OAKMONT'S EVOLUTION & PLAYER FUTURES - June 11th, 2025

On June 11th, 2025, "Today in Golf" delved into evolving U.S. Open conditions at Oakmont, major player contract news for Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, and critical perspectives on Liv Golf's impact on major preparedness.

U.S. OPEN PREP: OAKMONT'S SHIFTING CHALLENGE

• Rory McIlroy initially found Oakmont "impossible," shooting an 81, but recent rain has softened the "dicey" course, making it "much more benign" and "certainly playable" ahead of the U.S. Open.
• Supporting quote: Rory noted greens were "fifteen and a half," but are now "a little softer."
• Human angle: Rory also confirmed he's settled on "a TaylorMade driver" after realizing he "was not using the correct driver."

DJ'S COUNTDOWN & CONTRACT WATCH

• Dustin Johnson revealed he has "another six years in me... And then I'm going fishing," while reports indicate his Liv Golf contract expires this season, adding intrigue to his future plans.
• Supporting quote: DJ: "My game feels like it's coming back into good form."
• Human angle: His Oakmont membership quip: "I'm probably their favorite member because I never come."

BRYSON'S TECH & LIV FUTURE

• Bryson DeChambeau discussed his new LA Golf irons featuring "a flatter heel curvature" and a toe-ward CG shift, while noting his Liv contract ends after 2026 with new talks expected "end of this year."
• Supporting quote: Bryson on new talks: "They see the value in me... I believe we'll come to some sort of resolution."
• Human angle: He found the idea of unconventional Oakmont fairway play "intriguing" and planned to investigate.

RAHM'S REFLECTIONS & OAKMONT'S GREENS

• Jon Rahm candidly admitted Liv Golf top tens weren't "easier... with a smaller field" and that he'd "happily trade a bunch of them for more wins," also revealing a past driver shaft issue impacted his swing.
• Supporting quote: Rahm described Oakmont's greens as "very complicated and intricate."
• Human angle: He acknowledged a previous unsuitable driver shaft negatively impacted his swing for "a year to a year and a half."

SCHEFFLER'S PREP & VENMO VETO

• World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler explained quitting Venmo due to awkward money requests ("It wasn't a good feeling"), especially when not winning, and highlighted the benefit of a week off for "normal major prep."
• Supporting quote: Scheffler on his week off: It was "really important... to get home, get some rest, recover."
• Human angle: He found he received more payment requests on Venmo when he *didn't* win tournaments.

LIV GOLF: MAJOR PREP DEBATE & TEAM NEWS

• Paul McGinley argued "it's hard to make an argument that Liv prepares you to win major championships," citing format and intensity, as Liv Golf announced its Team Championship in Plymouth, MI (Aug 22-24).
• Supporting quote: McGinley: "The training... on Liv... it's not the same intensity as the PGA Tour. Nobody can argue that that is not true."
• Human angle: 14 Liv players are competing at the U.S. Open, putting McGinley's theory to the test.

Quick Hits

JT praises Rory's driving & jokes about Scheffler • Nick Dunlap's recent major struggles (0-for-5) • Collin Morikawa on Oakmont vs. Muirfield & playing long clubs from thick rough

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