Notable Players Who Missed the Cut at the 2025 U.S. Open

With bogeys around every corner at Oakmont Country Club, Friday night saw a rapidly evolving cut line that ultimately ballooned to 7-over par. Even so, there are many notables at the 2025 U.S. Open who are heading home early.

Phil Mickelson (74-74) - Playing in the final guaranteed start of his long and tumultuous career at the U.S. Open, 54-year-old Phil Mickelson was on the right side of the cut line for most of the first two days. Two late double bogeys and a missed birdie on his final hole leave him one shot outside the weekend. Phil may very well play in future national championships, either through qualifying or exemption, but his Oakmont stumble could spell the end of Phil’s career at the U.S. Open. If that’s the case, it’s a shame that it came in front of a sparsely attended grandstand during Peacock exclusive coverage. And yet, given Mickelson’s heartbreaking history at the championship, it may be completely appropriate.

Ludvig Aberg (72-76) – The young Swede started the year well but has seen a severe downturn over the last couple months. He now has four MCs in seven career major championship starts to go along with two top-seven finishes at Augusta National.

Bryson DeChambeau (73-77) – Probably the biggest surprise missed cut of the week. Bryson has played excellent golf in five of the last six major championships and seemed primed to put on a strong title defense this week.

Patrick Cantlay (76-72) – An extremely mediocre 2025 continues for Cantlay. With two MCs and a T-36 at the Masters, he’ll need something special at Royal Portrush to avoid a wasted season of majors.

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Dustin Johnson (75-75) – The 2016 champion at Oakmont has now missed the cut in six of his last eight starts at major championships. 

Joaquin Niemann (75-75) – After earning his first career major top 10 at Quail Hollow, Niemann failed to get anything going this week. As he continues to mount wins on LIV (four in 2025), the pressure to perform at major championships will only increase.

Justin Thomas (76-76) – If not for a final round blackout at Southern Hills in 2022, we’d be asking a lot more questions about JT’s major record. He now has a T-36 at the Masters and two MCs in majors this year.

Cameron Smith (75-73) – That’s four MC Hammers in a row for the Aussie. At least he has his fellow Rippers to comfort him.

‍Shane Lowry (79-78) – The 54-hole leader during the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont did not have any fun this year. He even tried to pick up his ball and go home on the 14th hole on Friday.

This piece originally appeared in the Fried Egg Golf newsletter. Subscribe for free and receive golf news and insight every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

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