Photo credits:(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
In a thrilling, weather-battered battle at Oakmont Country Club, JJ Spaun emerged as the 2025 US Open champion, making history with a resilient performance that captivated golf fans worldwide. The tournament, plagued by rain and chaos, ended with Spaun delivering one of the most dramatic final rounds in US Open history.
With relentless downpours turning Oakmont into a muddy battleground, Spaun’s determination, composure, and a legendary 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole sealed a two-shot victory. It was a defining moment in his career, and a breakthrough that rewrote the narrative of a golfer long considered an underdog.
Brutal Conditions Test the Field
Oakmont’s already unforgiving layout became nearly unplayable due to continuous rain. The soaked fairways and lightning-fast greens challenged the entire field, with even the most seasoned golfers struggling to stay afloat. Play was halted multiple times due to heavy rain and flooding on the course.
Spaun, however, remained unfazed. Despite a disastrous start to his final round, which included five bogeys in six holes, he used a weather delay to regroup mentally and refocus his strategy. His second nine became a masterclass in course management, calm execution, and mental strength.
A Back-Nine Comeback for the Ages
Spaun’s final-round 72 (+2) may not have looked flashy on paper, but it was a remarkable turnaround after his front-nine 40. The turning point came after a 90-minute rain delay, which allowed Spaun to reset mentally.
He returned to the course with renewed confidence and went on to birdie four of the last six holes, including the final two—a feat not accomplished by a US Open winner since 1979. His 64-foot birdie on the 18th green sent the crowd into a frenzy and etched his name in major championship lore.
Career-Changing Victory
Spaun’s triumph at Oakmont marks his first career major and only his second win on the PGA Tour. Prior to this breakthrough, he was ranked 119th in the world. With this win, he skyrocketed into the top 10 and cemented his place among the game’s elite.
He also earned automatic invitations to the remaining majors this season, multi-year exemptions on the PGA Tour, and a spot on the radar for the upcoming Ryder Cup team. The $4.3 million winner’s check and 750 FedExCup points only added to the historic moment.
Key Takeaways from Spaun’s Victory
First major championship win for JJ Spaun
Only player to finish under par at Oakmont
Final round score: 72 (+2), total: 279 (-1)
Massive 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole
Overcame a front-nine 40 with four birdies on the back
Longest winning putt on the final hole in recent US Open history
Jumped from 119th to top 10 in the world rankings
Earned $4.3 million and 750 FedExCup points
Reaction from the Golf World
Spaun’s win drew widespread praise from fans, players, and analysts. Many described it as one of the grittiest, most emotional finishes in recent memory. His coach called the rain delay a “blessing in disguise,” while peers credited his unshakable focus.
Spectators were treated to a rollercoaster of emotions—from early-round struggles to late-round magic. As one commentator put it, “JJ Spaun didn’t just win the US Open—he survived it.”
Spaun’s Journey to the Top
Spaun’s road to major championship glory was anything but smooth. A journeyman on the PGA Tour, he had only one win before this week and was often overlooked in major championship conversations.
Despite his underdog status, Spaun showed flashes of brilliance early in the week, including a bogey-free first round that put him in contention. Over the next three rounds, he steadily maintained his place on the leaderboard until a final-round collapse seemed inevitable—until it wasn’t.
The Turning Point
The front-nine meltdown could have broken most players. But Spaun used the break in play not to panic, but to reset. That pause became the inflection point of his round—and his career.
From the 12th hole onward, he played nearly flawless golf. His birdies on 14, 17, and 18 weren’t just crucial—they were symbolic of his resilience. The 64-foot putt on the last hole wasn’t just a great shot; it was a statement of arrival.
A Historic Day at Oakmont
This US Open will be remembered for more than just the winner. It showcased everything that makes the championship legendary: a brutal test of golf, shifting weather, dramatic comebacks, and a new star rising under the pressure of the moment.
JJ Spaun became the first player to birdie both 17 and 18 to win the US Open in over four decades. He was also the only golfer to finish below par, proving that in the worst of conditions, the strongest minds prevail.
What’s Next for JJ Spaun?
With this victory, Spaun is now qualified for all major championships through 2030. He’s likely to become a central figure in the PGA Tour moving forward and may very well become a Ryder Cup selection this year.
Beyond rankings and earnings, Spaun now commands the respect of the golf world—and a growing legion of fans inspired by his quiet perseverance and historic finish.
Conclusion
JJ Spaun’s win at the 2025 US Open is more than just a sports headline—it’s a story of redemption, resolve, and rising against the odds. On the rain-soaked grounds of Oakmont, he proved that greatness isn’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes, it’s quiet, methodical, and utterly unstoppable.
Spaun didn’t just win a major championship—he claimed his place in golf history. The soggy greens and waterlogged bunkers of Oakmont became the stage for one of the most unforgettable performances in US Open history. And JJ Spaun left it not just as a survivor—but as a champion.
