Paige Spiranac Reveals “Dark Horse” Picks for the 2025 U.S. Open
Paige Spiranac, golf instructor, model, and social media star, has once again turned her keen eye to the upcoming U.S. Open. With the major set to unfold at the notoriously challenging Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh from June 12–15, Spiranac shared her predictions—highlighting both overwhelming favorites and intriguing underdogs.
Spiranac described Oakmont as a “grueling test of golf,” citing its lightning-fast greens, punishing bunkers, and thick rough—“thicker than a bowl of oatmeal”. Such conditions typically favor golfers with precision, mental toughness, and short-game prowess. Accordingly, Spiranac pegged Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau as the clear favorites. Scheffler, currently world No. 1, and DeChambeau—the two-time U.S. Open winner—are widely expected to contend deep into the weekend .
But what sets Spiranac’s preview apart is her bold dark‑horse selections: Harris English and Ben Griffin. She believes both men are peaking at the perfect time. English captured the Farmers Insurance Open earlier this year and finished runner-up at Quail Hollow, signaling solid form on Tour. Griffin recently posted strong finishes at the PGA Championship and claimed titles at the Zurich Classic and Charles Schwab Challenge, along with a runner‑up showing at Muirfield.
Spiranac explained her dark‑horse logic: “I’m looking for carnage this week and fingers crossed that we actually get an over‑par winner.” In her view, both English and Griffin have the skill set to withstand Oakmont’s brutal test and thrive where others might falter.
Fans and pundits have reacted to Spiranac’s slips with equal excitement and some surprise. Notably absent from her list is Rory McIlroy, whose roller‑coaster 2025 season includes a remarkable Masters win—which completed his career Grand Slam—but followed by a tie for 47th at the PGA Championship and a missed cut in Canada. Spiranac’s choice to leave McIlroy off her list sparked discussion, especially on social media, but she’s sticking by her analysis.
Beyond her predictions, Spiranac’s reputation as a credible golf voice stems from her professional playing background and her increasing presence in golf media. She recently played a practice round at Oakmont during the USGA’s Creator’s Day, even carding 3‑under—proof she’s walked the talk. Off the course, she continues to expand her influence: partnering with the Grass League in a strategic leadership role and launching “Paige’s Player Profiles” video series.
As the 125th U.S. Open unfolds, all eyes will be on Oakmont to test Spiranac’s predictions. Will one of her dark‑horse picks defy the odds? Or will the favorites like Scheffler or DeChambeau dominate? Regardless, Spiranac’s astute insights ensure her voice is more than just glamour—it’s informed, engaged, and genuinely part of golf’s elite conversation.