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Tiger Woods Issues U.S. Open Warning And Reveals Blueprint On How To Win at Oakmont

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Ajayi Segun | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 11:45 PM ET

Former World No. 1 and 15-time Major winner Tiger Woods has issued a warning to golfers at this year’s US Open. The 49-year-old has revealed what he believes to be the perfect strategy to emerge victorious at Oakmont Country Club. Woods did not hold back on his view of the venue ahead of the 2025 US Open.

Woods’ Warning To U.S. Open Golfers

Three-time U.S Open champion Tiger Woods is currently recovering from an Achilles injury he sustained in March. The 49-year-old bogeyed the par-3 16th in the final round and finished one stroke behind champion Angel Cabrera in 2007 at Oakmont. His final round bogey on the 11th hole proved that even the best golfers in the world aren’t spared by Oakmont’s difficulty. However, he didn’t play in Oakmont’s 2016 U.S. Open.

Woods warned US Open golfers in a video he shared on his Instagram account on Wednesday. He underwent surgery to repair the injury, but there is currently no timescale for his return to competitive golf as he misses the US Open for the fourth time in five years. But that hasn’t stopped the legendary golfer from offering his two cents to those who will be competing at Oakmont this year.

“If you’re a 10-handicapper, there is no way you’re breaking 100 out there. There is no faking about Oakmont,” Woods said in an Instagram video. “The golf course is big, yes, but it’s just—there is no way around it. You just have to hit the golf ball well, and it favors longer hitters, just because of the degrees, the complexes.”

Woods’ Blueprint For U.S. Open Success

Woods, who has won the U.S. Open three times, has not made the cut at the tournament since he tied for 21st in 2019—the same year he won his most recent major title at the Masters. The Oakmont course is hosting the US Open Championship for a record 10th time, and the rough course has drawn plenty of criticism from players, but Woods believes a shorter iron could be the secret to success.

“Being in the fairway to properly approach the greens is crucial as well. It just helps so much to be coming with a shorter iron,” The 49-year-old added, “to be able to sock the ball. It’s about missing the ball on the correct spots … because if you don’t, it’s horrible.”

Woods recorded his first U.S. Open win in 2000 and followed it up with two more victories in 2002 and 2008. This earned him a lifetime exemption to play at the major. Woods’ reference to “complexes” helping with short play ties back to Oakmont’s tricky layout, which he learned firsthand during his second-place finish at the 2007 U.S. Open.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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