US Open: Scottie Scheffler Faces Stern Challenge in Second Round

Scottie Scheffler starts the US Open's second round seven shots behind leader J.J. Spaun, while Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm also chase the lead at Oakmont Country Club.

Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, tees off early in the US Open's second round, aiming to climb up the leaderboard at Oakmont Country Club. Scheffler had a tough start, shooting a three-over-par 73 in the first round, which put him seven shots behind the surprise leader, J.J. Spaun.

Scheffler's opening round was his worst relative to par in his major career, leaving him tied for 49th place. Spaun, on the other hand, shot a bogey-free 66, the day's best score. To get back into contention, Scheffler will need to tap into his renowned ability to bounce back from setbacks, a skill that has served him well in past victories.

Key Challenges for Scheffler:

Overcoming the Seven-Shot Deficit: Scheffler has never come back from outside the top 30 at the end of the first round to win an official PGA Tour event, making this a significant challenge.

"Good morning, Oakmont. I'm here." -- Scottie

Scheffler calmly rolls in an arcing 20-footer on No. 10 to start his second round with a birdie. pic.twitter.com/0WeMMWWtCg

— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 13, 2025

Mastering Oakmont's Demands: The course is known for its difficulty, with a high scoring average in past U.S. Opens. Scheffler's ability to adapt and navigate its challenges will be crucial.

Maintaining Focus: Scheffler's mental game and ability to stay focused under pressure will be put to the test as he tries to close the gap with Spaun.

Scottie Scheffler finds himself in a tough spot, tied for 49th place and seven shots behind surprise leader J.J. Spaun. Scheffler's challenge is significant, as he has never come back from outside the top 30 at the end of the first round to win a PGA Tour event. His opening round of 73, three over par, was his worst relative to par in a major start.

Spaun, on the other hand, had a stellar opening round, shooting a bogey-free four-under 66, the day's best score. The unheralded American will look to build on his strong start as he tees off from the first tee at 12:52 p.m. ET. Scheffler will need to play some great golf to catch up with Spaun, who has shown impressive form in his recent games.

Thriston Lawrence, one shot behind leader J.J. Spaun, will tee off from the 10th hole at 2:20 p.m. Brooks Koepka, a five-time major winner and one of the LIV Golf players in the field, started the second round two shots off the pace, tied for third place with Kim Si-woo and Im Sung-jae.

Jon Rahm, part of a group three shots behind leader J.J. Spaun, teed off early from the 10th hole. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy, both of whom had a tough opening round, have later afternoon tee times, giving them a chance to regroup and mount a comeback.