As anticipation reaches fever pitch for the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, the historic stage is set for one of the most challenging and prestigious tests in championship golf. The field, stacked with the game's elite, is bracing to confront an Oakmont layout famous for penal rough, undulating fairways, and lightning-fast greens—conditions that have historically separated the greats from the also-rans. With the first round teeing off on Thursday, storylines abound: Scottie Scheffler’s bid for his first U.S. Open trophy and the prospect of Bryson DeChambeau joining an exclusive club by repeating as champion are just the beginning. In 2025, artificial intelligence enters the conversation more forcefully than ever, with the likes of Microsoft Copilot AI lending its predictive power to help golf bettors and fans decipher a tournament brimming with drama, complexity, and opportunity.
Oakmont is no ordinary host. With more U.S. Opens in its storied ledger than any other venue, the club near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is synonymous with golf’s toughest examination. Its legendary “church pew” bunkers, thick rough, and glassy greens have routinely humbled the sport’s most accomplished players. Since its opening in 1903, Oakmont has been the crucible that forges champions or exposes weaknesses, demanding precision, mental fortitude, and creativity.
For 2025, course set-up officials have reportedly aimed to preserve Oakmont’s punitive legacy, prioritizing green speed and penal rough height. The winning score has often hovered around par—or worse—underscoring that survival, not just aggression, is often the blueprint for success. Cross-referencing data from the USGA and past championship scoring, it’s clear that Oakmont tends to deliver winning tallies close to even par, regardless of modern equipment or superstar fields.
Critically, Scheffler’s precision off the tee and proficiency from the fairway offer advantages at Oakmont, where finding the correct side of fairways is vital. Still, putting remains a persistent question for Scheffler—his numbers, while improving, have not reached the heights of his ball-striking. At Oakmont, where subtle breaks and furious speeds test even the best, this singular weakness could mean the difference between contending and conquering.
Betting markets have him at +750, and Copilot AI singles out his “power game” as a natural fit for Oakmont’s sprawling par-4s and daunting par-5s. Independent statistical reviews confirm that Bryson’s ability to take on hazards and recover from deep rough provide a margin for error inaccessible to most. Yet, his aggressive approach is a double-edged sword; when conditions push back and scoring windows shrink, even small lapses can result in big numbers.
His measured approach—rarely wildly aggressive, never overly defensive—can keep big numbers off the card. Golf statisticians highlight Schauffele’s above-average driving accuracy and ranked green-in-regulation performances, both essential at Oakmont. However, going from contender to multiple major winner requires perfect execution: Oakmont exposes any finesse weakness around its greens.
Analysts note that Åberg’s stats in strokes gained: off-the-tee and approach rival those of more seasoned peers. While some commentators urge caution—as Oakmont has a history of humbling debutantes—recent form and emergence as a Ryder Cup star provide compelling evidence that his ceiling is high. The risk: Oakmont's legendary nuances require wisdom born more of scars than bravado, a crucible Åberg is eager, but yet unproven, to embrace.
Critics, however, point to relative inconsistency in recent closes—several opportunities have narrowly escaped Morikawa’s grasp. Whether he can summon both the putting prowess and mental resolve to translate superior ball-striking into clutch weekend birdies remains the central question.
Bradley’s biggest challenge is arguably between the ears; pressure has, on occasion, led to struggles on the greens. Nonetheless, recent performances indicate a resilience and confidence not seen in years, making him a compelling pick for those seeking value against the favorites.
Such AI-driven betting advice, already in use by platforms like BetMGM and DraftKings, is rapidly reshaping how both fans and pundits approach pre-tournament evaluations. By parsing millions of data points—ranging from ShotLink stats to biomechanical swing models—these systems can quickly identify not only who is most likely to win, but also where bettors might find value outside the media spotlight.
However, a word of caution: while AI leverages vast historical and in-the-moment data, it is still susceptible to outliers, human intangibles, and the unique pressure of a U.S. Open weekend. No mathematical model, however sophisticated, can fully anticipate the emotional swings of a Sunday back nine in major championship golf.
Saturday and Sunday’s third and final rounds will feature NBC’s signature major tournament coverage alongside continued streaming access. For digital-first viewers, every round is available via Peacock, usopen.com, the USGA mobile app, and Fubo—ensuring no drama escapes those eager to watch history unfold.
In addition, Peacock is again rolling out its “U.S. Open All-Access,” a whiparound-style viewing experience that jumps between featured groups, breakouts, and dramatic holes for every round of the championship.
The central lesson for fans and bettors alike is this: Use AI as a guide, not a gospel. In the final reckoning, the U.S. Open at Oakmont will reward not only those with the best numbers, but the players who summon greatness when history—and Oakmont’s snarling teeth—are biting the hardest.
Whether Scottie Scheffler finally breaks through, Bryson DeChambeau cements his legacy, or an unheralded star emerges, one thing is certain: the legacy of Oakmont and the drama of the U.S. Open will continue to captivate and defy prediction, no matter how advanced the algorithms become.
