George Duangmanee's U.S. Open Journey: Triumph Amidst Challenges

Oakmont, PA — The U.S. Open is renowned for its brutal challenges, and George Duangmanee's second round at Oakmont Country Club was a testament to that. Despite not achieving the results he hoped for, Duangmanee's experience was a mix of triumph and harsh lessons.

The Challenge of Oakmont

Oakmont Country Club is infamous for its difficulty, and Duangmanee felt its full force. On the 15th hole, his ball kissed the lip but didn't drop, a cruel reminder of the course's unforgiving nature. This was just one of many tough moments during his round.

A Tough Start

Duangmanee's front nine was particularly challenging. He made a quadruple bogey on the fourth hole, leading to a shocking score of 47. Such a score is rare at this level, but Oakmont specializes in humbling even the best players.

The Beauty of the U.S. Open

Despite the difficulties, the U.S. Open's openness is its beauty. As USGA CEO Mike Whan often says, anyone can qualify and compete with the best. Duangmanee, a 23-year-old from Fairfax, Virginia, is a prime example of this.

Professional Debut

Duangmanee turned professional in 2024 after graduating from UVA. He made his PGA Tour debut in May 2025 at the Myrtle Beach Classic, where he carded two under-par rounds to make the cut. His performance there was proof that he belonged among the elite.

The Biggest Stage

"I feel like this was the biggest stage of golf I've ever played in," Duangmanee said. He had played two of the best rounds of his life to qualify for the U.S. Open, shooting 68-67 at Springfield Country Club in Ohio.

A Positive Outlook

Despite the challenges, Duangmanee remained positive. "I'm really positive about just being here and excited for the confidence I can get from it," he said. He focused on learning from the best players and improving his game.

Family Support

Duangmanee's family was there to support him, including his parents, brother, grandfather, and girlfriend. Their presence was a source of strength, making the experience even more special.

A Memorable Finish

On the 18th hole, Duangmanee faced a tricky wedge shot and a downhill par putt. Although he didn't make the putt, he finished with a smile, knowing that just making it to the U.S. Open was a significant accomplishment.

Looking Ahead

"Just making it here was a big accomplishment for me," Duangmanee said. He plans to take a few days off to enjoy the experience with his family before continuing his journey in professional golf.

Oakmont may have sent Duangmanee home with a scorecard reading plus-35, but he's not leaving. He put in a lot of work to get here, and he's not ready to move on just yet.