JJ Spaun capped a remarkable journey with a dramatic victory at the US Open, sealing his first major title in stunning fashion. On a rain-soaked and chaotic final day at Oakmont, Spaun holed a 65-foot putt on the 18th green to finish two shots clear of Bob MacIntyre. The victory marks a career-defining moment for the 34-year-old, who began the year ranked outside the world’s top 100 and had never previously finished better than a tie for 23rd in a major.
The conditions were as wild as the leaderboard. A lengthy weather delay disrupted play, and when action resumed, players found themselves contending with puddles and treacherous rough. Shots splashed, slipped, and skidded as the tournament descended into borderline farce. But through the madness, Spaun held firm. A crucial birdie on the drivable par-four 17th gave him a cushion, and his pinpoint tee shot on the 18th set up a dramatic closing moment. With the crowd on edge, he drained the monster putt to seal his win and burst into tears long before reaching the scorer’s tent.
MacIntyre, who closed with an impressive 68 the best of the day among the leaders—was among the first to congratulate Spaun, applauding his rival’s epic putt. Though disappointed, the Scotsman proved his credentials on golf’s biggest stage and left with his head held high.
There were plenty of other storylines. Sam Burns, the overnight co-leader, unravelled with a double bogey at the 11th, and more woes at the 15th ended his hopes. Adam Scott saw his chances fade with a back-nine 41. Carlos Ortiz, also in contention, faltered late. Tyrrell Hatton suffered a cruel blow at the 17th when a tough bunker lie led to a costly meltdown, extinguishing his hopes in his first serious major contention.
Viktor Hovland quietly secured third place at two-over-par. Cameron Young, tied for fourth with Hatton and Ortiz, refused to comment on MacIntyre, clearly stung by the near miss. Elsewhere, Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler ended at four-over, while Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, finished strong with a 67 for a top-20 result. With The Open at Portrush on the horizon, McIlroy spoke of finding motivation again after his April triumph.
But this championship belonged to Spaun. From playoff heartbreak earlier in the season to lifting the trophy on one of golf’s toughest stages, his performance was gritty, emotional, and unforgettable a true sporting fairytale.
