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U.S. Open: 3 Biggest Storylines to Watch For at Oakmont

U.S. Open: 3 Biggest Storylines to Watch For at Oakmont

Newsweeka day ago

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.
The last few months saw some of the biggest headlines in golf history. In April, Rory McIlroy finally donned the green jacket. May belonged to Scottie Scheffler, securing the PGA Championship.
And now, we are just days away from the golf's third major - the U.S. Open from Oakmont Country Club.
LIV Golf's Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau and PGA Tour's Rory McIlroy Heading Towards US Open. (Image Collage | Credits: Getty Images)
LIV Golf's Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau and PGA Tour's Rory McIlroy Heading Towards US Open. (Image Collage | Credits: Getty Images)
Getty Images
Major weeks bring drama, thrill, and that undeniable feeling of butterflies in the stomach. But this one is shaping up to be wilder than most, with some jaw-dropping storylines from LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.
Here are the three biggest storylines we are keeping our eyes on.
3. Phil Mickelson's Final Chance at Grand Slam?
In 2022, Mickelson made a bold claim saying, "If I win the U.S. Open, I will retire."
The reasoning was simple—a victory would complete his career Grand Slam, solidifying his place among golf's elite list that includes only six names.
But Lefty's hopes seemed to have derailed in recent years. Before he impressed everyone with his LIV Golf Virginia performance, Mickelson hinted that this U.S. Open might be his last.
"There's a high likelihood that it will be [his last appearance], but I haven't really thought about it too much."
His five-year exemption from the 2021 PGA Championship win expires after Oakmont, and the timing of his admission? Not coincidental.
BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Phil Mickelson of the United States acknowledges the crowd from the ninth green during the second round of the 122nd U.S. Open Championship at The Country Club on June 17,...
BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Phil Mickelson of the United States acknowledges the crowd from the ninth green during the second round of the 122nd U.S. Open Championship at The Country Club on June 17, 2022 in Brookline, Massachusetts. (Photo by) More
Getty Images
At 50, he became the oldest major champion in history. But now, his body tells a different story. His candid assessment of his physical limitations suggests he's coming to terms with an inevitable transition.
Though Mickelson stunned everyone with his vintage shot on Sunday, Lefty has often talked about struggling to beat young players like Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler and others. The irony is glaring, his best golf now demands more from him than his worst rounds ever did.
So, as Mickelson approaches what might be his final U.S. Open, the weight of the moment is bigger than golf. Every aging athlete faces the reality that the body eventually stops keeping up with ambition.
And Mickelson? His ability to accept it with grace might be his most admirable shot yet. As they say, Father Time is undefeated.
2. Rory McIlroy's Driver 'Concerns'
That perfect driver in your bag—the one that feels like an extension of your hands. You've played hundreds of rounds with it. The face shows battle scars. The sweet spot feels sweeter over time.
For most golfers, this evolution is a gift. For Rory McIlroy, it became a violation at the PGA Championship—forcing him to switch his driver just days before the tournament.
But here's the problem. His switch failed him spectacularly.
At the RBC Canadian Open, McIlroy's driver issues hit crisis mode. After missing his first cut since The Open in 2024, he admitted:
"Yeah, of course it concerns me. You don't want to shoot high scores like the one I did today."
CALEDON, ONTARIO - JUNE 05: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks off the 10th green during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open 2025 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on June 05, 2025...
CALEDON, ONTARIO - JUNE 05: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks off the 10th green during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open 2025 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on June 05, 2025 in Caledon, Ontario. (Photo by) More
Getty Images
His 8-over 78 sealed the worst PGA Tour 36-hole finish of his career, featuring one quadruple bogey, one double, eight bogeys, and just five birdies.
The TaylorMade Qi35 driver, meant to solve his off-the-tee struggles, backfired completely.
"I went back to a 44-inch driver to get more control, but if I'm going to miss fairways, I'd rather have the ball speed and miss the fairway than not," McIlroy explained.
His stats painted an ugly picture—losing 2.233 strokes off the tee, hitting just 13 of 28 fairways, and carding a quadruple-bogey 8 on Friday's fifth hole.
Most telling? This was his second failed driver switch this year.
