OAKMONT, Pa. — At the U.S. Open, both Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm struggled to find their rhythm. Despite their efforts, neither could muster enough momentum to become serious contenders over the weekend. However, finishing tied for seventh place behind champion J.J. Spaun was an outcome they could accept, following unique journeys to that position.
Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, expressed some regret over “silly mistakes” made during the initial rounds. He recorded even-par 70s on Saturday and Sunday. Reflecting on his performance, Scheffler noted a couple of missed opportunities with crucial putts and a bogey on the final hole that might have improved his standing if handled differently. “If I had played four days like today, the story might have been different,” he remarked. Despite feeling like he was constantly trying to catch up after hitting into the rough, Scheffler was pleased with his resilience. A U.S. Open victory remains elusive for him, as he’s yet to break par over his last nine rounds in the tournament, stretching back to the 2023 event at Los Angeles Country Club.
Jon Rahm began the tournament strong with a 1-under 69 on Thursday but faltered with a combined 8-over across Friday and Saturday. However, he concluded the event with three straight birdies, carding a 3-under 67 that matched Rory McIlroy for Sunday’s best round. The 2021 U.S. Open champion wrapped up before a rain delay of over 90 minutes, leaving him in a prolonged wait as his position stayed competitive. “It’s crazy because it doesn’t feel like I played that differently than in other rounds,” Rahm reflected.
Rahm also tackled the longest par 3 hole ever played in a major, the 301-yard eighth at Oakmont, with a savvy approach. “You most likely take a head cover off one of your clubs and hope it goes straight,” he humorously suggested. Utilizing a wood on this formidable hole, Rahm managed to play it at even par over four rounds, including an impressive birdie on Saturday. The U.S. Golf Association set the record-breaking length for the hole on Sunday, surpassing the previous record set at another U.S. Open held at Oakmont.
Cameron Young secured his place at next year’s U.S. Open after finishing tied for fourth at 3 over. His top-10 finish ensures a return to the event at Shinnecock Hills next June. Carlos Ortiz, also tied for fourth, claimed a spot in the 2024 Masters, an opportunity he might not have had otherwise, considering his association with LIV Golf. “A really great week,” Ortiz commented on his performance. “I feel like I played good enough, just made a few mistakes.”
Justin Hastings made history for the Cayman Islands as the low amateur of the tournament. At 21, Hastings became the first golfer from his country to earn such a distinction at the U.S. Open. He battled through the event finishing with a 15-over 295. Hastings gained entry by triumphing at the Latin American Amateur Championship earlier this year. Planning to turn professional after his senior year at San Diego State, the win in Latin America has altered his timeline. He now looks forward to the British Open at Royal Portrush. “Obviously, the easy answer is we want to get on the PGA Tour as soon as possible,” Hastings said, emphasizing the importance of focusing on good performance.
Xander Schauffele achieved a notable milestone by tying Sam Snead’s record of nine consecutive top-15 U.S. Open finishes, enjoying this streak since 1947. Schauffele, finishing tied for 12th at 6 over, joins an illustrious group, with names like Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan holding similar longer streaks.
Philp Barbaree capped off his second U.S. Open participation in memorable fashion. After barely making the cut, Barbaree enjoyed the moment, donning a Pittsburgh Pirates jersey with his name to mark his closing par on the 18th. Though not having personal ties to Pittsburgh, he shares the Pirates connection through fellow LSU alum Paul Skenes.