Viktor Hovland made a significant move in the 2025 U.S. Open by chipping in for eagle on the short par-4 17th hole, bringing his score to 3 under par and tying him with Thriston Lawrence for second place. After driving through the green and into the rough, Hovland found a favorable lie, allowing him to make clean contact with the ball. He executed a precise chip that not only tracked toward the hole but ultimately dropped for eagle, propelling him to -3 for the tournament. His impressive performance on Friday has seen him go 4 under for his second round, marking the best score on the course so far. Hovland looks to maintain this momentum as he heads into the final 10 holes of his round.
Brooks Koepka, a two-time U.S. Open champion, also made headlines on Friday by sinking a birdie from a challenging position on the 17th hole. After returning to even par for the day, Koepka found himself in the rough on the downslope above a bunker following a wayward tee shot. Despite the odds, he showcased his skill and luck by leaving himself just off the green, setting up an easy chip that he converted for a birdie. This shot brought him back to -3, and it seems that Koepka is not planning on fading from contention, making his first appearance in a weekend major in two years.
In addition to Hovland and Koepka, several other players, including Sam Burns, Corey Conners, and Daniel Berger, are putting together strong rounds at Oakmont. Each of these golfers has started their Friday rounds with 2 under par, elevating them to even par for the championship. With only a handful of players under par for the tournament, those who can finish with a score around 140 after two rounds will find themselves in a prime position to contend for the title.
Burns, in particular, made waves by rattling the flagstick on the 13th hole with his tee shot, ultimately converting that momentum into a birdie. As the competition heats up, it remains to be seen how well these players can hold their ground amid the challenging conditions at Oakmont.
Conversely, Justin Thomas is facing a challenging time on the greens at Oakmont. After shooting a disappointing 76 in the first round, his struggles continued on Friday. Thomas bogeyed the 11th hole and faced a daunting 4-putt on the par-5 12th, resulting in a double bogey. He managed to birdie the 14th hole, bringing him back to +8, but he will need several more birdies to even have a chance at making the cut this weekend.
Brooks Koepka's performance on Friday has been reminiscent of his past glory. Playing solid golf, he has managed to hit fairways consistently and position himself well on the greens. His birdie on the par-5 12th, where he made an easy two-putt after reaching the green in two, reflects his strategic approach to the course. Koepka's ability to minimize stress on the course keeps him in the hunt, as he waits to see if other competitors can maintain their composure under pressure.
After a lackluster first round, Scottie Scheffler came out strong on Friday, opening with a birdie on the 10th hole, moving him back to 2 over par. However, he faced adversity on the 11th hole, where he had to chop out of the rough after missing the fairway. Despite the setback, he recovered by making a solid par save, showcasing resilience as he aims to climb the leaderboard. With challenging conditions at Oakmont, every stroke counts, and Scheffler is determined to make a significant move.
Oakmont Country Club presents a formidable challenge, especially for players like Will Chandler, who experienced a rough start on the second hole. The pin position on No. 2 has been particularly tricky, causing many players to struggle in their attempts to get near the flag. Chandler's round was marred by three consecutive double bogeys, highlighting the difficulty of the course. As the tournament progresses, players must navigate these challenges to secure their place in the competition.
The excitement of the 2025 U.S. Open continues, with golf enthusiasts eager to watch their favorite players compete at Oakmont. CBS Sports will provide comprehensive coverage throughout the tournament, allowing fans to enjoy every moment of this prestigious event. Be sure to check the U.S. Open tee times for Round 2 and follow along for live updates as the championship unfolds.
As the tournament progresses, the ability to maintain composure and execute under pressure will be crucial for all players. With only the best golfers in the world competing, the stakes are high, and the challenge of Oakmont will continue to test their skills.
