? U.S. Open at Oakmont: Expert Betting Predictions and Player Insights

Introduction

The U.S. Open returns to Oakmont Country Club for a historic tenth time, reaffirming its status as one of the crown jewels of major championship golf. Will Doctor, host of the Golf Preview Podcast on Pregame’s Network, dives deep into player statistics, historical context, and predictive insights to help bettors and fans prepare for the 2025 showdown. This article breaks down everything from course analysis and historical significance to expert picks and fantasy lineups—all based on Doctor’s full transcript preview.

Dissecting the Canadian Open Collapse

Coming into Oakmont, Will Doctor reflects on a disastrous showing at the RBC Canadian Open, with his picks down 68.7 units year-to-date. The Osprey Valley course, in his view, was a disservice to Canada's national championship—“a disgrace” with lazy architecture. Only Sam Burns’ top-20 finish salvaged any value, while favorites like Clanton, Woodland, and Van Rooyen failed to make the cut. In contrast, Ryan Fox electrified fans with a playoff victory, marking his second win in four starts and the first Canadian Open win by a Kiwi since 1968.

Oakmont’s Historic Gravitas

Oakmont’s reputation precedes it: 10 U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships, two U.S. Women’s Opens, and six U.S. Amateurs. Notable champions include:

• Tommy Armour (1927): Won after an 18-hole playoff.

• Ben Hogan (1953): Part of his unmatched three-major season.

• Jack Nicklaus (1962): Defeated Arnold Palmer in a landmark playoff.

• Johnny Miller (1973): Shot what Doctor considers the greatest round in U.S. Open history—a 63 amid tough conditions.

• Angel Cabrera (2007): Edged Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk with two under-par rounds.

• Dustin Johnson (2016): Captured his first major title at four under par.

This pedigree sets the stage for another fierce contest.

Primary Outright Picks

Scottie Scheffler (+350): Doctor’s lead pick. With three dominant wins in recent starts (including by 8 and 5 strokes), Scheffler is poised for greatness. He nearly made the cut here as an amateur in 2016 and is now a world No. 1 with three top 10s in his last four U.S. Opens.

Bryson DeChambeau (14-1): Despite recent driving inaccuracy, his approach game and short game have surged. He praised Oakmont as “the toughest test in the world,” showing readiness and confidence with a new set of L.A. Golf irons.

Matchups and Fades

John Rahm over Rory McIlroy (-133): Rory missed the cut at the Canadian Open and admits he's struggling with motivation. Rahm, while inconsistent on the greens lately, has the polished game to contend.

Fades:

• Xander Schauffele: Season-long driving issues.

• Collin Morikawa: Weak scrambling game, a critical skill at Oakmont.

Nationality-Based Picks

Ludwig Åberg (+180 Top Nordic): Strong recent finishes and solid metrics make him the clear pick over peers like Hovland, Olsen, and Lagerlund.

Hideki Matsuyama (Even Top Japanese): The most accomplished Japanese golfer in the field, Matsuyama's U.S. Open experience and overall skill outclass a weak national pool this year.

Additional Outright Bets

Brooks Koepka (18-1): Previously promising, but now faded due to lackluster performance and missed cuts in majors.

Keegan Bradley (100-1): Outstanding recent iron play and off-the-tee performance. His putting showed signs of life at Jack’s Place, making him a top sleeper candidate.

Cam Young (150-1): Four strong performances in recent starts, plus a gritty U.S. Open qualification over Max Homa and Rickie Fowler. He’s picked to top-28 (+320) as the best value bet.

Fantasy Lineups & Projections

DraftKings (50K Budget):

• John Rahm – 10.2K

• Ludwig Åberg – 9.6K

• Jordan Spieth – 7.5K

• Keegan Bradley – 7.4K

• Cam Young – 6.5K

• Mark Leishman – 6.0K

PGA Tour.com:

• Captain: Scottie Scheffler

• Starters: Bradley, DeChambeau, Young

• Bench: Åberg, Leishman

Winning Score Prediction: -3 under par, influenced by potential weekend rain.

Conclusion

Will Doctor’s U.S. Open preview for Oakmont combines sharp statistical insights, course knowledge, and betting expertise. His picks reflect a nuanced understanding of player form, course fit, and historical context, offering readers both entertainment and strategic guidance for one of golf’s most storied tournaments.