Paige Spiranac Picks Her Two Favorites For A “Grueling Test Of Golf” At The 2025 US Open

As the 2025 US Open approaches, set to take place from June 12 to 15 at the iconic Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, golf fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be one of the most challenging tournaments in recent memory. The course, known for its punishing rough, treacherous bunkers, and lightning-fast greens, is poised to test every facet of a golfer’s skill. Amid the excitement, golf influencer and former professional golfer Paige Spiranac has shared her insights and predictions for the event, naming world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau as her top picks to conquer what she describes as a “grueling test of golf.” Her bold choices, along with her omission of fan-favorite Rory McIlroy, have sparked widespread discussion among golf enthusiasts.

Spiranac, a social media sensation with over four million Instagram followers, has become a prominent voice in the golfing world, known for her sharp analysis and engaging content. In a recent video posted on her X account, she broke down the challenges awaiting players at Oakmont. “This is going to be a true test from start to finish, every single shot,” she said, emphasizing the course’s demanding layout. She highlighted the thick rough, which she humorously compared to “a bowl of oatmeal,” and the firm, fast greens that will punish even the slightest miscalculation. Spiranac’s firsthand experience at Oakmont, where she played a round last month during a USGA media day, gives her predictions added weight. She shot an impressive three-under-par score, including birdies on the 12th, 14th, and 16th holes, showcasing her familiarity with the course’s relentless demands.

Her choice of Scottie Scheffler as a favorite comes as no surprise to those following the 2025 season. Scheffler has been a dominant force, securing five wins in his last eight PGA Tour events, including a commanding performance at the Masters. His precision off the tee and exceptional iron play make him well-suited to Oakmont’s unforgiving setup. However, Spiranac noted a historical quirk: no world No. 1 has ever won the US Open since the Official World Golf Ranking was established. Despite this, she believes Scheffler’s consistency and mental toughness could break the trend. “Cream normally rises to the top in championships like this,” she said, signaling her confidence in Scheffler’s ability to navigate Oakmont’s challenges.

Bryson DeChambeau, Spiranac’s other top pick, brings a different dynamic to the table. The LIV Golf star and defending US Open champion has a proven track record at the event, having won in 2020 and 2024. His power off the tee and improved short game make him a formidable contender, especially on a course where precision and creativity are paramount. Spiranac’s selection of DeChambeau reflects her belief that Oakmont’s brutal conditions favor players who can combine raw power with strategic finesse. DeChambeau’s recent complaints about the course’s thick rough and demanding layout only underscore the challenge, but Spiranac sees him rising to the occasion.

Notably absent from Spiranac’s favorites is Rory McIlroy, a surprising omission given her previous support for the Northern Irishman. McIlroy, who won the Masters in 2025 to complete his career Grand Slam, has had a rollercoaster season. Early victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship showcased his brilliance, but recent struggles, including a T47 finish at the PGA Championship and a missed cut at the RBC Canadian Open, have raised questions about his form. Spiranac’s decision to overlook McIlroy, who won the US Open in 2011, suggests she believes Oakmont’s punishing setup may expose his recent inconsistencies. McIlroy himself acknowledged the need for a “mental reset” ahead of the tournament, admitting that the emotional toll of his Masters victory has lingered.

Spiranac also highlighted two dark horses to watch: Harris English and Ben Griffin. Both players, she argues, have the potential to thrive in Oakmont’s chaotic conditions, where an over-par score might be enough to claim victory. “I’m looking for carnage this week,” Spiranac said, expressing her hope for an unpredictable outcome. Her prediction of an over-par winner aligns with Oakmont’s history of producing grueling tournaments, where only the most resilient players prevail.

As the golfing world turns its attention to Oakmont, Spiranac’s picks have added fuel to the pre-tournament buzz. Her track record of accurately predicting the Masters and PGA Championship winners this season lends credibility to her choices. Whether Scheffler or DeChambeau can live up to her expectations, or if an underdog like English or Griffin steals the show, one thing is certain: the 2025 US Open will be a brutal test that pushes the world’s best golfers to their limits. Fans eagerly await the drama, surprises, and triumphs that Oakmont is sure to deliver.