OAKMONT, PA — The 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club has proven to be a formidable test of skill and resilience, with Sam Burns emerging as the frontrunner after a stellar second-round performance. Burns carded a five-under-par 65 on June 13, 2025, propelling him to a three-under total and securing a one-shot lead over first-round leader J.J. Spaun.
Burns’ round was marked by six birdies and a crucial par save on the final hole, where he navigated a penalty drop to maintain his momentum. This 65 stands as the third-lowest round ever recorded at Oakmont during a U.S. Open, highlighting the exceptional nature of his play amidst challenging conditions.
Spaun, who led after an impressive bogey-free 66 in the first round, encountered difficulties in his second outing, recording a two-over 72. Despite setbacks, including bogeys on the 15th and 16th holes, Spaun managed a birdie on the 17th, keeping him within striking distance at two-under for the tournament.
Viktor Hovland also made significant strides, posting a two-under 68 to position himself at one-under overall. His round included notable highlights, such as two 50-foot hole-outs, demonstrating both precision and creativity in navigating Oakmont’s treacherous layout.
The course itself has been a central character in this championship, with its notorious difficulty amplified by recent modifications. The rough has been grown to a punishing five inches without a graduated cut, and the Poa annua greens are rolling at speeds exceeding 15 on the Stimpmeter, demanding exceptional touch and strategy from the players.
These conditions have taken a toll on many of the game’s top competitors. Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau failed to make the cut, finishing at ten-over-par, while other notable players like Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, and Phil Mickelson also exited early.
Rory McIlroy, despite visible frustration during his rounds, managed to make the cut at six-over-par after a late surge that included key birdies. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler remains in contention at four-over, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.
As the tournament progresses into the weekend, the leaderboard remains tightly contested, with only a handful of players under par. Adam Scott and Ben Griffin are tied for fourth at even par, while Brooks Koepka and others lurk just behind, poised to capitalize on any opportunities.
The unpredictable weather, including a suspension of play due to lightning on Friday evening, adds another layer of complexity to an already demanding championship. With Oakmont’s unforgiving setup and the pressure of major competition, the final rounds promise to deliver high drama and a true test of golfing excellence.