Let’s start with how our teams stack up, because this was an important bullet. The U.S. Open was a big potential points grab for various established players currently floundering down the American ranks, on what was in many ways a comparable course fit in Oakmont.

Looking back at the history, it would be extremely unusual for a reigning Major champion to be excluded from Team USA for the Ryder Cup. The last time that happened was in 1995, when John Daly won the Open Championship but was not selected. Daly is the only two-time Major winner to never appear at a Ryder Cup.

J.J. Spaun's Sunday at Oakmont to win the 2025 U.S. Open was one of the craziest final rounds from a major champion in recent memory. He began his day with five bogeys in his first six holes, going from tied at 2nd to five shots back of the lead before even making the turn.