Oakmont Country Club tested the world’s best under classic U.S. Open brutality: lightning-fast greens, punishing rough, and merciless weather disruptions.
But it was J.J. Spaun who stole the spotlight, delivering walk-off magic on a Sunday like no other.
Spaun’s winning scorecard: 66-72-69-72 for a total of 279, finishing one under par.
Pre-Tournament Standing: Dark Horse Emerges
Heading into the tournament, Spaun wasn’t among the golf elite. NBC Sports ranked every competitor ahead of the start, placing Spaun 23rd in their comprehensive “power rankings.”
Spaun entered the tournament as a mid-tier contender, opening at around +15000 odds, but his bogey-free 66 in the first round quickly slashed that number to +1000. By Sunday, he was listed as the third favorite at +350 behind only Sam Burns and Adam Scott.
In a field stacked with top global stars–Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy–Spaun slipped just inside the top 60 in the pre-event pecking order. That underdog billing added texture to his performance.
A Start Filled with Struggles
Spaun entered Sunday’s final round one shot off the lead, chasing Sam Burns at the top. He bogeyed five of his first six holes, tumbling down the leaderboard in what seemed to be a complete unraveling.
Oakmont, already notorious for its difficulty, became even more treacherous with tightly tucked pins and unforgiving rough.
As the rain moved in and caused a 96-minute delay, it appeared Spaun’s shot at his first major might slip away. Yet, in that time, something shifted. When play resumed, Spaun found a rhythm that had eluded him all morning. His approach tightened. His putting stabilized. And the swagger returned.
GettyA dangerous weather warning and play suspended sign is posted along the course during the final round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 15.
A Clutch Back Nine and a Signature Moment
Spaun’s comeback truly began on the 12th hole, where a confident birdie seemed to signal a change in mindset. He followed that up with another at 14 and 17, pulling himself back within striking distance of the lead. But it was the 18th hole that provided the day’s most unforgettable moment, and the defining stroke of the championship.
Facing a long birdie attempt from 64 feet on the final green, Spaun calmly read the break, stepped up, and delivered a putt that rolled with purpose. It dropped. The crowd erupted. The leaderboard shifted.
His final score made him the only player to finish under par at Oakmont, where every inch of the course had challenged the world’s best players. That putt didn’t just seal a round; it sealed a legacy.
Unbelievable finish from J.J. Spaun.
Oakmont Brings the Field to Its Knees
Known for its treacherous greens and punishing layout, Oakmont once again lived up to its reputation. Four players began the final round tied for the lead at +1, but by the time the dust settled, Spaun stood alone.
Scott, who started just one stroke back, carded nine bogeys in a rough final round that knocked him out of contention. Burns, the 54-hole leader, also struggled to find his footing and faded down the stretch. He tied for seventh with a +4 (284).
Robert MacIntyre provided the biggest threat to Spaun late in the day, shooting a composed 68 and finishing at +1. Viktor Hovland and McIlroy each posted strong finishes, with McIlroy’s 67 showing signs of a resurgence, yet neither could mount a true charge to Spaun’s lead.
Hovland finished with a +2 (282), while McIlroy’s final score was +7 (287).
A Career-Defining Victory
For Spaun, this win wasn’t just about one round or one tournament. It was the culmination of years of grinding through the ranks of professional golf. Once ranked outside the top 150 in the world and having lost his PGA Tour card in 2021, Spaun clawed his way back with grit and determination.
His victory at the Valero Texas Open in 2022 hinted at what was possible, but nothing compared to the weight of a U.S. Open win.
Now, he joins an elite club of major champions–and does so with one of the most hard-earned trophies in the game. Not since Hale Irwin in 1979 has a player won the U.S. Open with six or more bogeys in the final round, a testament to Spaun’s resilience and belief.
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