J.J. Spaun’s victory at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and inspiring moments in golf history. Overcoming chaotic weather conditions and a challenging final round, Spaun clinched his first major title with a stunning 64-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole, a shot that has already entered golf folklore.
The tournament at Oakmont was marked by relentless rain and a soaked course that made scoring extremely difficult. Oakmont is widely regarded as one of the toughest courses in the world, and this year’s U.S. Open only reinforced that reputation. Spaun himself described Oakmont as “the toughest course I’ve ever played,” citing its diabolical design, fast and sloped greens, and the necessity to hit fairways consistently to have any chance of success. The weather on Sunday caused a lengthy rain delay, further complicating conditions and testing players’ resilience.
Spaun’s final round was a rollercoaster. He began the day struggling, dropping five shots early and shooting a five-over 40 on the front nine. Many contenders faded under the pressure and difficult conditions, but Spaun used an enforced rain break to reset his mindset. After the break, he mounted a remarkable comeback, birdieing four of the last seven holes, including the 17th where he drove the green for a crucial birdie that gave him the lead.
Entering the 18th hole, Spaun held a one-shot advantage over Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre. What followed was a moment of pure magic: Spaun sank a 64-foot, 5-inch putt — the longest made on any hole all week at Oakmont — to seal a two-shot victory and finish at 1-under par for the tournament. The putt was a rollercoaster of twists and turns, navigating puddles on the green in the rain, and defied all expectations. As the ball dropped, Spaun’s reaction was one of disbelief and elation, raising his arms skyward and cementing his place in golf history.
This victory was especially remarkable considering Spaun’s career trajectory. Before this major breakthrough, he had only one PGA Tour win and was ranked 119th in the world the previous year. His triumph at Oakmont was only his second U.S. Open appearance, making it a stunning underdog story. Spaun’s performance was also notable for his putting prowess, as he gained over 400 feet on the greens throughout the tournament, the best putting performance of the week.
Spaun’s win places him among the elite company of U.S. Open champions who finished birdie-birdie to clinch the title, joining legends like Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Jon Rahm. The $4.3 million winner’s share and the major trophy are the rewards for a week that tested every ounce of his skill, patience, and mental toughness.
In summary,
J.J. Spaun’s 2025 U.S. Open victory at Oakmont Country Club was a testament to resilience and skill under extreme pressure and adverse conditions. From a shaky start in the final round to a breathtaking finish with a historic 64-foot putt, Spaun’s journey from underdog to major champion captured the imagination of golf fans worldwide and added a memorable chapter to the storied history of the U.S. Open