US Open Play Resumes Amid Rain Threatening Father's Day Finish

Play resumed at the 125th U.S. Open on Sunday, June 15, 2025, after a rain delay raised concerns about the championship finishing on Father's Day, a longstanding tradition. The final pairing of Sam Burns and Adam Scott was preparing to tee off at the par-3 eighth hole when play was abruptly halted due to inclement weather. The suspension occurred just after 4 p.m. ET as heavy rain and ominous clouds approached the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, indicating the potential for a Monday finish.

According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorms were forecasted for the Oakmont area, creating apprehension among players and spectators alike. "The rain began as a light drizzle but quickly intensified, causing significant standing water on the course," stated Mark Thompson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "Players and fans alike were forced to seek shelter as conditions deteriorated."

The horn signaling the suspension of play prompted thousands of fans to scramble for cover, with many left drenched as they sought dry areas around the course. The grounds crew immediately began working to clear water from the fairways and greens, as footage from the media center revealed substantial flooding at multiple locations on the course.

As play resumed at approximately 5:40 p.m. ET, the sun was set to dip below the horizon at 8:52 p.m. ET, leaving the leaders with 11 holes to complete—approximately two and a half hours of playing time remaining if the weather cooperated. Amidst the tension, the final round had started with both Burns and Scott in a close contest. Scott’s early performance included a bogey on the first hole and a birdie on the fourth, while Burns also faced challenges with bogeys on the second and sixth holes.

Rory McIlroy, another prominent player in the tournament, expressed his disappointment at the weather interruption, stating, "It’s frustrating when you’ve prepared all week and then the weather disrupts everything. It’s part of the game, but it can be disheartening for the fans and players."

Historical context reveals that the U.S. Open traditionally concludes on Father’s Day, a date that has become synonymous with the championship. However, weather-related delays are not new to the tournament. In 2008, the final round also extended into Monday due to similar weather issues, prompting discussions about the potential need for a more flexible scheduling approach for future championships.

Experts have suggested that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events could necessitate changes in how golf tournaments are scheduled. Dr. Susan Green, a climate scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, noted, "The impacts of climate change are becoming more evident in all outdoor sports. Organizers may need to consider adaptive strategies to ensure events can conclude as planned."

As of the latest updates, the tournament remains in a state of flux. The possibility of a Monday finish looms, and organizers are closely monitoring weather conditions. As fans await developments, the hope is for clear skies and a swift conclusion to this year's U.S. Open, preserving its cherished tradition of concluding on Father’s Day.

This story continues to develop as conditions are reassessed and updates provided by the tournament officials.