Rory McIlroy's frustration boiled over on Friday at the 2025 U.S. Open, where he smashed a tee marker, threw a club and skipped media.
The post Rory McIlroy smashes U.S. Open tee marker, throws club, skips media after making cut appeared first on Golf.
When you think about hazards on a golf course, water and thick rough usually come to mind first. At Oakmont Country Club, site of this week’s U.S. Open, it’s not the water that’s wrecking scorecards. It’s the bunkers. Specifically, the infamous Church Pew bunkers. These are located between holes 3 and 4, and they come into play on both holes. Shot Scope found some data on just how punishing these bunkers are and it may surprise you.
According to Shot Scope data:
On hole 3, players who end up in the Church Pew bunker lose an average of 1.25 strokes, more than double the average bunker penalty.On hole 4, they lose 0.61 strokes when they find the pews.Compare that to a typical bunker, where amateurs lose around 0.5 strokes. That’s a big difference and a good reason to fear this hazard.Every U.S. Open course has something that stands out about it. Aside from the fact that the Church Pew bunkers at Oakmont are enormous (and come into play on two holes), there is more to these that makes them difficult to deal with.
Here’s why the Church Pews are in a class of their own:
They’re huge. The main bunker stretches over 100 yards and impacts multiple holes. You can’t just aim away from it; it’s always in play.The ridges aren’t just visual. Those grass “pews” break up the sand and leave players with awkward lies, uneven stances and blocked-out views.Escape isn’t guaranteed. Most players are hitting something between a wedge and an 8-iron to get out. If you catch it a little fat or get too greedy, you’re still in there.Some bunkers end up being a better spot to miss a shot than thick rough or a water hazard. However, not all bunkers are created equal. The Church Pew bunkers are a great example of what separates a “manageable” bunker from a round killer.
We knew Oakmont would be brutal, but Friday showed just how quickly it can take down even the best players in the world.
Despite being one of the pre-tournament favors, Bryson DeChambeau shot a second-round 77 and missed the U.S. Open cut by three strokes.
Bryson might have been the biggest name to miss the weekend, but he wasn’t the only one to struggle.
Patrick Cantlay looked like he might scrape through after a second-round 72, but his opening 76 left too much ground to cover. Min Woo Lee improved on Friday but couldn’t recover from an opening 77. Nico Echavarria, one of the best putters on tour this season, couldn’t make up for the ball striking struggles that left him at +13.
Sepp Straka, who many saw as a sleeper pick this week, bowed out after rounds of 78 and 73. Two straight days of slight mistakes at Oakmont are more than enough to send players home.
Scottie Scheffler carded a 1-over 71 in the second round of the U.S. Open on Friday, later saying "mentally this was as tough as I've battled for the whole day."
France's Victor Perez carded only the second recorded ace in a U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club on the par-3 sixth hole in Friday's second round.
A popular golf game franchise celebrates its return.
Follow along as we highlight the best action from Oakmont Country Club.
Well, well, well. Look who’s jumping on the copper bandwagon.
Callaway just announced limited-edition brushed copper versions of the Apex Ai200 and Apex Ai300 irons because, apparently, nothing says “premium golf equipment” quite like making everything look like it belongs in a steampunk fantasy.
Don’t get me wrong. I am absolutely not complaining. The copper finish looks fantastic and Callaway isn’t alone in recognizing that golfers have developed a serious appetite for metallics that don’t involve chrome or black. TaylorMade, Mizuno, Vokey—they’ve all been mining copper and for good reason.
It works.
Here’s the thing about limited-edition finishes: they’re brilliant business. We’ve already seen this playbook with the Apex Ai lineup. First came the standard version. Then Callaway rolled out the Black Shadow edition for those who wanted something a little more sinister in their bag.
Tony Finau will never forget the 2025 U.S. Open thanks to wild series of events involving a sprinkler head, a grandstand and a sleeping fan.
The post Tony Finau ruins U.S. Open fan’s ‘nap’ with wild grandstand shot appeared first on Golf.
If you’re looking to upgrade your driver without paying 2025 prices, buying used is one of the smartest moves you can make. We went back through MyGolfSpy’s Most Wanted driver testing from 2021 to 2024 and pulled 10 models that still deliver top-tier performance. Whether you’re after forgiveness, distance or a specific ball flight, these drivers have been thoroughly tested and proven to compete with the latest releases.
The G430 Max 10K was the best-performing driver in MyGolfSpy’s 2024 Most Wanted test and posted the straightest shots in the entire test pool. We tested it again in 2025 and it was the overall runner-up. It’s a forgiveness monster with elite consistency and one of the highest MOI ratings ever tested. If you can find a good deal on a used one (they’re hard to get), it’s worth it. Most start at around $300 used.
The Stealth 2 Plus was the top overall driver in the 2023 Most Wanted test. It had a great mix of distance, accuracy and forgiveness. The Stealth 2 Plus has a sliding weight track to help you dial in the perfect launch. It’s a good choice for golfers seeking to refine their shot shape or those with faster swings. It’s still relevant in 2025 for players chasing a high-performance combo of power and control. If you’re a lefty, there are plenty of used models starting at around $200. Right-handed golfers will pay a little more.
Winner of the 2021 Most Wanted Driver test, the Epic Max LS stood out in Strokes Gained, forgiveness and distance for high swing speeds. It remains one of the most balanced low-spin drivers for aggressive swingers who want distance without sacrificing stability. Used prices start at around $199.
