Adam Scott reckons creativity will be king as major championship golf reaches new levels of gruelling at this week's US Open in Pennsylvania.

Scott has arrived for the season's third men's major in a buoyant mood and believing he can "get it done" following a top-20 finish at the PGA Championship, having surged into a tie for second midway through the final round.

But Australia's veteran former world No.1 knows he will need to be at the very top of his game to clinch an elusive second major on Sunday.

US Opens are traditionally, and notoriously, the greatest tests in golf.

And then there is Oakmont Country Club, where it's taken greats like Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Johnny Miller and Ernie Els to tame the beast down the years.

In 2007, Angel Cabrera saluted with a five-over-par winning total.

Scott has fond memories of his tie for 18th last time Oakmont hosted the Open in 2016 but is bracing for another brutal test when he tees off in round one on Thursday night.

"I know it's probably the hardest course on the US Open rota but, at this point, at least I don't feel overwhelmed when I see that," the 44-year-old said ahead of his 24th US Open tilt.

"I can take a lot out of 2016 and the fact that I did OK that week and maybe not just because of playing here, but just generally playing a lot of tough Opens and understanding how to manage the frustrations.

"That's tough to handle at a US Open. It's hard to rattle off a couple of birdies and very easy to make some big numbers, so just managing yourself is really important and I'll be leaning into that experience here."

The Oakmont course has undergone some significant renovations since Dustin Johnson won nine years ago.

"I actually like the changes that have been made. I think it's an improvement," Scott said.

"I don't think it's necessarily easier, but the balance of the golf course is generally better since 2016.

"The fairways have more room in the right areas and the greens are a little bigger.

"It doesn't mean it's easier actually. They're still very severe, but it feels like the overall proportions and balance of the golf course feels a little more playable."

Scott is feeling optimistic about his chances after tidying up some chinks since the PGA Championship but acknowledges the unique challenge Oakmont presents.

"Putting is a big key," he said on the eve of his 96th consecutive major appearance stretching back to 2001.

"It can save you on the day when you're not quite hitting it so well, so you know you want to want to have that dial and that's tough around here.

"There's a lot of movement on the green. Almost have to be a little bit more creative and more free.

"We're quite structured these days as pros and very robotic, and it's helpful here to get out of that mindset and just have some fun with some crazy putts.

"I've played a lot of US Opens now and I feel fairly confident in my ability to get it done and I like where my game's at generally.

"I have a quiet confidence."

Fellow former world No.1 Jason Day, 2025 PGA Tour winner Min Woo Lee, revitalised Monday qualifier Marc Leishman, his LIV Golf Ripper GC teammate Cameron Smith and Cam Davis round out Australia's six-strong challenge.