OAKMONT, Pa — Major championships have moved in favor of the best players in the world in recent years. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and reigning national champion Bryson DeChambeau have combined to win the last six, and one of them may well extend that streak to seven this week at the 2025 U.S. Open.
The gap between the world’s best and the rest is noticeably similar to a ravine crossing through the fairways at Oakmont Country Club or the yardage on the par-3 8th, which stretches to nearly 300 yards. It catches one’s eye, and it is hard to ignore.
That would normally make a prognostication for this U.S. Open somewhat simplistic, but this tournament has a way of turning things on its head, making one reconsider what they believe. There is an added layer of luck intertwined with the countless variables that players must juggle. Good and bad breaks will be had, no matter one’s standing in the Official World Golf Rankings entering the event.
Don’t believe me? Believe the last nine winners of the national championship. Big names? Indeed, but also first-time major winners. Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Gary Woodland, DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick and Wyndham Clark all claimed their first major at the U.S. Open.
Those seven went on to combine for plenty more major victories, but their journeys all started at the U.S. Open, and one of their contemporaries may follow suit.
Let’s take a look at the nine golfers most likely to conquer Oakmont Country Club by Sunday evening.
2025 U.S. Open predictions, favorites
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
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