J.J. Spaun’s Epic Claw & Close at U.S. Open at Oakmont 2025

J.J. Spaun secured his first major title at the U.S. Open, overcoming a dismal start with five bogeys in six holes. A rain delay revitalized him, leading to critical birdies, including a memorable 64-foot putt on the final hole. His victory underscores resilience, earning him $4.3 million and a Ryder Cup spot.

morgdotmac

June 16, 2025

1–2 minutes

Bets, Golf, golfing, LIV, pga, pga-tour, Ryder Cup, sports, usopen

Well, well, well. In a U.S. Open that felt more like a survival show than a golf tournament, J.J. Spaun emerged as the last man standing at Oakmont. The 34-year-old Californian, who started the day with a front-nine 40, pulled off a comeback for the ages to claim his first major title. He finished at 1-under, two shots clear of Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre.

The Front Nine: A Comedy of Errors

Spaun’s final round began like a horror movie. Five bogeys in the first six holes had him spiraling. At that point, I wrote the guy off. But then the golf gods intervened with a 96-minute rain delay, giving Spaun a chance to regroup. **He returned to the course with a certain focus, making five straight pars to stabilize his round. After the delay, Spaun found his rhythm. He birdied the 12th hole with a 40-foot putt to tie for the lead. Then, in a finish straight out of a sports movie, he birdied the 17th and drained a 64-foot bomb on the 18th like a legit closer. It was the longest made putt of the tournament and a fitting end to his rollercoaster round.

The Field: Carnage Everywhere

While Spaun was steadying the ship, others were sinking. Sam Burns, the overnight leader, shot a disastrous 78 to finish tied for seventh. Adam Scott, who started just one shot off the lead, collapsed on the back nine with a 79. And all the others like Hovland and Hatton (both of whom I mortgaged $5 each on to win) just turned up milquetoast.

A Cinderella Story

A former college walk-on who nearly lost his PGA Tour status a year ago, he now joins the ranks of major champions. His win also earns him a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team and a $4.3 million payday. Not bad for a guy who started the day tending to his sick daughter.

In a tournament where the course was the main antagonist, Spaun’s resilience and clutch putting made him the unlikely hero. It’s a reminder that in golf, as in life, it’s not about how you start, but how you finish.