Will Oakmont Spawn Another First-Time Major Champion?
Xander Schaufflee won his first major title in 2024, capturing the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, KY. He enjoyed it so much that he won his second major (The Open Championship) two months later at Royal Troon.
Winning a major championship is a historical achievement for players and lifts professional golfers into an elite class of champions. Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. is hosting the U.S. Open in 2025, marking the 12th time the course will hold a major championship. It’s been a magical site for PGA Tour players in search of their first major trophy.
Seven of the 11 major tournaments hosted at Oakmont were captured by first-time major winners, including six of the last seven. That streak was started by Jack Nicklaus in 1962. Nicklaus won 17 more majors, the most of any player in the history of golf.
Last 7 Major Championships Played at Oakmont Country Club
| 2016 | US Open | Dustin Johnson |
| 2007 | US Open | Angel Cabrera |
| 1994 | US Open | Ernie Els |
| 1983 | US Open | Larry Nelson | 1978 | PGA Championship | John Mahaffey |
| 1973 | US Open | Johnny Miller |
| 1962 | US Open | Jack Nicklaus |
*Boldfaced notes player won their first major title
In 2016, Dustin Johnson carried the same label held by Schaufflee entering this year. He was the best player on the PGA Tour to never win a major. Johnson broke through to top the field at Oakmont, but the storyline included a subplot. For those who recall the golf ruling controversy, Johnson was assessed a one-stroke penalty after his final round, but fortunately still won the tournament by three strokes.
Does winning at Oakmont lead to greatness?
Players winning their first major at Oakmont should not lead golf fans to believe it’s an easy course. It is extremely challenging and requires great skill and concentration. In fact, most of the first–time major winners at Oakmont went on to enjoy legendary careers. The four players who won majors at Oakmont before Nicklaus — Ben Hogan (1953 U.S. Open), Sam Snead (1951 PGA Championship), Tommy Armour (1927 U.S. Open), and Gene Sarazen (1922 PGA Championship) — are all members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, Larry Nelson, and Ernie Els have also been inducted with Johnson and (possibly) Angel Cabrera waiting in the wings.
The speed and pitch of the greens are the primary reasons why Oakmont is so demanding. Great putting is key to contending for a championship, but the greens impact more than putting. Quality approach shots are essential to hold the green, which makes well–placed tee shots essential.
Will the next first–time major champion emerge in 2025 at Oakmont? Patrick Cantlay, Ricky Fowler, Tony Finau, and Victor Hovland would like to extend that streak. If GAP members are interested in attending, the USGA has ticket packages available.
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