Rory McIlroy did not mince words when sharing his thoughts on the extreme difficulty of Oakmont Country Club, the host venue of this year’s U.S. Open. The Northern Irishman, a four-time major champion, described the course as “nearly impossible,” offering a scathing critique of its punishing layout and brutal conditions.
Known for its lightning-fast greens, deep bunkers, and tight fairways, Oakmont has long held a reputation as one of the toughest tests in golf. But McIlroy’s comments suggest that this year’s setup may have pushed the limits too far.
“It’s borderline unfair,” McIlroy remarked during a press conference. “You’re not being rewarded for good shots, and it feels like you’re just trying to survive instead of compete. That’s not championship golf.”
McIlroy’s frustration reflects the challenges many players have faced throughout the tournament, with high scores and missed cuts becoming the norm. The U.S. Open is infamous for its tough setups, but Oakmont appears to have raised the difficulty to an entirely new level.
As the weekend progresses, players will need to summon all their skill and mental toughness to have any hope of contending. But McIlroy’s blistering verdict serves as a warning: Oakmont may not just be testing golfers—it may be breaking them.
