Jordan Spieth struggles at Oakmont U.S. Open were on full display during the second round of the 2025 tournament at Oakmont Country Club on Friday, where the challenging course conditions proved unforgiving. Spieth’s difficulties began early in the round, highlighting just how demanding Oakmont can be for players who miss the fairway.
Early troubles highlight Oakmont’s punishing rough
Spieth encountered trouble right away on the par-4 second hole when his approach shot from the rough failed to reach a favorable position and instead dropped just a few feet in front of him. Despite making contact with the ball, the attempt left him in a tough spot, resulting in a bogey. The three-time major champion revealed his frustration immediately after the shot, marking a reminder of the course’s strict penalty for missing the fairway.
After this misstep, Spieth maintained composure but continued facing the course’s challenges. His response was marked by the recognition that even small errors at Oakmont carry significant consequences.
Grinding through difficult conditions while keeping pace
At 31 years old, Spieth was eight holes into his second round, carrying a cumulative score of 3-over par for both rounds combined. His opening day reflected a mix of highs and lows with five birdies offset by five bogeys, a pattern that demonstrates the difficulty Oakmont imposes even on experienced players. Despite his efforts, Spieth’s performance has struggled to meet the high standards he once set on the PGA Tour.
Before the U.S. Open, Spieth showed signs of form with a tie for seventh at the Memorial Tournament and three other top-10 finishes this season, although a tournament victory has eluded him since his 2022 RBC Heritage win.
Course conditions and Spieth’s candid outlook
Spieth candidly described the rough at Oakmont, stating,
“If you miss the fairway, it’s essentially a stroke penalty. There’s a few places where it’s not the case, but on almost every hole it’s a stroke penalty. I was close to shooting 3-under and finished at even. I mean, you know, I think I would have signed for it three more times to put me in a good spot, but we’ll see how the course changes.”
—Jordan Spieth
He also pointed out that several fairways had become nearly impossible to hit by the second round and that conditions were unlikely to improve without rain, which could soften the course and potentially allow for lower scores.
“A couple of fairways became impossible to hit today, and that won’t change tomorrow. And then if we get a little rain, maybe we’ll get a chance to score a little, but we’ll see.”
—Jordan Spieth
Implications and outlook for Spieth and the tournament
Oakmont Country Club’s difficulty reiterates its reputation as one of the toughest venues in major championship golf, where precision and resilience are critical. Spieth’s struggles so far illustrate the challenge for players adjusting to the course’s punishing rough and tight landing areas. As the tournament progresses, how he adapts to these conditions will be crucial for his chances of contending.
With weather and course setup likely to influence scoring in the coming rounds, Spieth and the rest of the field face a true test of patience and skill. Upcoming rounds will determine if Spieth can find the form to navigate Oakmont’s demanding layout and improve his standing.