What is the US Open?

From brutal rough to lightning-fast greens, the US Open is widely considered one of the toughest tests in men’s professional golf and is less than a month away.

One of four major championships in men’s professional golf, the US Open sits alongside the Masters, The Open and the PGA Championship as one of the game’s most prestigious tournaments.

It is organised by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the golfing governing body for America.

First played in 1895, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Ben Hogan are all legendary players to have won past editions.

J.J. Spaun is the reigning champion having won the event 12 months ago at Oakmont Country Club.

The US Open explained

Typically played in June, it is the third major of the season following the conclusion of the Masters in April and the PGA Championship in May. The Open Championship is then played in July.

Like most professional golf tournaments, the US Open is contested over four days, from Thursday through until Sunday.

Players compete across 72 holes, with 18 holes played each day, and a cut is made after the opening two rounds. Only the top 60 players and ties make it to the weekend.

At the end of Sunday’s play, the golfer with the lowest score is crowned champion.

Unlike the Masters, there is no permanent home for the US Open. It moves around the United States each year, rotating between some of the toughest and most recognised golf courses.

Iconic venues that have hosted past editions of the championship include Pebble Beach Golf Links (pictured), Winged Foot Golf Club, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and Pinehurst No.2.

Each course is designed to boast its own unique challenge. Although, they are all set-up to test the very best golfers in the world and are known for their intense difficulty.

As it is called an ‘open’, it is open to a wide range of golfers to be able to compete. Whilst the world’s top professionals qualify through world rankings and performances on their respective tours, amateurs are also able to secure their place by competing in local and final qualifying events.

To put this into perspective, the USGA officially accepted 10,202 entries for the 125th US Open in 2025.

This affords club professionals and amateurs the opportunity to compete directly with players like the World No.1 Scottie Scheffler.