Spain's Rahm primed for tough Oakmont challenge as US Open looms

Jon Rahm knows Oakmont Country Club will provide a challenge unlike any other at this week's US Open but the Spaniard said on Tuesday the aura of one of the most feared layouts in the world will not impact his game.

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Oakmont is considered a quintessential US Open venue given its punishing rough, narrow fairways, lightning-fast greens and slew of bunkers that most expect will combine to keep the winning score above par.

But Rahm, speaking ahead of Thursday's opening round, plans to embrace the gruelling test that awaits the world’s top golfers at the par-70 venue that will be set up at 7372 yards.

“To be honest, once you start the tournament, all of those things kind of go away. It's business at that point. It's time to post a score,” Rahm told reporters.

“You're not really thinking, oh, this is Oakmont. It's more like, okay, here's the 1st hole, hopefully make a four, then move onto the next. That's kind of how it goes.”

The US Open is widely considered the toughest test in golf and one that Rahm has enjoyed success at as he won in 2021 edition at Torrey Pines to pick up his first major title.