World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is the favorite heading into the U.S. Open

The GIST: The 125th U.S. Open — the third PGA Tour major of the year — begins at Pittsburgh’s notoriously difficult Oakmont Country Club tomorrow, teeing up a tremendous test for the best golfers in the game.

• Before the fellas hit the fairway, here are the top storylines to watch.

🌎 It’s Scottie Scheffler’s world — everyone else is just putting in it: The world No. 1 men’s golfer (and dad extraordinaire) is the heavy favorite, with three wins in his last four starts, including the PGA Championship in May. If Scheffler prevails at the Open, he’ll be three-quarters of the way to golf’s career Grand Slam, aka winning all four majors.

👀 What’s up with No. 2 Rory McIlroy?: In stark comparison to Scheffler, 2025 Masters winner McIlroy has struggled recently, notably missing the cut at last week’s RBC Canadian Open, aka finishing outside the top 68 after two days. Oof.

• ICYMI, earlier this year, the Northern Irishman became the sixth golfer to ever achieve the career Grand Slam, and reclaiming his Masters mojo could be the secret to his success in the Steel City.

• One last thing to watch: The U.S. Open allows amateurs to compete, so 15 dudes with regular day jobs will be hitting the greens (after qualifying, of course), including dentist and hometown hero Matt Vogt, who was once a caddie on the course. Talk about full-circle.