US Open Course Renovations Expected To Give Former Champion Major Advantage
US Open Course Renovations Expected To Give Former Champion Major Advantage originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As part of a recent renovation led by architect Gil Hanse, Oakmont Country Club, home of the 2025 U.S. Open golf championship, has introduced a significant change to its 10th hole ahead of the tournament. With the action set to begin Thursday, there is now a ravine that cuts through the fairway.
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Previously, players could hit a driver or a fairway wood and let the ball run downhill toward the green. With the new ravine placed approximately 320 yards from the tee, that strategy is no longer as straightforward, according to Golf Digest's Jamie Kennedy.
Players preparing for the 2025 U.S. Open have mostly opted for conservative approaches.
On Monday, Scottie Scheffler hit a fairway wood and came up just short of the ravine, landing around 300 yards. From there, he missed the fairway right and faced what looked to be a 7-iron into the green.
The new setup introduces a clear choice: lay up short of the ravine or attempt to carry it.
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One player has already tested the aggressive option, giving him a major advantage coming in. Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, currently the longest driver in professional golf with a 331.9-yard average on LIV Golf, shared a recent practice round at Oakmont on his YouTube channel, starting on the 10th hole and hitting driver.
Professional golfers Scottie Scheffler and Team USA player Bryson DeChambeau.© Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
He managed to carry the ravine despite chilly morning conditions. Though he missed the fairway, his drive left just 115 yards to the hole. The 31-year-old then hit a sand wedge to make birdie.
The act drew reactions across the field. 'I didn't even know that was possible,' said Justin Thomas in his press conference.
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When asked whether he plans to play short of the ravine or carry it with a three-wood, Xander Schauffele immediately referenced Bryson DeChambeau by name, responding:
"Oh, the ravine? Oh, no, no. I mean, I think Bryson's probably the only person that would think twice about carrying it," Schauffele said. "It, it might just be an iron from off the tee."
The recent renovations present a new obstacle on the already notoriously difficult U.S. Open course, making players' decisions something to keep an eye on this week.
Related: Collin Morikawa, Max Homa Among Pros Featured in New Apple TV+ Series, Stick
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
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