"This is the second time I've tried the new version, and it hasn't worked out for me."
With four days before Oakmont, McIlroy admitted: "I'd say I'll be testing quite a few drivers over the weekend."
And he needs to be fast because with Oakmont's brutal setup, any inconsistency off the tee could spell disaster.
1. Bryson DeChambeau Defends His U.S. Open Crown
While Scottie Scheffler was painting masterpieces with wind-bending iron shots, Bryson DeChambeau kept his stellar play in majors.
His T2 finish at the PGA Championship continued his excellent stretch of majors.
It started back in 2016, when he earned low amateur honors at the Masters, becoming a Rolex ambassador in the same week.
This year, he came close at Augusta, finishing solo second before tumbling on Sunday with a 74, settling for T7. At Quail Hollow, he was co-runner-up at the PGA Championship.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 15: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays a shot from the ninth tee during the first round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 15,...
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 15: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays a shot from the ninth tee during the first round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 15, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. More
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Now, he heads to Oakmont—a big, brawny ballpark that fits his game perfectly. He's already won two U.S. Open titles, first at Winged Foot in 2020, then again at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2024.
And he's coming with new weapons—switching his irons to a custom-made LA Golf set, co-designed with Jeff Meyer.
Speaking on the Golf Digest Podcast, DeChambeau teased:
"We were hands-on, went through the whole process, testing, researching. You're going to see something special that no other OEM is doing."
Some might call his club overhaul risky, but if DeChambeau has proven anything, it's that he thrives in high-stakes moments.
Last year, he was hot on the heels of Scheffler, finishing second at the PGA Championship. At Augusta, he was one step away from his first Green Jacket—ultimately finishing fifth at the Masters.
With his aggressive style, bold equipment changes, and confidence, DeChambeau enters Oakmont with something bigger than momentum—he's hunting a three-time U.S. Open legacy.
Three Days Until the Battle Begins
Mickelson's potential farewell, McIlroy's fight to fix his driver, and DeChambeau's title defense, each storyline promises to shape the 125th U.S. Open in historic fashion.
Oakmont will test resilience, strategy, and the ability to survive the sport's most unforgiving conditions starting from June 12th.
More Golf: Scottie Scheffler Tweaks Tour Schedule with Major Ramifications

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Katie Boulter is through to the second round - Getty Images /Luke Walker Katie Boulter served nine double faults but still had enough to beat Ajla Tomljanovic 7-6, 1-6, 6-4 to reach the second round at Queen's. A day after enjoying victory as part of the 'Boultercanu' double act, this time around, Boulter had to dig deep on Andy Murray Arena. She powered down five aces and took the first set on a tie-break but her serve was not as reliable in the second half of the contest. Advertisement Momentum shifted constantly in the deciding set, with four consecutive breaks of serve, and at one point, Boulter could be heard yelling 'thank you' after saving a break point. In the end, the British No 1 had just enough to pip her Australian opponent and delight the home crowd, who filed into the 7,700 seater stadium. Elsewhere, Heather Watson secured a fine straight sets win over Yulia Putintseva – prevailing 6-4, 6-3 against a player ranked 137 places above her – with the reward a showdown against Elena Rybakina in the second round. Full report to come... 03:48 PM BST Next up Can Raducanu make it two wins from two for British tennis in singles? Advertisement Click here to follow Will Conroy's game-by-game coverage. 