Scottie Scheffler's US Open frustrations boiled over at Oakmont on Thursday. Ahead of the tournament, golfers had been forewarned about the relentless nature of Oakmont, with Tiger Woods even offering specific advice for conquering the course this weekend. Colin Montgomerie, the former European Ryder Cup captain, had little sympathy for players bemoaning the tough conditions, bluntly advising them to "man up" and tackle the challenge head-on.

Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer, was among those competing. Despite his recent hot streak, winning three out of his last four starts, the 28-year-old seemed to struggle against the demanding Pennsylvania course. During the first round's 14th hole, Scheffler was positioned 38th at two-over, still trying to hit his stride in what proved to be a testing day. Following a solid tee shot, his subsequent approach shot landed on the green but not to his satisfaction.

The ball, initially looking to be close to the pin, frustratingly rolled further away, setting up a more challenging putt. Faced with an unfavourable outcome, Scheffler's patience snapped as he slammed his club into the turf, leaving a noticeable divot.

Scheffler's frustration was palpable as he repeatedly tapped the hole to repair the damage and then trudged towards his ball with a look of sheer exasperation. By the close of the first round, he was three-over-par, in company with Tyrrell Hatton, Bryson DeChambeau, and others.

Scheffler's struggles at Oakmont echo Tiger Woods' earlier caution about the course. Although not competing this year due to an Achilles injury, the 49-year-old golf icon had offered insights into what players could anticipate at Oakmont.

"There is no faking about Oakmont," Woods stated plainly in a Sun Day Red video before the tournament. "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.

"It just helps so much to be coming with shorter iron, to be able to sock the ball. It's about missing the ball on correct spots... because if you don't, it's horrible!".

While some top players have voiced their grievances over Oakmont's challenging conditions, Montgomerie has called for resilience. Addressing the media at Trump International Golf Links in Scotland, the seasoned 61-year-old golfer spoke candidly.

He stated emphatically: "[Look at] technology now from 30 years ago. The golf ball that we were playing with 30 years ago moved around all over the place. It was soft, it went 20 yards shorter. Now, the golf club development, the drivers, the irons, the putters, look at the putters now, the development in the putters.

"So, get on with it. For Christ's sake, you've got technology there that is beyond what you would ever, ever dream of. Use it and play golf. I mean, at this level, you shouldn't be missing any fairways, unless it's blowing a gale. The research and development that's been poured into the game, man up. Yeah, get on with it."

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