IN A thrilling and rain-soaked US Open at Oakmont, J.J. Spaun, a 34-year-old Californian, defied the brutal conditions and a field of golf’s elite to claim his first major championship on Monday (June 16, 2025, PH time).
What began as a challenging final day for Spaun, marked by five bogeys in his first six holes, transformed into a remarkable victory, culminating in two breathtaking shots on the final two holes.
The turning point for Spaun came after a 97-minute rain delay, which he credited with changing the “whole vibe of the day.” From that moment on, he remarkably made only one more bogey.
His improbable surge began on the 314-yard 17th hole, where he unleashed a powerful drive that landed on the green, setting up a crucial birdie that propelled him into the lead.
The drama intensified on the 18th. Needing two putts from 65 feet to secure the championship, Spaun, with the benefit of seeing Viktor Hovland’s putt on a similar line, sank the longest putt of the entire week at Oakmont.
This astonishing birdie sealed his victory, making him the only player to finish under par at one-under 279, two shots ahead of Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre.
For many others, the final round was a tale of missed opportunities and succumbing to Oakmont’s demands. Sam Burns, who held a two-shot lead, stumbled with a double bogey on the 11th and finished with a 78.
Adam Scott, tied for the lead with five holes to play, struggled to find fairways and ended his round with a 79. Carlos Ortiz and Tyrrell Hatton also battled the elements and made costly errors, denying them a shot at the title.
Meanwhile, MacIntyre, a 28-year-old Scot, mounted a valiant charge, birdying the 17th to post a clubhouse lead with a 68. Despite his strong finish, he could only watch as Spaun delivered the winning putt.
Spaun, who finished last year ranked 119th in the world with only one PGA Tour title to his name, expressed his disbelief and joy.
“I never thought I would be here holding this trophy,” he said. “I always had aspirations and dreams. I never knew what my ceiling was. I’m just trying to be the best golfer I can be.”
His victory was a testament to resilience and an unexpected triumph in a US Open that tested every player’s limits. Even those who faltered, like Hatton and Hovland, acknowledged the brilliance of Spaun’s finish, recognizing a major champion that few had predicted. / FROM THE WIRES