A standout in 2024 testing for golfers with faster swing speeds, the Qi10 LS delivered elite performance in distance and accuracy. The low-spin profile, paired with stability off the face, makes it great for players who like to shape their shots. You’ll pay a little more since the Qi10 LS is not that old but it’s still worth picking up used.
The U.S. Open is upon us as the 125th edition returns to Oakmont Country Club just outside of Pittsburgh for a record 10th time.
U.S. Opens are synonymous with lightning-fast greens and high scores but thick (and penal) rough might be the biggest staple of America’s national open.
I had a few questions about how these players handle it.
What’s the preparation like? What is the right attitude to take?
And, above all else, how do you hit out of the rough? Is there one tactic you should take?
This edition of Best Golf Deals of the Week features gear from Callaway, PING and Garmin from the PGA TOUR Superstore. Update your tech, re-stock on golf balls or take your tee game to new heights with these deals.
Check them out below and let us help you take your game to the next level.
For a limited time, save when you purchase two dozen golf balls from the Chrome Soft and Chrome Tour golf balls from Callaway. With a ball to fit every golfer’s preference for feel, flight and spin, you truly cannot go wrong. I’ve been testing the Chrome Tour this year and have seen some great results. Find your fit and give them a try!
Save $150 on one of the most forgiving and accurate, drivers of 2024 in the PING G430 Max 10K. A shallower and thinner face is optimized for more flexing to help improve ball speed. Spinsistency, a variable roll radius innovation, helps in optimizing spin across the face. If you’re looking to hit the ball as straight as possible, this is the driver for you.
The Approach S62 gives you everything you need to improve your game, right on your wrist. A PlaysLike Distance feature factors in uphill and downhill shots to give you the most accurate number when attacking the green, while Virtual Caddie takes into account wind conditions and past swings to further optimize your club selection. This watch also provides all day health monitoring, so it’s got your back both on the course and off.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably never given much thought to the socks you wear during the day-to-day grind of life, let alone on the golf course. I’ve been wearing PUMA socks from Costco for years and they’ve always gotten the job done – until now. Squid Socks is ready to change the game when it comes to performance socks for golfers and they aren’t messing around.
Let me tell you why Squid Socks are arguably the most comfortable pair of socks you’ll put on your feet.
I got to spend some time chatting with Gabe and Jessica Miller, the founders of Squid Socks, when beginning my initial review of the product. Their story started on a honeymoon trip, of all places, when a conversation with a cousin about their baby’s socks constantly slipping down and falling off sparked an idea. Through some thorough and extensive research, Gabe and Jessica found that there really wasn’t a good solution to baby sock slippage in the industry. This inspired them to start on an entrepreneurial journey that led to Squid Socks. Years later, a new idea was sparked by comments and feedback from a friend who disliked how their socks always rolled down off their heels while golfing.
Squid Socks then introduced an adult sock line. My personal opinion? I don’t plan on going back to a different sock anytime soon.
Nothing about these socks is basic from their material construction to their fit and function. The material is predominantly viscose bamboo. This allows for excellent ventilation and moisture-wicking. These socks pull moisture away from my feet and keep them cool better than any performance sock I’ve worn in the past. My G/FORE Gallivan2r golf shoes are not breathable but my feet truly do not feel hot with these socks on.
I have a pretty easy time scoping out a great golfer. It’s not just the swing; it’s the little things they do before, during and after every shot that make them different. They’re intentional, adaptable, in control. These habits of the great players aren’t reserved for world-class players. With the right focus, you can start building them into your own game. Here are five habits that separate great golfers from the rest of us.
At the moment of impact, nothing matters more than controlling the clubface. If the face is open, the ball is going right. If it’s closed, it will go left. Great players don’t need to overhaul their swing to shape shots; they rely on their awareness and feel of the clubface.
Great players can work the ball left or right by adjusting the face angle or the path. Sam Snead once said, “When I want a draw, I just think draw. When I want a fade, I just think fade.”
If you’re not practicing this, start now. On the range, set up to a ball and try to hit one that curves right. Then try to curve one left. What are you changing? Can you do it just by manipulating the face? This kind of intentional practice builds the awareness that makes shotmaking possible.
You’ve got a 40-yard pitch shot into the green and you pull your sand wedge. Sound familiar?
With this list, you’re certain to find a bottle of Old World whisky that will bring a smile to the recipient's face.
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Thursday's opening round unleashed a number of surprises. What's in store for Round 2? Here are 5 things to know for Friday at Oakmont.
The post 5 things to know for Friday’s second round at the 2025 U.S. Open appeared first on Golf.
What is the Rule of Thirds? A gear principle that shows why off-the-rack gear often fails, and how custom fitting finds what works for you.
The post The Rule of Thirds: Why every golfer needs a proper fitting appeared first on Golf.
Kris McCormack gives us an inside look at Cobra’s 3D printed Limit3D putters, including a full fitting experience at Cobra HQ.
The post Fitted at Cobra HQ: The 3D Printed putter you need to try appeared first on Golf.
How to watch the 2025 U.S. Open on Friday at Oakmont, including full U.S. Open TV coverage and streaming details for Round 2.
The post 2025 U.S. Open Friday TV coverage: How to watch Round 2 appeared first on Golf.
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