Good morning! I’m a little bit late with my blog post this morning as I wanted to get to the gym and get my calorie burn on. DJ lets play that music. Perhaps something new that I’m into.
2025 U.S. Open Golf: Round 2 Review
Oakmont Country Club once again proved its reputation as one of golf’s sternest tests in Round 2 of the 2025 U.S. Open, with the leaderboard tightening and the course baring its teeth.
Leaderboard Drama and Standout Performances
- J.J. Spaun, who made history with a bogey-free 66 in Round 1, remains at the top of the leaderboard as Round 2 winds down, sitting at 3-under-par. He is joined by Sam Burns, who surged with a superb 65—one of the lowest rounds ever recorded at Oakmont in U.S. Open history—bringing him into a tie for the lead.
- Thriston Lawrence briefly held a three-shot lead after a hot start but faltered with three straight bogeys on the back nine, dropping back to 3-under and relinquishing his cushion.
- Viktor Hovland and Si Woo Kim are among a small group of players still under par, with Hovland’s eagle at No. 17 providing one of the round’s highlights.
Course Conditions and Challenges
- Oakmont is living up to its fearsome reputation. Only a handful of players remain under par as the round concludes, with the front nine playing significantly tougher than the back.
- The cut line is projected at +4, putting major names like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau in serious jeopardy. Scheffler’s struggles with the driver and putter left him hovering at the cut line, while McIlroy’s frustration was evident as he hurled a club after a poor approach, and DeChambeau, the defending champion, slid to six over par.
- Brooks Koepka, a two-time U.S. Open winner, started the day in contention but stumbled with eight bogeys, carding a 74 and falling back to even par.
Notable Moments
- Sam Burns’ 65 was the round of the day, showcasing his elite putting on Oakmont’s treacherous greens. Burns’ performance not only vaulted him into the lead but also made him the betting favorite heading into the weekend.
- Victor Perez delivered only the second hole-in-one at Oakmont in U.S. Open history, acing the 192-yard sixth hole and adding to the day’s drama.
- The course restoration by Gil Hanse has drawn praise from veterans like Adam Scott, who noted that while the fairways are slightly more forgiving and the greens a bit larger, Oakmont remains a stern test for even the best players.
Shane Lowry is just over Oakmont. Video below.
The Cut and the Weekend Outlook
- With the cut line at +4, several big names are at risk of missing the weekend, including Jordan Spieth, Tony Finau, and Dustin Johnson, who all struggled to keep pace.
- The leaderboard is tightly packed, and with Oakmont’s notorious difficulty, the championship remains wide open. Players who can survive the brutal rough and master the lightning-fast greens will have a shot at glory.
“Oakmont is striking back. As Round 2 progresses, only a few competitors remain below par. Among them, Sam Burns and Viktor Hovland are delivering impressive performances, while the rest of the field struggles significantly.”
Final Takeaway
Round 2 at Oakmont delivered classic U.S. Open drama: a punishing course, a leaderboard in flux, and a mix of brilliance and heartbreak. With only a handful of players under par and stars scrambling to survive, the stage is set for a thrilling weekend at one of golf’s most storied venues.
Some Interesting Bits with Small Commentary
Matt Shaw showed off his canon of an arm.
AI is all the rage and it’s progressing at a huge pace. It’s nice to see Apple’s Software Lead Craig confirm that Apple, despite missing the mark of what they promised to deliver last year, said they remain hugely committed to more capable AI assistant. This commitment aligns with the growing competition in the tech industry, as companies race to integrate smarter, more intuitive AI into their ecosystems. Craig’s statement reflects Apple’s determination to stay ahead in the innovation curve, ensuring their AI solutions not only catch up but potentially redefine user experiences in the near future.
Prime Video’s latest crime drama, Ballard, stars Maggie Q as Detective Renée Ballard, the newest lead in the acclaimed Bosch universe. The series follows Ballard as she takes charge of the LAPD’s newly formed, underfunded cold case division. Known for her relentless determination and empathy, Ballard tackles Los Angeles’ toughest long-forgotten crimes, peeling back decades-old mysteries—including a serial killer’s trail and a murdered John Doe—only to uncover a dangerous conspiracy within the department itself.
With a volunteer team and the occasional guidance of retired detective Harry Bosch, Ballard navigates personal trauma, professional obstacles, and life-threatening dangers in her quest for justice. The show promises gritty storytelling, layered mysteries, and a fresh perspective on Michael Connelly’s bestselling novels, making it a must-watch for fans of compelling crime dramas.
Alex Pedilla
We must reflect on what this says about our current state of discourse and authority. Was there truly no better way to address the situation? Leadership demands patience, accountability, and the ability to face challenges head-on, even when they come in the form of tough questions. By silencing voices, we risk eroding trust and transparency—values that are essential to a functioning democracy. Let’s aim for a future where dialogue, not force, defines how we handle conflict.
Lastly….
Why I’m against the Military parade going on this weekend.
Public Opposition and Financial Concerns
The upcoming military parade scheduled for this weekend faces significant public opposition, with polling data revealing widespread skepticism about its value and cost-effectiveness. According to a recent AP-NORC poll conducted from June 5-9, approximately 60% of American adults believe the parade is “not a good use” of government money, while only 38% think it represents a justified expenditure. This opposition crosses party lines, with 80% of Democrats, 72% of independents, and even 35% of Republicans expressing concerns about the financial allocation.
The Staggering Financial Cost
The parade’s price tag represents a substantial burden on taxpayers, with Army officials estimating total costs between $25 million and $45 million for the weekend’s festivities. The latest calculations put the figure around $40 million, according to Defense officials. This massive expenditure breaks down into several components: $16 million budgeted for road repairs from tank damage, $3.1 million for soldier meals and expenses, and additional costs for overtime pay for thousands of D.C. police officers working 12-hour shifts. When factoring in helicopter operational costs of $4,500-7,000 per hour for each of the 50+ aircraft and other security expenses, the final tally is expected to be significantly higher.
Historical Presidential Wisdom Against Military Displays
Past American leaders have expressed strong reservations about such ostentatious military displays. President Dwight Eisenhower, a former five-star general and Supreme Allied Commander, reportedly opposed military parades, with historian Michael Beschloss recalling that when asked about such displays, Eisenhower said “Absolutely not. We are the pre-eminent power on Earth. For us to try to imitate what the Soviets are doing in Red Square would make us look weak. While the exact quote’s authenticity is disputed, historians agree the sentiment aligns with Eisenhower’s philosophy, as evidenced by his famous “Chance for Peace” speech where he noted: “The cost of one modern heavy bomber is this: a modern brick school in more than 30 cities…We pay for a single fighter plane with a half million bushels of wheat”. Even contemporary Republican Senator John Kennedy echoed this wisdom, stating “Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud” and arguing that “when you’re the most powerful nation in all of human history, you don’t have to show it off, like Russia does, and North Korea, and China”.