This week, the golf world’s attention is zeroing in on Oakmont Country Club for one of the most anticipated events of the year, the 125th U.S. Open. Known for chewing up even the steadiest of players, this championship is golf’s ultimate test.

Last year, it was LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau who hoisted the trophy for the second time. Now, he’s coming back to own the moment once again.

He is especially motivated mostly after two major disappointments.

His first heartbreak came at Augusta when he faded away from Rory McIlroy that final Sunday. The PGA Championship, too, was no different story. DeChambeau finished at T2, but five strokes back of Scottie Scheffler.

In a candid moment ahead of his U.S. Open title defense, Bryson revealed the name that’s been pushing him lately.

“I would say that the biggest influence career is Ben Hogan, Greg Norman and Tiger Woods,” he said.

“Tiger Woods pushed the boundaries on what we thought was possible with golf. As time goes on, Scottie Scheffler is an inspiration as well in terms of how well he’s playing.

“I want to play to that level and inspire to play to that level as well.”

It’s not every day that a reigning U.S. Open champion tips his cap to a rival, but Scheffler’s dominance has made it hard to ignore.

Scheffler won the 2024 Masters at 10-under, earning his second green jacket. Then, he captured his third major title at this year’s PGA Championship, running away from the field during the final round. He level of consistency is something to marvel at.

Scheffler has been ranked No. 1 in the world for 107 consecutive weeks. That is the longest stretch since prime Tiger Woods.

His consistency, especially under pressure, has made him the man to beat at Oakmont.

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