Ahead of the highly anticipated 125th U.S. Open at the challenging Oakmont Country Club, PGA Tour star Ben Griffin has shared insights into the tough conditions players are facing. Griffin, who has been in impressive form recently, noted that during the Monday practice round, none of the players managed to break par, reflecting the severity of the course.
Having recently finished in the top 10 at the PGA Championship and ultimately winning the Charles Schwab Challenge, Griffin expressed confidence in his ability to contend, despite the heightened difficulties of Oakmont. He acknowledged that many players are struggling with the course’s demanding characteristics, including sloped fairways and blind drives, which make it tough to gauge the lines.
Griffin pointed out that the conditions on Monday were neither firm nor soft, yet they posed significant challenges. He mentioned, “I made a few birdies, but I had my fair share of bogeys… it is going to be really challenging.” He compared current conditions to previous U.S. Opens held at Oakmont, noting that winning scores have frequently hovered around over par.
He expressed his belief that even a score of +4 could put him in contention—an unusual mindset, given that most players seek to score under par. Griffin highlighted that potential weather changes could still impact the course’s conditions, making the upcoming tournament even more uncertain and intriguing.
As Griffin prepares to tee off on Thursday, June 12, there is palpable excitement among fans and players alike, anticipating the tough test that Oakmont will present. The challenges ahead not only provide a competitive spirit but also underscore the unpredictable nature of the sport, offering all contenders a level of hope and determination to rise above the obstacles they face.
This sentiment adds depth to the event, reminding us that, in golf, as in life, challenges can often pave the way for remarkable achievements.