Oakmont, PA — As the golf world converges on Oakmont Country Club for the 125th U.S. Open, June 12-15, 2025, Patrick Reed stands as a compelling yet often overlooked contender.
Known for his tenacity, short-game wizardry, and major championship pedigree, the 34-year-old Texan arrives in Pennsylvania with a resume that demands respect, even if he’s flying under the radar amidst the hype around names like Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Rory McIlroy.
Recent Form, Season Snapshot
Reed’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag, but flashes of brilliance keep him in the conversation. A third-place finish at The Masters in April showcased his ability to contend on the biggest stages, though a missed cut at Quail Hollow and uneven performances on the LIV Golf circuit have tempered expectations.
Still, Reed’s knack for grinding out results in tough conditions — evident by six top-25 finishes in his last seven starts, including four top-10s — suggests he’s rounding into form at the right time.
Reed’s Last 7 Starts: T23 (LIV Virginia), MC (PGA), T4 (LIV Korea), T17 (LIV Mexico), 3rd (Masters), T7 (LIV Miami), T25 (LIV Singapore), T10 (LIV Hong Kong)
U.S. Open Track Record
Reed’s history in the U.S. Open is a strong selling point. He’s made the cut in nine of his 10 starts, with his lone miss coming at Oakmont in 2016 — a blemish he’s eager to erase. His best U.S. Open finish was a solo 4th in 2018 at Shinnecock. He’s also added top-20s at Erin Hills (T13), Winged Foot (T13), and Torrey Pines (T19).
This track record highlights his ability to navigate the punishing setups typical of U.S. Open venues, where precision and mental toughness are paramount.
Reed’s U.S. Open Results: DNQ (2024 Pinehurst), T56 (2023 LACC), T49 (2022 TCC Brookline), T19 (2021 Torrey Pines), T13 (2020 Winged Foot), T32 (2019 Pebble), 4th (2018 Shinnecock), T13 (2017 Erin Hills), MC (2017 Oakmont), T14 (2015 Chambers Bay), T35 (2014 Pinehurst)
Fit for Oakmont
Oakmont, a par-70 beast stretching to over 7,300 yards, is renowned for its brutal rough, lightning-fast greens, and relentless demand for accuracy. Only 23 players have finished under par across nine previous U.S. Opens here, and the 2007 winner, Angel Cabrera, prevailed with a 5-over par score. Reed’s game aligns well with this challenge.
Reed’s short-game prowess — often described as among the best in golf — will be critical on Oakmont’s massive, undulating greens, where three-putt avoidance is a premium. While not the longest hitter, Reed’s ability to scramble and save par under pressure suits a course where par is a prized score. His experience in high-stakes environments, including the 2016 Ryder Cup and 2018 Masters, equips him to handle Oakmont’s psychological grind.
Why He’s Overlooked
Despite his credentials, Reed’s +10000 odds reflect a lack of buzz. Playing on LIV Golf, he’s less visible to casual fans and bettors compared to PGA Tour stalwarts. Off-course controversies and a polarizing persona may also dampen his mainstream appeal.
Additionally, his 2016 Oakmont miss lingers in some analyses, though his overall U.S. Open consistency should outweigh that outlier. The stacked field, with Scheffler at +280 and DeChambeau at +700, further buries Reed in the betting markets. Yet, this underdog status could fuel his fire as Reed thrives when counted out.
X-Factor and Outlook
Reed’s mental fortitude is his secret weapon. Dubbed “Captain America” for his Ryder Cup heroics, he relishes proving doubters wrong. Oakmont’s forecasted wet conditions early in the week could soften the course slightly, rewarding players like Reed who can manage trouble and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The mercurial star has made 43 major starts in his underrated career and has finished in the top-25 in nearly half of them (20 of 43), signaling durability and big-stage comfort.
The Verdict
While Reed may not top the pre-tournament headliners, his blend of experience, short-game magic, and U.S. Open pedigree makes him a dangerous dark horse. A top-25 finish feels like a floor, but don’t be shocked if he’s in the mix come Sunday. At Oakmont, where survival is an art, Patrick Reed’s gritty game could paint a masterpiece.
