USGA's Cryptic Response to Justin Thomas' U.S. Open Oakmont Challenge
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Just when it seemed that the golf world could not be more excited given the approaching US Open event, Justin Thomas shook social media with a proposal that touched the hearts of literally every fan.
"So much talk about 'what would X handicap shoot at Oakmont'... Why don't we find a way to make it happen?" Thomas posted on his X account, which has more than 780,000 followers.
"Have a 5, 10, 18 whatever handicap play Monday after the @usopengolf. Back tees full rules of golf, and see what happens?"
"May have to let a few groups thru and allow for 6-7 hours but I think we're all here for it, no??"
The proposal has unleashed a torrent of reactions. Thomas' post has received over 3.5 million views and more than 2,800 comments, including the one everyone was waiting for.
Among those who reacted to Thomas' proposal was the USGA, which posted a cryptic message:
"Should we?"
As the organizer of the US Open, the USGA has the power to make this idea a reality. They not only hold ownership of the third major of the season, but also control the handicapping system, which is essential for measuring the skill level of the amateur participants in the proposed event.
In less than eight hours, more than 1,800 fans have responded to the USGA, the vast majority of them asking the organization to make Justin Thomas' proposal a reality:
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 05: Justin Thomas of The United States prepares to hit a shot during the pro-am as a preview to the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2025 at Arnold Palmer Bay...
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 05: Justin Thomas of The United States prepares to hit a shot during the pro-am as a preview to the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2025 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 05, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by) More
Getty Images
The USGA organizes all of the national amateur championships in the United States, so it has plenty of experience working with players at that level.
It seems that Thomas developed this idea after being asked what score an 18-handicapper could achieve at Oakmont. He and several colleagues offered their opinions. The general consensus was that a player of that level would score well above 100, if they finish the course at all.
More Golf: 2025 US Open: Marquee Pairings You'll Want to Watch at Oakmont
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