Colin Montgomerie Reflects on Brutal Oakmont Ahead of 125th US Open

Colin Montgomerie, a three-time U.S. Open runner-up including at Oakmont in 1994, reflects on the course's toughness and the changes in golf technology that have influenced play. Despite his disappointment that the USGA reduced the rough at Oakmont for the 125th U.S. Open, he acknowledges that today's advanced equipment balances the challenge, making the course a fair test where players should not miss fairways unless in strong winds. Montgomerie emphasizes that the competition remains brutal, requiring mastery of all aspects of the game—driving, iron play, chipping, and putting—rather than just putting prowess. He advises players to embrace the challenge and not complain, noting the wider fairways today compared to 30 years ago. Montgomerie also supports the view that the U.S. Open at Oakmont demands a full game of golf to win, maintaining its reputation as a formidable venue. Reflecting on his near-win, he remains cautious about scoring low under par but respects the course's enduring difficulty.