old Mason Howell. While a win on debut hasn’t happened since 1913, youth has often triumphed at the U.S. Open, the average winner's age since 2015 is just 28.1.