Oakmont is going to be the main character at the 2025 U.S. Open - ESPN

OAKMONT, Pa. — If you take the southwest entrance to Oakmont Country Club, the course sneaks up on you. The tree-lined Hulton Road that leads you onto the property is dotted with quaint homes. Even when the iconic green clubhouse comes into view, the building acts as a barrier between the idyllic neighborhood and one of golf's most terrifying tests.

Enter the clubhouse and the venue's history is there at every turn. It has hosted 10 U.S. Opens now — the most of any course in the country. Exit on the other side of the building, and the brawny track hits you like a gust of wind.

«When you stand on the first tee, 10th tee, 18, 9, you get a layout of the whole property,» Jon Rahm said. «You get to see the entirety of it, as beautiful as it is.»

The vast expanse of green grass before you, all 191 acres, appears endless. From the back of the clubhouse, you can see 17 of the 18 flags on the course. It almost feels like a taunt: What's there to worry about? It's all right in front of you.

One of the sport's greatest cathedrals — a course that has become synonymous with the U.S. Open — is indeed beautiful. It's also a steel-toed boot ready to deliver its famous kick. This week, 156 players have arrived from all over the world willing to be scrutinized by the only course ever designed by Henry Fownes. Each one of them is also hoping that they could be the one with the ability to conquer it.

«I truly believe that Oakmont is the most stressful place to play a U.S. Open,» Jeff Hall, who has been part of four USGA setup teams at Oakmont, told ESPN. «The U.S. Open is supposed to be difficult for the right reasons, it's supposed to be challenging. It's about the mental test, the emotional test, the physical test. It's all of those