JJ Spaun captured his first major title at the 125th US Open, edging out Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre by two shots. His thrilling final round at Oakmont concluded with a stunning 64-foot birdie on the 18th hole, a perfect ending to a turbulent day of golf.
Weather Chaos Defines the Day
A 96-minute rain delay turned the final round into a test of endurance and adaptability. With puddles on the greens and drenched fairways, players faced brutal conditions that led to faltering scores from several early leaders, including Sam Burns and Adam Scott.
Rough Start, Fierce Finish
Spaun’s round began disastrously, with five bogeys in his first six holes. But after the rain delay, he returned with a renewed focus. He notched birdies on the 12th and 14th holes, then closed strong with back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18, finishing at one under par overall.
A Historic Feat
Spaun became the first golfer since 1979 to win the US Open while recording six bogeys or worse in the final round. Once ranked outside the top 100, his climb to the top is even more remarkable considering he nearly quit the sport last year—only to find fresh inspiration from an underdog-themed sports documentary.
A Father’s Day to Remember
His win came on Father’s Day, adding to the emotional weight of the moment. Spaun walked off the final green with his two young daughters, a heartwarming scene that capped off an unforgettable triumph.
This milestone victory marks the latest step in Spaun’s comeback journey. After losing his PGA Tour card in 2021, rebounding with a tour win in 2022, and narrowly losing to Rory McIlroy earlier this year, Spaun has now earned his place among golf’s elite and secured a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
