Setting the Stage at Oakmont Country Club

Oakmont Country Club, the host of the 2025 U.S. Open, serves as the formidable backdrop for an intense golf challenge in a recent video posted on June 9, 2025. This historic venue, known for its punishing layout and storied past, welcomes Grant Horvat alongside George Bryan and Wesley Bryan for a unique test of skill. Their mission is clear: to simulate the pressure of a major championship and attempt to make the cut at one of the toughest courses in the world. With the support of the USGA and Oakmont CC, this video captures the raw challenge of playing under conditions akin to a U.S. Open.

The Challenge Unfolds

The trio takes on Oakmont in an 18-hole stroke play format, aiming to post scores that would theoretically qualify them for the weekend at a major. From the outset, the course's notorious difficulty is evident, with tight fairways, punishing rough, and lightning-fast greens testing every aspect of their game. Around the 5:30 mark, the players discuss their strategy, emphasizing the need for precision over power given Oakmont's design. Each hole presents a new puzzle, demanding careful shot selection and mental fortitude to avoid the course's many traps.

Key Moments and Struggles

As the round progresses, standout moments highlight both brilliance and frustration. Near the 12:45 timestamp, a critical approach shot lands just short of a green, leading to a tricky up-and-down that encapsulates the relentless pressure of Oakmont. The Bryan brothers showcase their professional experience, offering insights into course management, while occasional missteps remind viewers of the fine margins in elite golf. At roughly 25:10, a particularly challenging bunker shot draws audible groans, underscoring how even small errors can compound on this layout.

Course Features and Atmosphere

Oakmont's unique characteristics are on full display throughout the video. The infamous Church Pews bunker, deep rough, and undulating greens are recurring obstacles that shape the narrative of the round. Around the 35:20 point, the camera pans over the sprawling landscape, capturing the intimidating aura of a venue that has hosted numerous U.S. Opens. The players frequently comment on the course's reputation, noting how it demands respect and punishes overconfidence, providing viewers with a firsthand look at what makes this track a major championship staple.

Building Toward the Conclusion

As the round nears its end, tension builds over whether the scores will be low enough to make the hypothetical cut. Each player grapples with fatigue and the cumulative effect of Oakmont's challenges, with late holes proving decisive. At the 50:15 mark, a crucial putt rolls just wide, prompting a reflection on the razor-thin margins that define success at this level. The video, part one of a two-part series, leaves the outcome hanging, directing viewers to the next installment for the final results on the Bryan Bros Golf channel.