Major Meltdown: DeChambeau, Mickelson Among Stars to Miss Cut at U.S. Open 2025
The 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont promised drama â and it delivered by the end of Round 2, but not in the way many expected. Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, and several other prominent names have shockingly missed the cut, ending their major hopes before the weekend.
Oakmont, known for its brutal layout and unforgiving greens, once again proved it doesnât play favorites â even for past champions and future Hall of Famers.
đŽ DeChambeauâs Power Game Falls Flat
Coming off a strong showing earlier this season and riding high on momentum from recent top finishes, Bryson DeChambeau arrived at Oakmont with high expectations. But after two uncharacteristically erratic rounds of 75 and 73, the 2020 U.S. Open champion found himself two shots outside the cut line.
DeChambeau, who typically dominates with his length off the tee, struggled to control his approach shots and missed several short-range putts â mistakes that proved costly.
âI just couldnât figure out the greens,â DeChambeau admitted. âTheyâre fast, slopey, and if youâre even slightly off, youâre in big trouble.â
His exit is a major blow not just for fans hoping for a weekend charge, but for the storyline of a potential DeChambeau-Rahm rivalry playing out under Oakmontâs intense spotlight.
đď¸ââď¸ Mickelsonâs Major Drought Continues
For Phil Mickelson, the result was painfully familiar. The six-time major winner, still chasing the elusive U.S. Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, carded rounds of 76 and 74 to miss the cut by a wide margin.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance â including a vintage flop shot save on the 8th hole Friday â Mickelsonâs inconsistency off the tee and inability to capitalize on scoring holes left him with too much ground to make up.
âI love this place, but it doesnât love me back,â Mickelson said with a smile after Fridayâs round. âItâs tough. I just didnât have it this week.â
At 54, Mickelsonâs chances at a U.S. Open title grow slimmer each year, though his continued presence at majors still draws attention and crowds.
â Other Notables Also Sent Packing
Mickelson and DeChambeau werenât alone in their early exits. Several other high-profile players also missed the cut, including:
- Tony Finau, who never found his rhythm and shot +7 across two rounds.
- Rickie Fowler, whose putter went cold in Round 2 after an opening 70.
- Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open winner, who struggled to adjust to Oakmontâs dense rough and lightning-fast greens.
The cut line was set at +3, and with scoring conditions firming up, the margin for error was minimal.
đ§ Why This Matters
The early exit of multiple stars dramatically reshapes the weekend narrative at Oakmont. While some fans may miss familiar names battling on Sunday, the leaderboard is now wide open â giving rising stars and lesser-known contenders a legitimate shot at claiming the championship.
It also reflects the evolving nature of major championships. Power, pedigree, and past glory arenât enough to survive courses like Oakmont, where precision, patience, and course management rule.
đŽ Whatâs Next
With Sam Burns, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler still in contention, the weekend promises plenty of excitement â even without some of golfâs biggest names.
For DeChambeau and Mickelson, the focus now shifts to regrouping for the summer swing and preparing for The Open Championship. For the fans, itâs a reminder that in golf, no lead â and no legacy â is safe.
đŹ Final Thoughts
The U.S. Open has always been golfâs ultimate test â and Oakmont proved once again why itâs one of the sportâs toughest stages. With DeChambeau, Mickelson, and other stars heading home early, the path to glory now belongs to those who can survive the grind.
And for fans, that unpredictability is part of what makes this championship so captivating.