Scottie Scheffler is facing a challenging time at the 2025 US Open, where his struggles have become increasingly apparent. On Saturday at Oakmont, one of golf’s toughest courses, the world’s number-one player showed rare signs of frustration and inconsistency, bogeying three of his last five holes and falling further behind in the standings.
This downturn has been striking given Scheffler’s dominant form throughout 2025, making his difficulties all the more surprising.
Frustration Peaks with Driver Smash on Tee Box
The tension boiled over on the third hole when Scheffler let out a frustrated shout after hitting his ball into the church pew bunker for the third time this week. “Gosh dang it,” he exclaimed before angrily slamming his driver on the tee box in a moment that captured his mounting irritation.
Such visible anger is rare for Scheffler, who has been praised for his calm demeanor, but the demanding conditions at Oakmont have clearly taken a toll. More golfers are currently sitting at +10 or worse than under par, highlighting the severity of the challenge presented by the course.
A Radio Off-Pace Favorite Now at Risk of Missing the Cut
Scheffler, who entered the tournament as the favorite with odds of +275— the shortest for a US Open since Tiger Woods in 2009—now finds himself tied for 69th place at +5. While Woods finished tied for sixth that year, Scheffler’s current position suggests he might struggle just to make the cut this time.
His strong start to 2025, including nine top-10 finishes and a first career PGA Championship win in May, contrasts sharply with his performance this weekend, illustrating how unpredictable the US Open can be.
Competition and Consequences at the 2025 US Open
Other notable players like Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy have also been navigating tough rounds, while Scheffler’s difficulties offer a reminder of the US Open’s reputation for leveling even the best players. With several rounds remaining, the outcome remains uncertain, but the pressure on Scheffler will only grow.
As the tournament unfolds, his response to these setbacks will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, especially given his status as the world’s top-ranked golfer.