From an overhead view, the sight is somewhat jarring. The Pennsylvania Turnpike essentially cuts Oakmont's golf course in half.

DeChambeau followed what his fellow SMU alum, the late Payne Stewart, accomplished 25 years earlier by winning the U.S. Open at Pinehurst. He is looking for his third U.S. Open title. Kim, a Dallas resident, in entering his fourth U.S. Open. His career best finish came in 2023 in Los Angeles (-8).

Coming into the 2025 U.S. Open, much of the conversation centered around the difficulty of Oakmont Country Club. On Thursday, despite some solid scoring early, we saw just how difficult Oakmont would be as the average score in the early wave was more than 5 over par despite the best conditions players will see all week.

J.J. Spaun’s first-round 66 held up for the early lead as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and a host of others were simply overmatched by the course.

The 18th hole at the Oakmont Country Club is the epicenter of a lot of activity for the 125th U.S. Open. It’s a point where a number of things intersect. Autographs are signed, the driving range and practice green are nearby and so is the packed merchandise tent. Two men from out of town said it is what they were most impressed by at the U.S. Open.

Utah's Tony Finau, Zac Blair and Preston Summerhays combined to shoot 18 over par Thursday in first round of 125th U.S. Open

The game's stars have dominated the last six majors and most signature events. What will it take for a sleeper to emerge at Oakmont?

The first championship round of the 2025 U.S. Open teed off on Thursday, June 12. Here is a look at highlights from Day 1 of the championship.