World No 1 Scheffler set for 'hardest' test at US Open

SECOND-RANKED MCILROY CALLS OAKMONT COURSE A 'BIG BRUTE'

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World No 1 Scottie Scheffler said yesterday the formidable Oakmont course could provide “the hardest” challenge of his career at the 125th US Open this week.

Lightning-fast sloped greens combined with deep, dense rough and bunkers designed to leave balls along the edges had many players calling it the toughest layout they have faced as Oakmont hosts a record 10th US Open.

“This is probably the hardest golf course that we'll play, maybe ever,” said Scheffler, who won last month’s PGA Championship for his third major title, ahead of Thursday’s opening round.

Second-ranked Rory McIlroy, who won the Masters in April to complete a career Grand Slam, called Oakmont a “big brute” and added: “You're going to have to have your wits about you this week all the way.”

Not since American Jordan Spieth captured the 2015 Masters and US Open has anyone won consecutive majors, but two-time Masters winner Scheffler is on a hot streak.