JJ Spaun delivered one of the most dramatic final rounds in US Open history to capture his first major title at the formidable Oakmont Country Club, becoming the only golfer to finish under par after four grueling rounds on a rain-soaked course.
The 34-year-old American closed the tournament with an unforgettable flourish sinking a 64-foot birdie putt on the final hole to beat Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre by two shots and claim the trophy on one under par.
From Chaos to Comeback
Spaun’s road to victory was anything but smooth. He bogeyed five of his first six holes, including a cruel break at the second when his approach hit the flagstick and rolled 50 yards away. At one point, he looked completely out of contention.
Then came a 90-minute rain delay that changed everything. The pause allowed Spaun to reset mentally. Emerging like a new man, he carded birdies at 11, 13, and 17, before delivering the putt of a lifetime on 18.
“I never thought I’d be here holding this trophy,” Spaun said, tears in his eyes. “I always had the dream, but didn’t know how far I could go.”
🇬🇧 MacIntyre’s Classy Performance
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre was equally deserving of the spotlight. He began the day seven shots off the lead but stormed through the field with a brilliant two-under-par 68, the best round among the top 10.
MacIntyre’s highlights included a 60-foot eagle on the par-five 4th and crucial birdies on 9, 14, and 17. His clubhouse lead at +1 held up until Spaun’s late heroics.
Watching Spaun’s final putt on a monitor, MacIntyre applauded and mouthed “wow” — a show of true sportsmanship. “I’m a guy that believes,” he said post-round. “Having a chance to win a major is what I dreamed of as a kid.”
Oakmont: The Real Test
Oakmont lived up to its reputation as the world’s toughest test in golf. Torrential rain turned the final round into a war of attrition. Players battled soaked fairways, slick greens, and mental fatigue.
Only Spaun managed a bogey-free round during the tournament, with a sublime 66 on Thursday setting the foundation for his win. His performance on the back nine of the final round a 32 after a front nine 40 — showcased both skill and steel.
Hovland and 🇬🇧 Hatton Fall Short
Norway’s Viktor Hovland finished third at +2 after struggling with the putter, missing three five-footers. England’s Tyrrell Hatton, who looked poised for a breakout major win, was undone by the cruel rough on the 17th, finishing at +3.
“What happened on 17 is going to hurt for a long time,” Hatton said. “It was the first time I felt truly in contention at a major.”
Notable Finishes
- Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, and Jon Rahm ended at +4 Rahm’s 67 tied for best round of the day.
- Rory McIlroy posted his own 67, finishing at +7 — a promising lead-up to his Open return at Royal Portrush.
- Former leaders Sam Burns and Adam Scott collapsed under pressure, shooting 78 and 79 respectively.
Spaun’s Moment of Destiny
Back in March, Spaun narrowly missed a 31-foot birdie putt to beat McIlroy at The Players, ultimately losing in a playoff. At Oakmont, he didn’t let the opportunity slip again.
The 64-foot putt on 18 wasn’t just for birdie it was for glory. It turned a challenging tournament into a career-defining triumph.
“This one was for everyone who believed in me,” Spaun said, holding back tears. “And for those days when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Final Leaderboard Highlights
- -1 – JJ Spaun 🇺🇸
- +1 – Robert MacIntyre 🏴
- +2 – Viktor Hovland 🇳🇴
- +3 – Tyrrell Hatton 🇬🇧, Cameron Young 🇺🇸, Carlos Ortiz 🇲🇽
- +4 – Scottie Scheffler 🇺🇸, Jon Rahm 🇪🇸
- +5 and above – Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Matt Fitzpatrick
JJ Spaun’s triumph wasn’t just a win — it was a lesson in perseverance, patience, and self-belief. At a tournament where giants fell and chaos reigned, the calmest man in the storm emerged victorious.
As the golf world now looks to the Open Championship at Portrush, Spaun’s magical moment will live on as one of the most emotionally charged finishes in recent US Open history.
Written By Joe Brens
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