Source: USA Today 2025 US Open predictions: AI picks for best bets at Oakmont
Oakmont Country Club: The True Test of Championship Golf
Oakmont is no ordinary host. With more U.S. Opens in its storied ledger than any other venue, the club near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is synonymous with golf’s toughest examination. Its legendary “church pew” bunkers, thick rough, and glassy greens have routinely humbled the sport’s most accomplished players. Since its opening in 1903, Oakmont has been the crucible that forges champions or exposes weaknesses, demanding precision, mental fortitude, and creativity.For 2025, course set-up officials have reportedly aimed to preserve Oakmont’s punitive legacy, prioritizing green speed and penal rough height. The winning score has often hovered around par—or worse—underscoring that survival, not just aggression, is often the blueprint for success. Cross-referencing data from the USGA and past championship scoring, it’s clear that Oakmont tends to deliver winning tallies close to even par, regardless of modern equipment or superstar fields.
Key Contenders: AI-Driven Predictions and Traditional Wisdom Align
Ahead of the 2025 championship, major sports outlets—including USA TODAY Sports—sought insights from Microsoft Copilot AI, which leveraged player form, course attributes, and value in the betting markets to produce its six “best bets” for Oakmont. These selections are notably in harmony with prevailing odds from bookmakers, yet include at least one bold longshot that’s piqued interest among analysts and fantasy players alike.Scottie Scheffler (+275): The Formidable Favorite
Scheffler enters Oakmont as the clear betting favorite, priced at +275, reflecting his status as the PGA Tour’s most dominant force. According to Copilot AI—and echoed by numerous expert panels—Scheffler’s wins in recent majors, paired with his unmatched ball-striking statistics, make him the benchmark. His strokes gained metrics (per ShotLink data) place him atop the leaderboard in approach play and tee-to-green performance this season. However, skeptics point to the psychological weight of repeatedly arriving as the favorite without yet closing out a U.S. Open; mental resilience over the weekend will be under the microscope.Critically, Scheffler’s precision off the tee and proficiency from the fairway offer advantages at Oakmont, where finding the correct side of fairways is vital. Still, putting remains a persistent question for Scheffler—his numbers, while improving, have not reached the heights of his ball-striking. At Oakmont, where subtle breaks and furious speeds test even the best, this singular weakness could mean the difference between contending and conquering.
Bryson DeChambeau (+750): Chasing History as Defending Champion
DeChambeau is no stranger to the big stage, having muscled his way to the 2024 U.S. Open title with a blend of length and power rarely matched in championship history. Now, he pursues a feat achieved by only two men since World War II: back-to-back U.S. Open victories. Bookmakers, as well as AI models, see DeChambeau as one of the likeliest to weather Oakmont’s rigors—largely due to his resilience in difficult setups and adaptability to major pressure.Betting markets have him at +750, and Copilot AI singles out his “power game” as a natural fit for Oakmont’s sprawling par-4s and daunting par-5s. Independent statistical reviews confirm that Bryson’s ability to take on hazards and recover from deep rough provide a margin for error inaccessible to most. Yet, his aggressive approach is a double-edged sword; when conditions push back and scoring windows shrink, even small lapses can result in big numbers.
Xander Schauffele (+2200): Finally a Major Winner, Now a Mainstay on Leaderboards
For years, the narrative around Schauffele was that of the “best player without a major.” That changed in 2024 when he clinched his first major title, shattering psychological and historical barriers alike. Priced at +2200, AI models and traditional pundits both note his consistency in majors; Schauffele has posted top-10s in nearly half his major starts, a testament both to his game and to an even temperament that’s well-matched to Oakmont’s demands.His measured approach—rarely wildly aggressive, never overly defensive—can keep big numbers off the card. Golf statisticians highlight Schauffele’s above-average driving accuracy and ranked green-in-regulation performances, both essential at Oakmont. However, going from contender to multiple major winner requires perfect execution: Oakmont exposes any finesse weakness around its greens.
Ludvig Åberg (+2200): The Fearless Newcomer
Perhaps the most intriguing pick from the AI’s shortlist is Ludvig Åberg, the Swedish phenom whose rapid ascent has been one of golf’s breakout stories. Priced at +2200, Åberg’s fearless style and comfort in high-pressure environments have already yielded contention in previous majors, despite his lack of deep U.S. Open experience.Analysts note that Åberg’s stats in strokes gained: off-the-tee and approach rival those of more seasoned peers. While some commentators urge caution—as Oakmont has a history of humbling debutantes—recent form and emergence as a Ryder Cup star provide compelling evidence that his ceiling is high. The risk: Oakmont's legendary nuances require wisdom born more of scars than bravado, a crucible Åberg is eager, but yet unproven, to embrace.
Collin Morikawa (+2500): The Iron Maestro Poised for Another Run
Occupying a sweet-spot both in betting value and statistical preparedness is Collin Morikawa at +2500. Noted by Copilot AI for his “elite iron play,” which historically defines Oakmont winners, Morikawa is trending upward in both putting confidence and scoring. Data cross-referenced from the PGA Tour’s analytics platform highlights that Morikawa leads the field in proximity to hole on approach shots—a crucial trait when pins are tucked and greens are punitive.Critics, however, point to relative inconsistency in recent closes—several opportunities have narrowly escaped Morikawa’s grasp. Whether he can summon both the putting prowess and mental resolve to translate superior ball-striking into clutch weekend birdies remains the central question.
