Coming into the 2025 U.S. Open, much of the conversation centered around the difficulty of Oakmont Country Club. On Thursday, despite some solid scoring early, we saw just how difficult Oakmont would be as the average score in the early wave was more than 5 over par despite the best conditions players will see all week.

A field of 156 golfers will battle it out at the 2025 U.S. Open for the championship trophy and the multi-million dollar prize. Here's how much:

The 18th hole at the Oakmont Country Club is the epicenter of a lot of activity for the 125th U.S. Open. It’s a point where a number of things intersect. Autographs are signed, the driving range and practice green are nearby and so is the packed merchandise tent. Two men from out of town said it is what they were most impressed by at the U.S. Open.

The 125th U.S. Open is taking place this week outside of Pittsburgh at Oakmont Country Club, and after a dry, hot start, shower and storm chances will increase for the weekend. Oakmont Country Club is hosting the tournament for a record 10th time this year, with the last one in 2016 when Dustin Johnson won.

As the country star’s conversation continued with PGA Tour Radio, the focus shifted to this year’s tournament, which is currently taking place at the aforementioned Oakmont Country Club. And Church was once again asked to give his prediction for a winning score for the U.S. Open, which typically acts as the toughest test on the major schedule.

Hundreds of men flooded Oakmont Country Club as the sun was peaking its head over the top of the property Tuesday morning. Not a single one was gearing up to play. Grounds crew, maintenance staff and championship officials were putting the finishing touches on practice round conditions,

The challenge of the Oakmont Country Club golf course should not be underestimated. The announcers for the U.S. Open have been highlighting that point. Channel 11 talked to analyst John Wood from NBC Sports to learn more about what makes the course so difficult.

Spieth, a three-time major champion, is still in the hunt but did not hold back in acknowledging how difficult this course is