Check in after each round of the 2025 U.S. Open for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics of the championship, and join the conversation by tweeting us @golf_com.
Sam Burns is the 54-hole leader at Oakmont after shooting a third-round 69 to head into Sunday at four under. Adam Scott and J.J. Spaun are one shot back while Viktor Hovland is three shots back as the only other player under par after three rounds. So, who wins the 125th U.S. Open come Sunday evening?
Jack Hirsh, associate equipment editor (@JR_HIRSHey): Adam Scott. The heart wants what the heart wants, man. He has been playing boring golf this week and that’s the kind of golf that wins U.S. Opens. He’s become such a gear nerd in the later part of career (well, at least he’s more open about it) and he’s searching for perfection. To win at this old school golf course at 44 years old would just be an awesome story.
Josh Sens, senior writer (@joshsens): Hovland. So much firepower. So many close calls in majors. It’s his time. Sam Burns hasn’t been in this spot enough. Adam Scott’s putter will hold him back. J.J. Spaun’s flatline demeanor and dead-eye driving will keep him in it but it won’t be enough. The victor will be Viktor. Either that, or something else will happen.
Zephyr Melton, assistant editor (@zephyrmelton): My heart wants Adam Scott, but for the sake of variety, I’ll make the case for Sam Burns. He slept on the 36-hole lead, showed up Saturday and posted an under-par round to hold the lead alone going into the final round. He’s by far the best putter of those in contention, and that flatstick will be crucial when the pressure ramps up on the back nine..
Sean Zak, senior writer (@sean_zak): Adam Scott for the win. If this is truly a test of lengthy accuracy, it’s hard to find anyone really doing that better than him all week. A few putts started falling for him Saturday night, and I think a few more find their target on Sunday.
Maddi MacClurg, editor and producer (@maddimacclurg) : I’m going with Adam Scott. He’s been rock solid off the tee all week — accurate, consistent and his ball speed is getting up over 180 mph, which is nuts! At a course like Oakmont, patience and precision pay off, something Scott has in spades. He’s only one back, and I think his experience will be a huge advantage coming down the stretch tomorrow.
Josh Schrock, associate news editor (@Schrock_And_Awe): I want to say Adam Scott, but I feel that heartbreak is on the way for the 44-year-old, just as it was for Justin Rose at Augusta National. Scott’s career deserves a second major, but Viktor Hovland gets the driver straightened out and nips him at the finish line to etch his name into U.S. Open and Oakmont history.
