In one of the most unpredictable and rain-swept finishes in recent U.S. Open history, JJ Spaun emerged as the surprise victor at Oakmont, turning a brutal start into a fairytale finish to clinch his first-ever major championship title.
The 34-year-old Californian battled not just a challenging course and a world-class field, but also torrential weather and personal adversity. His final score of 1-under 279 was the only sub-par total of the tournament — a testament to resilience, grit, and a touch of magic under pressure.
A Tale of Two Halves
Sunday’s final round began disastrously for Spaun. Starting the day one stroke behind the leader, his front-nine collapse — marked by a 40 that included multiple errant shots and missed opportunities — left him four shots off the pace. For most spectators, it seemed Spaun was out of contention.
Then came an unexpected gift from the skies: a 97-minute weather delay due to heavy rain. That break turned out to be the reset Spaun needed.
WHAT A PUTT!!!!
J.J. SPAUN WINS THE U.S. OPEN!!!! pic.twitter.com/EWdYQeDAzF
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 16, 2025
“I just tried to dig deep,” Spaun said afterward. “The guys told me to relax. Just let the moment come to me. That’s when I stopped forcing things.”
The Comeback Begins
Spaun’s back nine was electric. It started with a 40-foot downhill birdie putt on the par-5 12th. A few holes later, he drained a 22-footer on 14 to grab the outright lead for the first time. His steady iron play and newfound confidence were in stark contrast to the struggles unfolding around him.
Third-round leader Sam Burns faltered badly, recording a pair of double bogeys on the back nine to drop out of contention. Veteran Adam Scott, initially among the favorites, stumbled to a 41 on the final nine holes and finished outside the top 10.
“I didn’t adapt well to the weather,” Scott admitted. “It was hard to find rhythm.”
Spaun, on the other hand, found a rhythm no one else could match.
The Pivotal Moments: Holes 17 and 18
The drama peaked at the reachable par-4 17th. Spaun unleashed a powerful drive that set up a birdie opportunity, which he calmly converted to take the solo lead at 1-under. Three holes ahead, Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre had posted a 1-over final score, waiting anxiously in the locker room.
J.J. Spaun, our 125th U.S. Open champion!!
Spaun receives the historic U.S. Open Trophy 🏆 and Jack Nicklaus Gold Medal 🎖️. pic.twitter.com/xNrazcVknv
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 16, 2025
Spaun stood on the 18th green needing just a two-putt from 65 feet to seal the win. Instead, he buried the putt in one — the longest made putt of the entire tournament. It was a shot that echoed across the golf world, sealing his name in the record books.
“To watch him make that putt was just unreal,” said playing partner Viktor Hovland. “It was absolutely filthy.”
An Emotional Win on Father’s Day
Spaun’s victory was all the more remarkable given the chaotic start to his day. At 3 a.m., he found himself on a pharmacy run for his daughter Violet, who had fallen sick overnight.
“She was throwing up everywhere,” Spaun revealed. “It was one of those mornings where nothing felt right. But I wasn’t going to use it as an excuse.”
Instead, he turned the chaos into focus, producing one of the most memorable final-round performances in recent U.S. Open history. His final-round 72 was the highest closing score by a champion in 15 years — but it was enough.
A Place Among the Greats
In winning, Spaun joins an elite group of U.S. Open champions — Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Jon Rahm — who have finished birdie-birdie on Sunday.
Over the course of four rounds, Spaun sunk an astonishing 401.5 feet worth of putts, showcasing both skill and nerve. His triumph marks not only his first major title but also redemption after multiple near-misses earlier in the season, including a playoff loss to Rory McIlroy at The Players Championship.
ONE OF THE BEST DRIVES OF THE DAY ON 17!
Co-leader J.J. Spaun with that left for EAGLE! pic.twitter.com/iPCK0KCOjD
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 15, 2025
“He’s sacrificed so much,” said Spaun’s coach Adam Schriber. “To see it come together like this — that’s why we do this.”
Looking Ahead
As JJ Spaun hoisted the U.S. Open trophy on a soggy Father’s Day evening, his emotional journey — from family chaos to golfing glory — resonated deeply with fans. With his name now etched in the annals of golf history, Spaun is no longer a quiet contender. He’s a major champion, and the golfing world will be watching closely as he steps into the next chapter of his career.