03:41 PM BST Boulter reacts I was battling really hard out there. I know how good Ajla is. She has made many quarter-finals at slams and she is very good on this surface. It is never easy coming straight from the clay to the grass and I'm just happy to get through and feel very grateful for all of you guys [for the support]. It was really difficult. I did feel like I was battling my own mind at times, this surface can do that to you. I didn't feel like I served that great, and I have room to improve, but I'm just happy to be through to the second round. I came out yesterday to watch Andy get his first court [named after him], which is special in itself. To get the women back here [at Queen's] feels very special. It's actually something I dreamt of, having come here the last couple of years to watch the men play, so I'm just really grateful to be on this court. 03:39 PM BST WATCH: The winning moment for Boulter 03:30 PM BST Boulter 7-6, 1-6, 6-4 Tomljanovic* Nervy double fault by Tomljanovic to start the game. Low backhand pass by Boulter, Tomljanovic volley sits up nicely for Boulter to step in and drill a backhand down the line, 0-30. Boulter shanks a forehand wide, 15-30. Deep return by Boulter rushes Tomljanovic and Australian sends a backhand long, two match points. Backhand to backhand exchange between the players, Boulter gets the edge and drills a backhand down the line which is too hot for Tomljanovic and her forehand flies long. Advertisement GAME SET MATCH BOULTER!! 03:25 PM BST Boulter* 7-6, 1-6, 5-4 Tomljanovic Boulter has got just 52 per cent of her first serves into play and it's no shock when she hits another double fault, 15-15. A first serve down the T is too much for Tomljanovic and prompts a big roar from the Briton, 40-15. And she completes a gritty hold with a backhand winner down the line. Now she can get after Tomljanovic's serve in the next game. 03:22 PM BST Boulter 7-6, 1-6, 4-4 Tomljanovic* It's been 20 minutes since we've had a hold of serve but we finally have one and it goes the way of Tomljanovic. She holds to 15 when Boulter sprays a backhand wide. 03:17 PM BST Boulter* 7-6, 1-6, 4-3 Tomljanovic Boulter places a forehand will wide of the court, 15-30. Boulter backhand into the net and two chances for Tomljanovic to hit right back. Advertisement Deep Tomljanovic return and Boulter nets again on the backhand wing. Tomljanovic breaks. 03:14 PM BST Boulter 7-6, 1-6, 4-2 Tomljanovic* This match has been short on quality but filled with drama. So it's no surprise that Tomljanovic is broken again after a double fault. Can Boulter hold serve now? 03:08 PM BST Boulter* 7-6, 1-6, 3-2 Tomljanovic Huge 'come on' from Boulter after she rips a forehand into the corner, 30-15. Back comes Tomljanovic with an enormous forehand of her own, 30-all. Tomljanovic taking big swings again and she rushes Boulter into an error. Boulter backhand long and we have another twist in this topsy turvy match. Advertisement Tomljanovic breaks. 03:03 PM BST Boulter 7-6, 1-6, 3-1 Tomljanovic* Boulter's momentum continues and now Tomljanovic is facing two more break points on her serve. Boulter keeps herself in the point, turns defence into attack and gets the forehand error from Tomljanovic. Boulter breaks. 02:59 PM BST Boulter* 7-6, 1-6, 2-1 Tomljanovic No problems on serve in this game for Boulter. She holds to love with a forehand winner and I'm wondering where has this been for the last 40 minutes. She is like a completely different player. 02:56 PM BST Boulter 7-6, 1-6, 1-1 Tomljanovic* Tomljanovic is playing with so much freedom and giving Boulter no time to react as she moves to 40-15. But all of a sudden, her level drops and she now faces a break point after a double fault. Advertisement And Boulter bounces back, going on the attack and off a short ball by Tomljanovic, she flicks a forehand into the corner. 02:51 PM BST Boulter* 7-6, 1-6, 0-1 Tomljanovic Double fault by Boulter to start the set. She's really struggling on serve at the moment. Excellent depth from Tomljanovic and Boulter nets a forehand, 15-30. Yet another double fault means Tomljanovic has two break points. She saves the first break point and then the second when Tomljanovic sprays a forehand return log. Aggressive shotmaking by Tomljanovic. An approach to the net is good and she puts a forehand volley away comfortably. Third break point. Advertisement Tense rally ensues and Boulter blinks first, pushing a forehand long. Tomljanovic breaks to claim her sixth game in a row. 02:43 PM BST Boulter 7-6, 1-6 Tomljanovic* Shanked forehand by Boulter flies high and wide of the court, 30-all. Timely first serve by Tomljanovic and Boulter nets her return. Tomljanovic ace down the T and Boulter will need three sets to win this. 02:41 PM BST Boulter* 7-6, 1-5 Tomljanovic Another double fault by Boulter, 0-30. But crucially she hits back to move to 30-all. Deep Tomljanovic return rushes Boulter into another error, break point. Tomljanovic duly gets the double break when Boulter nets a backhand. 