J.J. Spaun pulled off a storybook ending to claim his first major title at the U.S. Open on a dramatic and rain-soaked Sunday at Oakmont Country Club. He sealed the win in spectacular fashion, sinking a jaw-dropping 64½-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole — a perfect finish to an unforgettable round.
Spaun closed with back-to-back birdies, carding a 2-over-par 72 to finish the tournament at 1-under 279, two shots ahead of Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who made a strong push with a final-round 68.
The 34-year-old had only one previous PGA Tour win to his name. He led after the first round, stayed in contention through tough Friday and Saturday conditions, and then emerged victorious in a chaotic final round that tested everyone’s patience and nerves.
At one point late in the round, five players were tied at 1 over — and surprisingly, MacIntyre wasn’t even among them. That’s how tight and unpredictable things were.
On the short but tricky 314-yard par-4 17th, Spaun launched a big drive uphill that found the green. He calmly two-putted for birdie, giving him the solo lead heading into the final hole.
Needing just a par at the 18th, Spaun landed his second shot on the far side of the green. After watching his playing partner, Viktor Hovland, putt first, Spaun lined up his own — and sank it for birdie. As rain poured down, so did the emotions.
Hovland finished third at 2 over after a final-round 73. Cameron Young (70), England’s Tyrrell Hatton (72), and Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz (73) all tied for fourth at 3 over.
Sam Burns, who led Spaun and Australia’s Adam Scott by one after three rounds, couldn’t hang on in the downpour. He shot a disappointing 78, dropping to 4 over, tied with Scottie Scheffler (70) and Spain’s Jon Rahm (67). Scott struggled even more, carding a 79 to finish at 6 over.
Even before the worst of the weather rolled in, the leaderboard was already in chaos. And early on, it looked like Spaun might be in trouble himself — he bogeyed five of his first six holes and had a tough break on the second. But he held his nerve when it mattered most.
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