JJ Spaun transformed a chaotic US Open at the rain-sodden Oakmont course into a memorable triumph, clinching his first major championship with two remarkable shots. Starting the final round trailing by one, the 36-year-old from California faced a rocky beginning, recording five bogeys in his first six holes. Fortunately, a rain delay of over an hour offered him a chance to regroup.
As the rain fell, Spaun regained his composure and shifted gears, showcasing his resilience when countless others faltered. His standout moment arrived on the 287m 17th hole, where a superb drive sent the ball onto the green, allowing him to secure a crucial birdie and take the lead. Then, on the challenging 18th hole, Spaun needed only two putts from 20m to secure victory. He astounded the crowd by sinking the longest putt of the tournament for another birdie, finishing at 1-under par and two shots ahead of Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre.
Throughout the week, Spaun had been the sole player to conclude the tournament in red figures. Reflecting on his performance under pressure, he acknowledged the emotional toll. “I don’t think I kept my composure, honestly, with all the breaks I was getting,” he remarked. The pivotal rain delay, he added, “kind of just changed the whole vibe for the day.”
On the final hole, he and his playing partner Viktor Hovland found themselves nearly in sync with their approach shots. Spaun carefully observed Hovland’s putt before stepping forward to execute his own, resulting in an unforgettable moment in US golfing history. Overcome with emotion, he broke down as the winning putt dropped.
“I never thought I would be here holding this trophy,” he said, reflecting on his journey. Spaun’s win not only highlights his rising talent but also serves as a testament to his resilience, having persevered through various challenges in his career. He expressed pride in his achievements, admitting he had once doubted his potential: “I’ve always had aspirations and dreams, but a few months ago, I never knew what my ceiling was. I never knew how good I could be.”
The tournament concluded with Spaun celebrating his monumental victory alongside family, marking a significant milestone in his golfing career.