02:35 PM BST Boulter 7-6, 1-4 Tomljanovic* Tomljanovic has having a purple patch right now. Striking the ball very clean, with good margin for error. She crushes a forehand down the line to hold. 02:33 PM BST Boulter* 7-6, 1-3 Tomljanovic Three errors in a row by Boulter and Tomljanovic has three break points. Boulter saves the first and has a chance to save the second but places her backhand into the tramlines. Advertisement The shot didn't need to be that good. She misjudged it and that's proven costly. Tomljanovic breaks. 02:30 PM BST 'The Pimms jugs have started to make an appearance' As we get further into the afternoon the pimms jugs have started to make an appearance, as have more fans. The Andy Murray Arena is slowly filling up to watch Boulter in action as she manages to survive another double fault. 02:29 PM BST Boulter 7-6, 1-2 Tomljanovic* Stress free service hold from Tomljanovic as she showcases her power. The Australian has not given up on this match. 02:25 PM BST Boulter* 7-6, 1-1 Tomljanovic Deep return by Tomljanovic and Boulter slices a defensive backhand into the net. 15-30. The sun has come out in west London and is posing a small problem for Boulter with her ball toss. Advertisement Boulter gets low and whips a backhand into the corner for a winner, 40-30. Textbook shot making by the Briton. But she follows it up with a double fault. Boulter is making heavy weather of the service game, she is up to five double faults now. But she finds a much needed ace, the ball arching away from 'Tomljanovic', to hold. 02:17 PM BST Second set: Boulter 7-6, 0-1 Tomljanovic* Boulter will be keen to put her foot on the accelerator and break Tomljanovic here but the Australian resists and holds. Katie Boulter took the opening set - Getty Images/Dan Istitene 02:11 PM BST TIE-BREAK - Boulter 7-6 Tomljanovic Boulter backhand into the net, 3-4. Tomljanovic forehand into the net, 4-4. Good first serve by Boulter unreturned. 5-4. Advertisement 'Come on' from Boulter after Tomljanovic puts a backhand long, 6-4. Boulter seals the set with a cross court forehand winner, 7-4. 02:08 PM BST TIE-BREAK - Boulter 6-6 Tomljanovic Tomljanovic return wide, 1-0. Tomljanovic ace, 1-1.A jammy drop shot winner from Boulter, 2-1. Boulter double fault, 2-2. Boulter hits back with an ace, 3-2. Boulter return wide, 3-3. 02:04 PM BST Boulter 6-6 Tomljanovic* Must hold service game for the Australian if she wants to force a tie-break. Good second serve by Tomljanovic, Boulter somehow gets the ball into play and Tomljanovic nets a short forehand, 0-30. Class by Tomljanovic to hit a deft volley off a Boulter backhand cross. And her big serve keeps her out of damage. Advertisement Into a tie-break we go!!! 01:57 PM BST Boulter* 6-5 Tomljanovic When Boulter gets her first serve in, she is in tough to bear. Especially on this serve. A couple of double fault put Boulter under threat by 40-30 but she holds again when Tomljanovic strikes a wild forehand long. 01:54 PM BST Boulter 5-5 Tomljanovic* Tomljanovic is well in this match now. Similar game styles, cancelling each other out. The Australian stands firm and prolongs the set. 01:51 PM BST Boulter* 5-4 Tomljanovic Tomljanovic responds again and get break points at 15-40. Boulter saves the first with an ace but Tomljanovic breaks again when Boulter sends a backhand long. Advertisement This has been a topsy-turvy match so far. 01:48 PM BST Boulter 5-3 Tomljanovic* A double fault and backhand into the net gives Boulter a look at breaking. Tomljanovic beats Boulter with a backhand cross court but can't find the sideline. Three break points. Tomljanovic saves the first but Boulter earns the break after a forehand error. 01:43 PM BST Boulter* 4-3 Tomljanovic Clenched fist and a 'come on' shout from Boulter after a crushing a cross court forehand pass for a winner. forehand by Boulter is punished by Tomljanovic, who drills a flat backhand into the corner, deuce. Boom. Tomljanovic nails a backhand winner earn a break point. Saved again by Boulter, who finds a first serve and draws the error. Advertisement Another chance for Tomljanovic to break here. Brilliant second serve by Boulter into the corner to see out the danger. And she escapes with the game when Tomljanovic strikes a forehand long. 01:34 PM BST Boulter 3-3 Tomljanovic* Tomljanovic follows Boulter with a comfortable service game of their own. Andy Murray Arena is gradually livening up. 01:33 PM BST 'Crowd is quite