The final round of the US Open was suspended after heavy rain caused flooding on parts of the course. Some fans, however, welcomed the delay, enjoying a different kind of golf entertainment.
On Sunday at Oakmont, play was stopped at 4:01 p.m. local time as large amounts of water flowed off the greens. Players and spectators had to leave the course. With no live action to show, NBC, the US broadcaster, switched to a replay of Tiger Woods’ 2008 US Open win at Torrey Pines.
This choice seemed to backfire. Many viewers expressed they preferred watching the classic match from 2008 rather than the slow and tough contest unfolding at Oakmont.
The Pennsylvania course has earned its nickname, “The Beast,” this week. By the time play was halted, only two players were under par.
Tiger Woods’ 2008 victory was equally hard-fought. He and Rocco Mediate finished at one-under par, and Woods won in a playoff.
While NBC aired the throwback, fans cheered the chance to see Woods in his prime over the current live tournament.
One fan commented, “Tiger US Open at Torrey Pines replay > The actual 2025 US Open!”
Another said, “I would so much rather watch the 3rd round of the 2008 US Open.”
A third fan added, “Why am I equally locked into the 2008 US Open rerun as the actual major?”
One viewer joked about tuning in late and thinking Woods was playing this year. They wrote, “This US Open comeback for Tiger Woods is insane. Dude wasn’t even in contention a few hours ago. I’m so glad my son gets to see this Tiger in real time. We’ll remember this forever. What a Father’s Day moment.”
As the weather improved and ground staff worked to clear water from the course, the final round was set to resume at 5:40 p.m. local time.
Before play resumed, Sam Burns led at two-under par. He held a one-shot lead over Adam Scott.
European players Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton were close behind at one-over par. JJ Spaun and Carlos Ortiz were also still in contention.
Jon Rahm, the 2021 US Open champion, was the clubhouse leader when play stopped. Rahm had struggled with the Oakmont course this week but was pleased after shooting a three-under-par 67 on Sunday. He birdied the final three holes to finish at four-over par in eighth place. Now, he could relax and watch the leaders compete in difficult conditions.
Rahm said, “It’s crazy because it doesn’t feel like I played that different than in other rounds. Two keys: first, I kept it in play off the tee. For most of the day, I was in the fairway or the first cut. Then my lag putting was on point. I felt comfortable with the speeds, which is rare at Oakmont. Every long putt was a simple kick-in, so I didn’t have to stress. That helps a lot.”
Rory McIlroy ended his tough week on a positive note. The 36-year-old shot his best round on Sunday, a 67, finishing at seven-over par.
