OAKMONT, Pa. — The final round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club concluded with an exciting finish, offering fans plenty of talking points.
THE VICTORY: J.J. Spaun emerged triumphant after a demanding final round, shooting 2-over 72. Despite the tough conditions, Spaun was the sole competitor to complete the tournament under par, finishing at 1-under 279.
THE REWARDS: Alongside the prestigious silver U.S. Open trophy, Spaun took home a hefty prize of $4.3 million and the renowned Jack Nicklaus gold medal. This victory secures Spaun’s place in the U.S. Open for the next decade and grants him a five-year exemption for the Masters, PGA Championship, and British Open.
THE CLOSE CHALLENGER: Robert MacIntyre finished as the runner-up with a spirited 68, just two strokes behind the champion.
THE FINAL CHALLENGE: In a dramatic final hour, contenders such as Sam Burns, Adam Scott, Tyrrell Hatton, and Carlos Ortiz all vied for the top position, drawing into a five-way tie for the lead. They posted rounds of 78, 79, 72, and 73 respectively.
THE CONSOLATION: Carlos Ortiz, who tied for fourth, earned his way into the Masters with this finish. Currently playing for LIV Golf, Ortiz last appeared in the Masters in 2021.
SIGNIFICANT SHOT: Spaun made a daring play on the par-4, 314-yard 17th hole, using his driver to get 18 feet from the pin for a straightforward two-putt birdie that gave him a narrow lead.
MEMORABLE PUTT: Spaun capped his win with a dramatic 65-foot birdie putt on the final hole—marking the longest successful putt of the week at Oakmont.
NOTABLE STATISTIC: Historically, Oakmont has been a stage where first-time major victories occur. Spaun joins the ranks of ten U.S. Open champions crowned here, with eight securing their first ever major win—including legends like Jack Nicklaus and Ernie Els.
REMARKABLE MOMENT: Spaun’s path to victory was extraordinary, marked by determination and a strong finish. His final-round score is the highest for a champion since Graeme McDowell clinched victory with a 74 at Pebble Beach in 2010.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Reflecting on his victory, Spaun described it as: “It’s definitely like a storybook, fairytale ending, kind of underdog fighting back, not giving up, never quitting. With the rain and everything and then the putt, I mean, you couldn’t write a better story.”
LOOKING AHEAD: The U.S. Open next travels to the iconic Shinnecock Hills for another anticipated showdown.