subdued' After the early breaks of serve, both players just seem to be settling into this match and the occasion. The crowd is quite subdued, even when Boulter does win a point and the main arena is maybe only a touch over half full. 01:28 PM BST Boulter* 3-2 Tomljanovic First two aces of the match for Boulter as she moves to 40-0. When her serve is flowing and finding its spot, it is very tough to deal with. 01:26 PM BST Boulter 2-2 Tomljanovic* Boulter's first strike tennis is causing some problems from Tomljanovic. The Australian is being rushed by the length of the Briton's shots. Must she manage to come through another game. 01:21 PM BST Boulter* 2-1 Tomljanovic Boulter's boyfriend Alex de Minuar is sitting courtside and showing his support. He applauds as Boulter completes the first hold of serve to love. Advertisement A glimpse of what she is capable of on this surface. 01:18 PM BST Boulter 1-1 Tomljanovic* Back comes Boulter. She earns two immediate break point chance. A deep backhand rushes Tomljanovic and the Aussie's backhand drifts wide. Boulter breaks amd we're back level. 01:14 PM BST First set: Katie Boulter* 0-1 Ajla Tomljanovic (*denotes server) This will be a tough opening test for Boulter against Tomljanovic. This is the third meeting and Tomljanovic leads the head-to-head 2-1. Long lay-offs from injury have hampered her progress but she is capable of making things difficult. Fittingly, the Australian earns a break point here after a deep return forces the Briton into an error. Boulter saves it but gifts Tomljanovic another chance with a backhand into the net. Advertisement Tomljanovic's return is short and Boulter has to scamper forward. She gets there in time but whips her forehand long. Tomljanovic breaks. 12:57 PM BST 'Ominous grey clouds' The rain is holding off so far as the fans await the arrival of Katie Boulter onto centre court – or the recently renamed Andy Murray Arena. It is under half full at the moment, but more might come in throughout the afternoon. However, more ominously are the grey clouds currently sitting overhead, although it is not raining – at least not yet. 12:56 PM BST Sign up to our Telegraph Sport newsletter 12:44 PM BST British No 1 in action Hello and welcome to coverage from Queen's, where a women's tournament is being staged for the first time since 1973. Advertisement Our focus here will be on the British No 1 Katie Boulter, who takes on Australian Ajla Tomljanovic on Andy Murray Arena. A high-quality field has been assembled in south west London including Olympic champion Quinwen Zheng, reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, current Australian Open champion Madison Keys and former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina. The inaugural version of the revamped event will boast total prize money of $1.415 million, the highest for a WTA 500 event of its draw size on the Tour, with the singles champion receiving a cool $164,000 and Boulter says the sense of excitement is sweeping through. 'You can feel how excited everyone is,' she said. 'Getting the chance to play here is an absolute privilege so I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. Advertisement 'I've come here quite a bit watching tennis and I've got some good memories of coming and watching Alex (De Minaur) over the last few years. I've always said to myself, I wish there was a women's event here, I wish I had the chance to play on this court. 'You can feel the history, you can feel how incredible it is. I've seen this court packed and obviously it's new this year, which is going to be a really interesting moment for me because I think I'm going to feel a lot of support from the British crowd. I'm going to get a lot of emotions coming out of me at that point.' Grass is a surface where Boulter has secured some of her best results in the past – namely, her back-to-back titles in Nottingham over the last two seasons. In her first event back from the clay, the Briton is hoping she can build some momentum this week to kick-start her favourite time of the season. Advertisement 'Coming into the grass court season it's a completely clean slate,' Boulter explained. 'For the first week on grass there are no expectations. Obviously coming to a WTA 500 at an incredible event it does bring out stress a little bit more and I want to do well here, but I know it's my first week and I'm trying to build towards Wimbledon as well.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.

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