Scottie Scheffler’s distinctive swing mechanics have attracted significant attention, with golf legend Johnny Miller offering detailed praise during the 2025 US Open held at Oakmont Country Club. Miller contrasted Scheffler’s technique with that of Jack Nicklaus, highlighting why Scheffler’s approach stands out on the PGA Tour today. The analysis, widely shared by journalist Paul Hodowanic, reflects the ongoing fascination with Scheffler’s swing style during this major event.
Miller Explains the Technical Strengths of Scheffler’s Swing
Johnny Miller noted that Scheffler’s swing features characteristics reminiscent of an earlier era of golf, emphasizing a more traditional form. He observed that while many players approach the ball with their club moving inward and then outward, Scheffler’s club path remains straighter and more aligned, which helps maintain the clubface square to the target longer. According to Miller, this technique provides an advantage, especially when escaping from difficult lies such as rough ground.
Miller compared Scheffler’s footwork to other notable players like Mark Calcavecchia and Greg Norman, specifically pointing out how the right foot pulls inward during the swing. This movement supports producing a high fade shot shape—a style famously preferred by Nicklaus himself. Miller explained,
“Scottie Scheffler’s got sort of an old-fashioned swing. When you watch his club, most guys are playing the ball. The club is coming in like this and then going that way. And even the way I saw him, especially my iron right up the line and right down the line, it keeps the face square longer. And so I think that’s an advantage. And also, when you’re this way, you can get out of the rough a lot better than the guys that are going inside and going through all the grass behind the ball.” —Johnny Miller
“So yeah, it’s got some he’s got some unusual footwork, but a little bit like [Mark] Calcavecchia and Greg Norman with the right foot coming into the ball. The right foot pulls this way. They pull it in, and it sort of hits a high fade. When you make that move with the right foot pulling it back in the hitting zone, it’s a high fade, which Jack [Nicklaus] loves that high fade.” —Johnny Miller
Responding to Miller’s evaluation, Jack Nicklaus praised the insight and accuracy of the analysis, stating simply,
He was dead on. That was really good.
Scheffler’s Current Performance at Oakmont
Scottie Scheffler completed the second round at Oakmont Country Club with steady scores, opening with a 3-over 73 followed by a 71 in round two. As the tournament reached its halfway point, Scheffler found himself seven shots behind the leader, tied for 23rd place among a competitive field. His ongoing performance remains under close watch by fans and analysts alike, especially with his swing noted as both unique and highly effective.
Sam Burns Emerges as a Contender at the 2025 US Open
Sam Burns made a strong statement during Friday’s play, shooting a five-under-par 65 to vault into the solo lead at three-under overall. Burns is one of only three players under par after two rounds, signaling his potential to contend through the weekend. Scottie Scheffler offered his perspective on Burns’ chances of capturing the championship, emphasizing his intense competitiveness.
“I mean, it’s a complicated question. I think Sam (Burns) is one of those guys, he’s like me in a sense that he’s a hyper-competitive person. I think you always dream of having a chance to win these tournaments, and he’s put himself in position a few times at majors, and he’s in position again.” —Scottie Scheffler
“I’m sure going into the weekend he’s right where I would want to be on the leaderboard, so you know, to have a good chance, it should be a fun experience for him.” —Scottie Scheffler
US Open Leaderboard Highlights After Round Two
The leaderboard after the second round of the 2025 US Open illustrates a tightly packed competition near the top, with the following standings:
- Sam Burns (-3)
- J.J. Spaun (-2)
- Viktor Hovland (-1)
- Tied 4th: Adam Scott (Even)
- Tied 4th: Ben Griffin (Even)
- Tied 6th: Victor Perez (+1)
- Tied 6th: Thriston Lawrence (+1)
- Tied 8th: Russell Henley (+2)
- Tied 8th: Brooks Koepka (+2)
- Tied 8th: Si Woo Kim (+2)
- Tied 8th: Thomas Detry (+2)
- Tied 12th: Emiliano Grillo (+3)
- Tied 12th: Max Greyserman (+3)
- Tied 12th: Adam Schenk (+3)
- Tied 12th: Christiaan Bezuidenhout (+3)
- Tied 12th: Tyrrell Hatton (+3)
- Tied 12th: Jason Day (+3)
- Tied 12th: Chris Kirk (+3)
- Tied 12th: Carlos Ortiz (+3)
- Tied 12th: Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (+3)
- Tied 12th: Keegan Bradley (+3)
- Tied 12th: Sam Stevens (+3)
- Tied 23rd: Nick Taylor (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Jon Rahm (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Denny McCarthy (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Collin Morikawa (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Scottie Scheffler (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Cameron Young (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Jhonattan Vegas (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Daniel Berger (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Aaron Rai (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Rasmus Hojgaard (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Trevor Cone (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Taylor Pendrith (+4)
- Tied 23rd: Robert MacIntyre (+4)
Impact of Scheffler’s Swing on His Game and the Tour
Scottie Scheffler’s “old fashioned” golf swing contributes significantly to his consistency and shot-making ability, especially in challenging conditions like rough lies. The attention from Johnny Miller and Jack Nicklaus underscores the respect his technique commands among the sport’s legends. As Scheffler continues competing at Oakmont, his swing mechanics might provide a decisive advantage moving forward, especially given its effectiveness at keeping the clubface aligned and enabling controlled shot shapes.
With the US Open progressing into its final rounds, Scheffler’s position seven shots off the lead presents both a challenge and an opportunity. His swing’s strong fundamentals, combined with his determined approach, suggest he remains a formidable contender. Furthermore, the emerging form of Sam Burns adds excitement to the tournament narrative, promising an intense finish.