In the wet and wild conditions at Oakmont, Pennsylvania, J.J. Spaun conquered the arduous course to seize an unexpected victory at the U.S. Open.
The Californian golfer turned a challenging Sunday into a remarkable triumph, pulling off two unforgettable shots that secured his place in U.S. Open history.
Spaun’s game-changing moment unfolded on the 314-yard 17th hole, where he drove his ball onto the green, giving him a chance at a two-putt birdie that nudged him into the lead.
Facing 65 feet to secure his victory with a birdie on the final hole, Spaun sank the longest putt of the week at Oakmont, capping off an impressive 2-over round of 72.
Despite the dismal weather and tough breaks that plagued many competitors, Spaun (who ranked 119th globally before this) held firm, ultimately moving up to No. 8 as a U.S. Open champion.
Reflecting on his achievement, Spaun admitted, “I never thought I would be here holding this trophy.”
The 34-year-old delivered a consistent performance, finishing with a score of 1-under 279, two strokes ahead of Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who could only admire from the sidelines.
The final hour was tense, with five players sharing the lead, but it was Spaun who emerged victoriously as others faltered.
This victory marked Spaun’s persistent dedication and resilience on the golf course.
Despite a rocky start with bogeys and challenging pin positions, he managed to dig deep and deliver when it counted most.
‘I tried to just continue to dig deep. I’ve been doing it my whole life,’ Spaun remarked.
While Spaun celebrated on the podium, others faced tough outcomes.
Sam Burns, initially leading by two shots, faced misfortunes that led to a disheartening score of 78.
Adam Scott, eying a major title, faltered on the final holes, finishing with a 79.
Carlos Ortiz and Tyrrell Hatton, battling for survival against the course’s harsh conditions, equally fell short.
Despite the rain pushing the course to its limits, a fortunate weather delay seemed to rejuvenate Spaun’s focus.
He minimized errors after the halt, making just one more bogey.
The competitive spirit of other contenders like MacIntyre (shooting a 68) kept the game fierce, but Spaun’s critical shot on the 17th and his precise putting clinched his victory.
Witnesses like Viktor Hovland recognized the ambiguity and struggle but applauded Spaun’s outstandingly unexpected performance and eventual triumph.
Hovland himself finished third with a score of 73.
In tying for fourth were Hatton, Ortiz, and Cameron Young, who all vied valiantly against the odds.
Importantly for Ortiz, his efforts secured him a place at the Masters next year.
Despite starting the day 10 shots behind, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler remained in the conversation until the back nine, ultimately sharing the seventh place with Jon Rahm and Burns.
He encountered costly errors that dashed his hopes, demonstrating the relentless nature of Oakmont’s course.
In the end, Spaun emerged as an unlikely champion, defying expectations vividly plotted against the backdrop of inclement weather and formidable competition.