U.S. Open 2025: Complete Player Field and Exemption Breakdown for Oakmont Championship
Everything Golf Fans Need to Know About Who’s Already Qualified for the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club
Introduction: The Countdown to Oakmont and the Players Locked In So Far
With the 2025 PGA Championship concluded and Scottie Scheffler crowned as the new Wanamaker Trophy holder, attention swiftly turns to the next major on the calendar — the prestigious 125th U.S. Open.
Golf enthusiasts will not have to wait long before the first tee shot at Oakmont Country Club, located just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a tight turnaround of approximately three weeks separating these two marquee events.
Excitingly, 86 players have already secured their spots through exemption categories as the field begins to take shape.
These exemptions include top-tier golfers who qualified based on rankings, points standings, past achievements, and even a historic first exemption granted to a LIV Golf League player ranked within the league’s top three individual standings, provided they are not already qualified.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) received a record-breaking 10,202 entries for this year’s championship — surpassing the previous record of 10,187 set during the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club.
This marks the fourth consecutive year in which the USGA has logged more than 10,000 entries, underscoring the growing prestige and competitiveness of the event.
Players without full exemptions are currently battling through rigorous Local and Final Qualifying stages to earn one of the remaining places in the 156-player field set for Oakmont.
Qualification Process: Local and Final Qualifying Explained
Local Qualifying:
Local qualifying is contested over 18 holes across 110 venues spread over 43 U.S. states, as well as Canada and Mexico.
These rounds took place between April 16 and May 19. Players who successfully advance from this stage will move on to the next and final hurdle.
Final Qualifying:
Final qualifying, conducted over 36 holes, will be held at 10 U.S. locations and three international sites.
The first round of Final Qualifying occurred simultaneously in England, Japan, and Texas on May 19.
Additional qualifying sites are scheduled for Monday, June 2, located in Ohio (two sites), California, Florida (recently moved to Emerald Dunes Club, West Palm Beach), Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, and Canada.
The intensity of this multi-stage qualification underscores the demanding nature of the U.S. Open, often dubbed “the ultimate test” in golf.
Historical Significance of Oakmont Country Club in U.S. Open Lore
Oakmont Country Club holds a storied place in U.S. Open history, having hosted the championship nine times previously.
Legendary champions such as Tommy Armour (1927), Ben Hogan (1953), Jack Nicklaus (1962), and Johnny Miller (1973) have etched their names at this venue.
The most recent U.S. Open at Oakmont was won by Dustin Johnson in 2016, who secured victory by three shots despite incurring a controversial penalty late in his final round for a moving ball on the green.
Oakmont’s role as a U.S. Open anchor site has been solidified by its designation as the venue for future championships in 2033, 2042, and 2049, as well as other prestigious USGA tournaments, further cementing its legacy as one of golf’s most iconic and challenging courses.
Players Already Qualified: An Exhaustive Roster and Their Paths to Oakmont
Below is a comprehensive list of players who have already earned exemptions and are confirmed participants in the 2025 U.S. Open field, including amateurs who have qualified through their accomplishments:
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Ludvig Åberg (Exemptions: 11, 21)
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Byeong Hun An (11, 21)
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Jose Luis Ballester (a) (4)
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Sam Bartow (Final Qualifying – FQ)
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Evan Beck (a) (5)
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Daniel Berger (21)
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Christian Bezuidenhout (11)
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Akshay Bhatia (11, 21)
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Richard Bland (3)
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Keegan Bradley (2, 11, 21)
The full field includes a blend of multiple major winners, top-ranked players in world golf standings, seasoned veterans, emerging stars, and successful qualifiers.
