PGA's McIlroy vs LIV's DeChambeau: Who Will Prevail?

Clash of Pride at the US Open Major
McIlroy Leads After Completing Career Grand Slam
Defending Champion DeChambeau Represents LIV Golf

Both players carry a heavy burden on their shoulders.

They will compete for pride, representing the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau of the United States will battle for the title at the 125th US Open, the third major championship of the season, held over four days from June 12 (local time) at Oakmont Country Club (par 70, 7,372 yards) in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. A total of 156 players, including those who advanced through qualifiers held both inside and outside the United States, have entered the tournament.

Rory McIlroy is teeing off at the 14th hole during a practice round of the US Open. Oakmont=AFP Photo by Yonhap News

McIlroy is the face of the PGA Tour. In April, he claimed victory at the season’s first major, the Masters, completing the career Grand Slam by winning all four major championships. He became only the sixth golfer in professional golf history to achieve a career Grand Slam, following Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. This year, he has claimed three victories, bringing his career total to 39 wins.

However, his recent form has been somewhat inconsistent. After his Masters triumph, he finished tied for 12th at the Zurich Classic and tied for 7th at the Truist Championship, but managed only a tie for 47th at the PGA Championship and missed the cut at last week’s RBC Canadian Open.

Bryson DeChambeau is smiling brightly during a practice round at the US Open. Oakmont=AFP Photo by Yonhap News

“Hulk” DeChambeau is aiming to defend his title. He claimed victory at last year’s US Open, returning to the top of the leaderboard for the first time in four years since 2020. This year, DeChambeau finished tied for 5th at the Masters and tied for 2nd at the PGA Championship, consistently placing near the top in major tournaments. Only six players in history have won the US Open three or more times. There is keen interest in whether DeChambeau will join this legendary group.

Oakmont Country Club, the venue for this year’s championship, is notorious as one of the most challenging courses among major venues. Its fast greens, deep and tough rough, tricky bunkers, and drainage ditches lurking throughout the course present immense challenges even for the world’s top players. This year, both par-5 holes exceed 600 yards, and the par-3 8th hole measures a daunting 289 yards.

“Golf emperor” Tiger Woods, who is not competing this time, has named Winged Foot Golf Club and Oakmont Country Club as two of the most difficult courses. Oakmont Country Club is hosting the US Open for a record 10th time this year. It is also scheduled to host the tournament again in 2033, 2042, and 2049.