Saturday, June 14, 2025, marked the crucial third round of the 125th U.S. Open Championship at the iconic Oakmont Country Club. After overnight rains softened the notoriously firm course, players faced a different challenge – still demanding, but with conditions allowing for more aggressive play into the greens.
TribLIVE photojournalists were on site to capture the defining moments of the day, from intense on-course action to the vibrant spectator experience.
Softened Conditions Set the Stage
The third round commenced shortly after 9 a.m., following the completion of the delayed second round for thirteen golfers who couldn’t finish Friday. Philip Barbaree Jr., who made the cut with a clutch 5-foot putt in the morning, was the first player to tee off for Round 3.
The roughly 1 inch of rainfall received Friday and overnight meant greens were softened, though the USGA still managed speeds ranging from the mid to upper 14s on the Stimpmeter through careful triple-cutting. Tees and fairways, however, were not mowed due to the wet grounds. Despite the softer conditions, Oakmont remained a formidable test, playing at 7,331 yards for the round with challenging alternate tees on holes like the 253-yard 8th and the 312-yard 17th. The deep rough, topped off at 5.25 inches, continued to penalize errant shots.
Former Oakmont champions offered their wisdom for navigating the course under pressure. Jack Nicklaus, the 1962 winner, emphasized the importance of “patience,” while Johnny Miller, who carded a historic 63 in 1973, gave succinct advice: “Just get it in the fairway.”
Leaderboard Battle Heats Up
The top of the leaderboard saw intense competition throughout the day. As the round progressed, J.J. Spaun and Sam Burns emerged as co-leaders at 3-under par, engaging in a direct battle for the lead.
Several players made significant moves up the board. Carlos Ortiz had a standout performance, crafting a bogey-free round with four birdies to climb from 3-over to 1-under, positioning himself just two strokes off the pace. U.S. Open debutant Trevor Cone also impressed, improving to 1-over par and reaching sixth place after a strong start to his round, showcasing his impressive driving distance.
Other notable players near the top included Collin Morikawa, Robert MacIntyre, and Sam Stevens at 2-over par. Veterans Corey Conners and Marc Leishman each shot 3-under for their rounds, moving their tournament totals to 3-over. Xander Schauffele also improved his position, finishing the day at 4-over. Even Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 champion, found some momentum with a 1-under front nine, including a long birdie putt on the par-5 fourth.
Key Moments Captured
The third round provided plenty of memorable moments on the course, some captured in this gallery.
Players battled the challenging conditions and course design. Tom Kim was seen navigating the demanding rough, chipping onto the 3rd green, and analyzing putts alongside playing partner Maverick McNealy. Jordan Spieth faced the legendary Church Pews Bunkers on the 4th green, needing to chip out of the notorious sand. Ryan McCormick also had his share of difficulty, chipping out of the rough on the closing 18th green. These shots highlight the precision required at Oakmont, even when conditions are softer.
Beyond the Ropes: The Fan Experience
The U.S. Open is not just about the players; it’s a massive event drawing golf enthusiasts from everywhere. The photo gallery also offers glimpses into the fan experience. Spectators relaxed in the Fan Club Area, taking in the tournament atmosphere. Some fans, like Wilson Lake from Beaver County, took a close look at the coveted U.S. Open Trophy itself. The event also showcased logistical support, such as attendees utilizing mobility scooters and staff members like Cuppy Johndro maintaining the equipment provided by Scootaround.
With the stage set and the leaderboard tightly contested, the third round at Oakmont delivered drama and excitement, pointing towards a thrilling conclusion in Sunday’s final round.
Stay tuned for more coverage of the 125th U.S. Open Championship.