Keegan Bradley (+6600): Veteran Dark Horse With Game Suited to Oakmont
Rounding out the AI’s best bets is Keegan Bradley, offered as a longshot at +6600. While Bradley hasn’t captured a major since the 2011 PGA Championship, Copilot AI highlights his recent form, as well as a “good fit” for Oakmont’s old-school demands. The statistical rationale is solid: Bradley sits high in categories such as driving accuracy, strokes gained: tee-to-green, and sand saves—all essential ingredients for U.S. Open success.Bradley’s biggest challenge is arguably between the ears; pressure has, on occasion, led to struggles on the greens. Nonetheless, recent performances indicate a resilience and confidence not seen in years, making him a compelling pick for those seeking value against the favorites.
Course Fit, Betting Value, and the Rise of AI Insight
What separates this year’s predictions from previous eras is the pronounced integration of artificial intelligence into the conversation. Tools like Microsoft Copilot AI assess not just win probabilities but also nuanced course fit, recent strokes gained numbers, historical U.S. Open performance, and even weather patterns or anticipated pin placements.Such AI-driven betting advice, already in use by platforms like BetMGM and DraftKings, is rapidly reshaping how both fans and pundits approach pre-tournament evaluations. By parsing millions of data points—ranging from ShotLink stats to biomechanical swing models—these systems can quickly identify not only who is most likely to win, but also where bettors might find value outside the media spotlight.
However, a word of caution: while AI leverages vast historical and in-the-moment data, it is still susceptible to outliers, human intangibles, and the unique pressure of a U.S. Open weekend. No mathematical model, however sophisticated, can fully anticipate the emotional swings of a Sunday back nine in major championship golf.
Strengths and Risks: A Trustworthy AI "Caddie"?
Strengths
- Objectivity and Data Depth: AI predictions eliminate human bias and account for granular details such as weather, wind, and multi-year player trends that can escape the human eye.
- Speed and Scale: Systems like Copilot can produce comparative match-ups and value bets in seconds—an advantage when betting lines shift rapidly.
- Course Fit Analysis: Integration of historical course data allows for targeted recommendations; for Oakmont, that means weighting accuracy, scrambling, and mental toughness above simple power.
Risks and Caveats
- Unpredictable Human Factor: Form under pressure, injury, or even momentary lapses can upend elaborate projections. For example, AI models did not predict Lucas Glover’s 2009 shock U.S. Open win, nor the historic collapses of major contenders in recent years.
- Overreliance: The growing trust in AI can lead some bettors or analysts to overweight statistical output, ignoring “eye test” factors like visible anxiety or momentum swings.
- Limited Context: No algorithm currently available can perfectly model real-time weather changes, last-minute equipment switches, or off-course distractions—a lesson learned repeatedly in prediction failures.
How to Watch: TV, Streaming, and Comprehensive Coverage
For viewers planning to soak in the action, the 2025 U.S. Open will offer blanket coverage across NBC and USA Network. The first round (Thursday, June 12) kicks off at 7 a.m. ET on USA Network and Fubo, transitioning to Peacock’s exclusive broadcast from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Friday’s second round follows a similar multi-platform format, with early action on Peacock and later hours split between NBC, Fubo, and Peacock.Saturday and Sunday’s third and final rounds will feature NBC’s signature major tournament coverage alongside continued streaming access. For digital-first viewers, every round is available via Peacock, usopen.com, the USGA mobile app, and Fubo—ensuring no drama escapes those eager to watch history unfold.
In addition, Peacock is again rolling out its “U.S. Open All-Access,” a whiparound-style viewing experience that jumps between featured groups, breakouts, and dramatic holes for every round of the championship.
Broadcast Schedule (All Times ET)
| Day | Network(s) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | USA Network, Fubo | 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Peacock | 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. | |
| Friday | Peacock | 6:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
| NBC, Fubo | 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. | |
| Peacock | 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. | |
| Saturday | USA Network, Fubo | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
| NBC, Fubo | 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. | |
| Sunday | NBC, Fubo | Final round coverage |
Looking Ahead: The U.S. Open as the Measure
As with each return to Oakmont, old narratives and new converge, reminding us why the U.S. Open remains golf’s ultimate test of discipline, stamina, and brilliance under adversity. With artificial intelligence refining predictions and bettors chasing the ever-diminishing edge, the 2025 championship is as much about tradition as it is about data-driven evolution.The central lesson for fans and bettors alike is this: Use AI as a guide, not a gospel. In the final reckoning, the U.S. Open at Oakmont will reward not only those with the best numbers, but the players who summon greatness when history—and Oakmont’s snarling teeth—are biting the hardest.
Whether Scottie Scheffler finally breaks through, Bryson DeChambeau cements his legacy, or an unheralded star emerges, one thing is certain: the legacy of Oakmont and the drama of the U.S. Open will continue to captivate and defy prediction, no matter how advanced the algorithms become.
Source: USA Today 2025 US Open predictions: AI picks for best bets at Oakmont
