Spaun holds nerve at soaked Oakmont
JJ Spaun claimed his first major title at the US Open 2025 with a final round comeback at Oakmont Country Club. He holed a 64-foot birdie on the last to finish one under par and win by two shots. The 34-year-old overcame five bogeys in six holes to secure victory in chaotic conditions.
Torrential rain forced a 90-minute delay that halted play and changed momentum. Spaun returned from the break and posted a back nine of 32 after a front nine of 40. He birdied the 17th hole to reach level par before draining the tournament-winning putt. The Californian later said, “I never thought I would be here holding this trophy.”
Spaun added, “I’ve always had aspirations and dreams but a few months ago I didn’t know what my ceiling was and how good I could be.”
Figure 1: JJ Spaun claimed his first major title
MacIntyre sets target with stunning round
Robert MacIntyre led in the clubhouse at one over after carding a 68 on Sunday. He started the day seven shots behind but played the only under-par final round among the top ten.
The 28-year-old from Oban bogeyed two of his first three holes to fall to five over par. A 60-foot eagle on the fourth and birdies on nine, 14 and 17 brought him back into contention.
MacIntyre watched Spaun’s putt drop on television and mouthed “wow” before applauding. He said, “I’m a guy that believes. Having a chance to win a major is what I dreamed of as a kid.”
Spaun makes history with bogey-free opening round
Spaun posted a bogey-free 66 on Thursday, the only one of the week. He remained the only player to finish under par at Oakmont. The win followed his close call at The Players Championship where he lost to Rory McIlroy in a playoff.
Spaun said, “The weather delay changed the whole vibe for the day. A similar thing happened to me at the Players and I kind of leaned on that whole experience.”
He recovered from a horror start where his approach at the second hit the flagstick and rolled back 50 yards. At the fourth, his shot bounced off a rake during his run of five bogeys in six holes.
Figure 2: JJ remained the only player to finish under par at Oakmont
Hatton’s hopes fall apart late
England’s Tyrrell Hatton shared the lead late but faltered on the 17th and finished at three over par. He said, “What happened on 17 is going to hurt a lot for a long time. It was the first time I’ve been in contention in a major, and that was exciting. Unfortunately, I feel like through a bit of bad luck I had momentum taken away from me and it ultimately ended up not being my day.”
Hatton’s closing bogeys saw him finish behind Viktor Hovland, who ended at two over with a closing 73. Hovland said, “I missed three five-foot putts and you can’t be doing that if you’re going to win a major championship.”
Burns collapses after leading into Sunday
Overnight leader Sam Burns fell apart in the rain and shot an eight-over round to finish at four over. Playing partner Adam Scott carded nine over and also fell off the leaderboard.
Five players shared the lead at one point during the back nine as conditions and nerves took their toll.
Figure 3: Overnight leader Sam Burns fell apart in the rain
Ryder Cup implications for MacIntyre
MacIntyre entered the US Open 11th in Europe’s Ryder Cup qualification. His solo second place strengthens his claim for a team spot. He will defend his Scottish Open title next month before The Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
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McIlroy, Rahm post lowest rounds of the day
Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm both shot 67 on Sunday, the joint lowest rounds of the day. McIlroy finished seven over and will now prepare for his home Open in Portrush. Rahm ended four over, alongside world number one Scottie Scheffler and Burns.
Final leaderboard confirms Spaun’s rise
Spaun won on -1, with MacIntyre at +1 and Hovland at +2. Hatton, Ortiz and Young shared fourth at +3. Scheffler, Rahm and Burns ended at +4 while McIlroy finished tied at +7.
Spaun’s victory marks a breakthrough in his career and secures his place among golf’s major champions.
