This US Open Rough is Straight-Up Bonkers (And I'm Here for It)

By Lewis Barnett 10 June, 2025 6 mins read 58 Views

Look, I've been covering golf for eight years now, and I've never seen anything quite like what's happening at Oakmont this week.

The USGA just dropped this wild video showing literally dozens of groundskeepers with industrial mowers trying to "tame" the rough before Thursday's opening round. Spoiler alert: it didn't work. The grass is still five inches of pure evil, and honestly? I'm kinda loving the chaos.

When Your Ball Vanishes Into the Bermuda Triangle

Ben Griffin posted this video on TikTok yesterday that made my jaw drop. He drops a ball from knee height into the first hole's rough and... it's gone. Like, completely invisible. I showed it to my buddy who plays off a 12 handicap and his response was immediate: "Nope. I'd take an unplayable lie every single time."

Smart man.

Tyrrell Hatton shared his own nightmare footage where he's literally hunting for his ball like it's Easter morning, then hacking at it with a wedge just to get back to civilization. The world's 24th-ranked player looking like he's chopping weeds in his backyard. That's when you know things have gotten ridiculous.

Bryson's Having an Existential Crisis

Two-time US Open champ Bryson DeChambeau told his YouTube subscribers (because of course he did): "This course doesn't just challenge your game, it challenges your sanity." Then he added what might be the quote of the week: "This is teh hardest this golf course could ever play right now."

Coming from a guy who routinely bombs 350-yard drives and thinks physics is his personal playground, that's... concerning. When Bryson sounds defeated before he even tees off, you know we're in for something special.

Jordan Spieth tried to put a positive spin on it, calling it "pure golf, no funny business." But even he couldn't hide the slight tremor in his voice when discussing the conditions. Poor Jordan's probably having flashbacks to his 2016 Masters meltdown.

The USGA's Evil Masterplan

Here's the thing that gets me: they're not even pretending this is fair anymore. The course crew literally mows the grass in a specific pattern to prevent it from laying flat, ensuring your ball sinks to the bottom like quicksand. It's like they sat in a room and asked, "How can we make grown men cry on national television?"

Jhonattan Vegas - who finished T5 at the PGA Championship last month, so he knows what he's talking about - straight-up called the rough "unplayable." Not difficult. Not challenging. Unplayable.

That army of mowers in the aerial footage? They're not groundskeepers; they're the USGA's personal torture squad.

Why I'm Actually Excited About This Trainwreck

Listen, I know this sounds sadistic, but I'm genuinely pumped to watch this unfold. We've gotten used to seeing these guys make golf look effortless, shooting 20-under and making us weekend warriors feel like we're playing a different sport entirely.

But Thursday through Sunday? We're going to see Scottie Scheffler - the world's number one player - grinding for bogeys and celebrating pars like he just won the lottery. That's relatable content right there.

The USGA has taken heat for years about making courses too brutal (remember Shinnecock in 2018?), but honestly, part of me loves seeing these millionaire athletes struggle with the same stuff that ruins my Saturday morning rounds. Except their version of "thick rough" would swallow my entire golf bag.

All 156 players tee off Thursday knowing they're walking into golf purgatory. Scheffler's still the betting favorite, with DeChambeau, Rory, Rahm, and Ludvig Aberg close behind. But honestly? This feels like the kind of week where some random journeyman who grew up playing municipal courses with dandelion fairways might just steal the show.

My prediction: someone's going to win this thing at +2, and we're all going to pretend that's normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical training program for a professional golfer?

Professional golfers are required to follow strict training programs that address every aspect of their game. A typical day of training may include hours on driving ranges perfecting your swing with different clubs. You will also have dedicated sessions at chipping and putting grounds, as well physical fitness workouts tailored to golf. They also include mental conditioning in their training to stay focused and sharp under pressure. Golfers may analyze their performance data or spend time with coaches to improve their technique. In order to achieve peak performance, it is important that golfers prioritize rest and recovery.

Do pro golfers focus more on physical or mental training?

Professional golfers recognize the necessity of both physical prowess and mental fortitude within their sport. Their training programs emphasize the importance of balancing the two. Although a lot of time is spent on physical training and fitness in order to increase strength, flexibility, endurance and flexibility, mental training does not go unnoticed. Pro golfers' mental training includes many important components, including visualizing shots, managing their anxiety and stress, and strategizing. A golfer may work with sports psychologists in order to build mental resilience and focus. These are crucial during competitive rounds.

How can a professional golfer keep their swing technique up to date?

The maintenance of swing technique forms the cornerstone of any pro golfer’s routine. This can be achieved by constant repetition and practicing, sometimes under the guidance a swing coach. Golfers will spend hours at the range practicing their swing mechanics. This ensures that they are efficient and have a consistent movement. Video analysis is used to analyze their swing and make small improvements. Golfers can also benefit from specific flexibility and strength exercises to help them maintain a good swing.

What muscle groups do pro golfers work out more intensely?

Pro golfers train numerous muscle groups with an emphasis on those which directly contribute to their golf swing and overall stability. Core strength plays a crucial role in controlling the golf swing and maintaining equilibrium. Abs, obliques, and lower-back exercises are important. Golfers also need strong gluteal and leg muscles for a solid foundation, as well as flexibility and strength in the shoulders and arms to guide and power the club through its range of motion. Golf-specific training programs focus on these areas, without neglecting the overall health.

Can pro golfers train too much?

Golfers who are professional face the risk of being overtrained. Over-extending themselves with excessive practice can lead to physical injuries such as tendinitis or mental burnout. Golfers should listen to the body and make sure to prioritize recovery. The quality of practice is usually more important than the quantity. Focused, intentional work is encouraged. Rest days are strategically included in their schedules to allow the body to recuperate and to keep the mind sharp.

Do pro-golfers have a strict dietary regimen as part their training program?

Diet is an essential part of training for professional golfers, as it can affect energy levels, overall health, and recovery. Many golfers consult nutritionists for meal plans that suit their personal needs. These plans consist of balanced portions of carbohydrates and proteins to provide energy for long days of playing and practicing while maintaining the ideal weight. Hydration strategies are also integral, as staying adequately hydrated is essential for focus and physical conditioning.

Statistics

About 70% of professional golfers report practicing in adverse weather conditions to improve their adaptability to the elements.
A survey suggests that 75% of pro golfers use a sports psychologist to aid with mental training and performance.
Up to 90% of professional golfers incorporate some form of cross-training into their fitness regimen.
Statistical data indicates that around 50% of pro golfers have experienced a golf-related injury due to overtraining.
Rest days are included in 100% of the training schedules of top professional golfers to prevent burnout and injury.
Technology such as launch monitors are used by 85% of professional golfers in their training routines.
On average, professional golfers dedicate 30 to 40 hours per week practicing various aspects of their game.
An estimated 60% of professional golfers change at least one piece of their equipment each season.

External Links

How To

How to Choose Golf Balls for Professional Training?

The performance characteristics of a golf ball should be matched to the player's needs and style. Consider factors such as spin and compression to match the golfer’s desired ball speed. Professional golfers test different golf balls in various conditions before selecting one. Consulting with a golf ball fitting professional can provide more precise recommendations based on detailed performance analysis.