U.S. Open Practice Rounds Kick Off at Oakmont Country Club

Practice rounds for the 2025 U.S. Open commenced Monday morning at Oakmont Country Club, drawing a crowd eager to witness top-tier golf. Anticipation is palpable, with hundreds of thousands expected to attend the tournament this week.

As dawn broke, spectators lined up, ready to catch a glimpse of their favorite players. "Wanted to get up early and be the first ones here," said Lucas Beaver from Ross Township, embodying the excitement in the air.

Beaver, alongside fellow enthusiast Brenton Perkins, expressed their enthusiasm for the day ahead. "I'm excited to watch great golf, to be around greatness in a sense," Perkins remarked, highlighting the unique atmosphere of the event.

The buzz extended beyond local fans; KDKA-TV reported attendees from western Pennsylvania, Erie, and even Alberta, Canada. "Just wanted to see all the players, see the course," Lindsay Glisan from Franklin Park shared. "Come out [and] hopefully enjoy a beautiful day."

Despite muddy conditions from Sunday’s rain, spirits remained high. "I'm annoyed with it; my shoes are already too dirty," one attendee lamented, yet this minor inconvenience did little to dampen the excitement.

"We've been waiting for this to come here for a couple of years," Glisan added, reflecting on the long-awaited arrival of the tournament.

Fans are particularly eager to see stars like Scottie Scheffler, Colin Morikawa, and Jason Day compete on a historic course. "So many greats have walked there. Ben Hogans, your Arnold Palmers, your Jack Nicklaus'," Perkins noted, emphasizing the legacy of Oakmont.

Now, they will witness the current generation take on the challenges of this iconic venue. "To be able to be that close to see what they're doing, and to experience that level of focus, it can be really inspiring," Perkins concluded.

The practice rounds will continue through Wednesday, leading into the championship rounds scheduled from Thursday to Sunday.