U.S. Open: Is Scheffler in the fight? Burns leads, who will win?

The U.S. Open at Oakmont: A Weekend Full of Excitement and Surprises

After two intense days at Oakmont Country Club, this year’s U.S. Open is shaping up to be a memorable tournament. With the course challenging the world’s best golfers, only three players managed to stay under par: Sam Burns, JJ Spaun, and Viktor Hovland.

Who are the Favorites?

The history of the U.S. Open suggests that Sunday’s champion will be among the top five. However, Oakmont could break that tradition. Of the last 12 champions, 11 were in the top 5 after 36 holes. The only exception was Matt Fitzpatrick, in 2022. Despite the difficulty of the course, some golfers have achieved outstanding rounds, such as JJ Spaun’s 66 and Sam Burns’ 65. The key question is: who are the candidates for victory?

I think there are between 10 and 15 golfers who could win right now.

Mark Schlabach

Sam Burns, with his excellent short game and his skill on the green, could be a strong contender. Viktor Hovland, with his consistent play, also presents himself as a solid candidate.

Scottie Scheffler, despite some problems, doesn’t give up and remains only seven strokes behind the leader. His ability to hit the ball makes him a dangerous rival. The rain that fell on Friday night could change the field conditions. With forecasts of more rain, the field could soften, which would affect the players’ strategy.

Who are the “Sleepers”?

Adam Scott, with his consistent game, could be a surprise. Brooks Koepka, with his U.S. Open experience, is also a player to watch.

Disappointments

Several renowned golfers failed to make the cut. Among them, Patrick Cantlay, Wyndham Clark, Phil Mickelson, Cameron Smith, Ludvig Åberg, Tommy Fleetwood, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Sepp Straka, Justin Thomas, Justin Rose, and Shane Lowry. Bryson DeChambeau, the defending champion, had a disappointing performance, with a round of 77 strokes on Friday. The U.S. Open at Oakmont promises a weekend full of excitement, with several players competing for the title.