J.J. Spaun claimed victory at the 125th United States Open held at Oakmont Country Club on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, in an incredibly dramatic manner.

Spaun began the last round with five bogeys in his initial six holes, which featured arguably the worst misfortune of the tournament on the second, where Spaun’s pitch bounced off the pin. Rather than a quick birdie attempt, the rebound resulted in a bogey.

Steadfast, seemingly always composed and graceful — qualities that much of the golf community first witnessed at this year’s Players Championship, where Spaun fell in a playoff against Rory McIlroy — the 34-year-old veteran remained unbothered by the rocky beginning. Three pars to finish the front at 40 would equal the highest front nine score for any tour winner since 2003, with more pars on 10 and 11 before a rain break helping Spaun to regroup and concentrate.

Following the 100-minute weather interruption, Spaun ignited. He sank tough, lengthy, swift birdie putts on the par-5 12th and par-4 14th. A bogey on the 15th, caused by a bad drive worsened by a poor pitch out, brought him down to +1.

He swiftly bounced back.

A par on the challenging 16th led to what many considered the shot of the tournament, a powerful drive at the short par-4 17th that was always straight at the pin. Spaun’s ball traveled roughly 15 feet. A birdie achieved with two putts put him in sole possession of the lead at even par.

With Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre in the clubhouse at even par, and the last pairing faltering behind, Spaun required just a par on the challenging 18th to claim his first major triumph and his second PGA Tour victory A direct shot and a secure approach left Spaun 64 feet from the US Open Championship Trophy. He gained an advantage from having his playing partner Viktor Hovland positioned right next to him on the same line. Once Hovland made a good putt to roughly five feet, it was Spaun’s turn.

It appeared promising the instant he struck it. Moments later, it gradually moved into the center of the cup.

 

Significant Victory for Sports Betting Operators

Hardly anyone anticipated Sunday, or this week overall. Multiple pretournament favorites, such as defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, Sepp Straka, Ludvig Aberg, and Shane Lowry, failed to make the cut.

Rory McIlroy was never a factor, and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler’s putting failed him.

At the same time, Adam Scott attracted the audience around him in his quest for his second major. Five-time tour champion Sam Burns faced an unusual situation as he approached Sunday.

Yet ultimately, it was Spaun, who had odds of approximately 150/1 to win the US Open prior to Thursday’s opening round, that lifted the trophy   "I never knew how good I could be,” Spaun said.

At this moment, he understands. Everyone is aware.

 

Unlikely contender for World Top 10

At 150/1, Spaun is the longest odds winner prior to the tournament to capture a major since Phil Mickelson at the 2021 PGA Championship when he was as high as 250/1.

With his U.S. Open victory — his fifth top-10 result this season on Tour — Spaun ascends 17 places in the Official World Golf Ranking to No. 8. He concluded 2024 in the No. 119 position.

Spaun mentioned that he woke up at 3 am the day prior to Sunday’s final round to visit a 24/7 CVS store to purchase medication for one of his daughters. While Spaun rejoiced after dusk on the 18th green at Oakmont, one of his daughters exclaimed, “Daddy, we need to go.” “It’s time for bed.”

“We’re staying up late tonight,” said the US Open champ.