| 🎖️ Category | 📝 Description |
|---|---|
| Past U.S. Open Champions | Winners from the last 10 years automatically qualify. |
| Top 10 from 2024 U.S. Open | Includes 10 lowest scorers and ties from previous year. |
| 2024 U.S. Senior Open Winner | Secures automatic entry based on senior success. |
| 2024 U.S. Amateur Winner | Top amateur granted full exemption. |
| U.S. Junior, Mid-Amateur & Runner-Up | Amateurs only; major junior and mid-level winners plus amateur runner-up. |
| Masters Champions (2020–2025) | Winners within the last six years earn exemption. |
| PGA Championship Winners (2021–2025) | Recent PGA champions are automatically qualified. |
| The Open Champions (2021–2024) | British Open winners within last 4 years are exempt. |
| Players Championship Winners (2023–2025) | Recent champions from The Players earn exemption. |
| 2024 BMW PGA Champion | DP World Tour’s top winner qualifies. |
| 2024 Tour Championship Field | All players who qualified for the final Tour event. |
| Multiple PGA Tour Winners (Since 2024 U.S. Open) | Players with multiple full-point wins are eligible. |
| Top 5 in 2025 FedExCup (as of May 19) | If not already exempt, top 5 receive qualification. |
| 2024 Korn Ferry Points Leader | Top performer on development tour secures entry. |
| Top 2 – Race to Dubai 2024 (as of May 19) | Final rankings offer access to two best players. |
| Top Player – Race to Dubai 2025 (as of May 19) | Current leader earns spot if not exempt already. |
| 2024 British Amateur Winner | Top amateur from British championship qualifies. |
| 2024 McCormack Medal Winner | Top male amateur in the world receives exemption. |
| 2025 NCAA Individual Champion | Top college player earns a direct berth. |
| 2025 Latin America Amateur Winner | Latin American amateur champion receives entry. |
| Top 60 – OWGR (as of May 19) | Players inside top 60 ranking qualify automatically. |
| Top 60 – OWGR (as of June 9) | Second cutoff for Official World Golf Ranking. |
| 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist | Gold medalist in men’s golf earns U.S. Open spot. |
| Top 3 – 2025 LIV Standings (as of May 19) | Top performers from LIV circuit gain exemption if not already qualified. |
| USGA Special Exemptions | Discretionary entries; requests due by May 15. |
Noteworthy Players and Their Multiple Qualification Criteria
Many players hold exemptions under multiple categories, emphasizing their consistency and excellence.
For example:
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Scottie Scheffler, the reigning PGA Champion, qualifies under categories 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 21, and 23.
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Rory McIlroy, a four-time major winner, is exempt under categories 2, 9, 11, 12, and 21.
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Brooks Koepka, multiple major champion, qualifies via categories 1, 7.
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Jon Rahm, former World Number 1, is in under categories 1, 6.
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Collin Morikawa, 2021 Open Champion, qualifies under 7, 8, 11, 21.
This illustrates the depth of talent and the fierce competition expected at Oakmont.
Qualifiers to Watch: Emerging Stars and Amateurs Making Their Mark
The field is not just defined by established names but also enriched by up-and-coming players and talented amateurs who have battled through local and final qualifying:
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Jose Luis Ballester (a) — A promising amateur exempt under category 4 (2024 U.S. Amateur winner).
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Evan Beck (a) — Exempt via category 5.
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Justin Hastings (a) — Recent qualifier bringing fresh excitement.
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Many others carrying the ‘(a)’ designation signal amateur status, highlighting the inclusive nature of the championship.
Their participation underscores the U.S. Open’s tradition of giving rising stars a platform to compete against the sport’s elite.
The Road Ahead: Additional Qualification Opportunities and Potential Field Changes
Between now and the championship week in mid-June, more players will earn their place in the Oakmont field through ongoing qualifiers, rising through the Official World Golf Rankings, or receiving special USGA exemptions.
Fans are encouraged to revisit the evolving field regularly as new names lock in their spots.
The qualifying schedule is rigorous, and the competition fierce, ensuring that only those demonstrating peak performance and resilience advance to contest golf’s toughest test.
Historical Context: Oakmont’s Place in Golf’s Majors
Oakmont Country Club’s reputation for being one of the most challenging U.S. Open venues is well-earned.
The course’s punishing greens, deep bunkers, and fast fairways have tested the mettle of generations of great players.
Champions crowned here are often those who master both precision and endurance.
From the legendary feats of Ben Hogan’s comeback to Jack Nicklaus’s dominance, to Johnny Miller’s wire-to-wire victory in 1973, Oakmont has been a stage where golfing history unfolds.
The club’s recurring selection for future U.S. Opens underlines its enduring status as a centerpiece of American golf.
Summary and Final Thoughts
The 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont promises to deliver drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.
With a robust mix of seasoned champions, top-ranked stars, and hungry qualifiers, the field is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Golf fans should keep a close eye on the qualification process through June, as the final composition of the field is finalized.
The next few weeks will reveal which players will rise to the occasion and etch their names alongside Oakmont’s illustrious champions.
Stay Updated
For continuous updates on player qualifications, exemption announcements, and exclusive insights into the 2025 U.S. Open, stay tuned to official USGA releases and trusted golf media sources.
