JJ Spaun overcame various challenges on Sunday to win the 2025 US Open, his first major title. The 34-year-old American battled through a tough start and challenging weather to finish two strokes ahead of Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, ending as the only player under par at one-under 279.
Coming into the final round one stroke behind 54-hole leader Sam Burns, Spaun quickly ran into trouble, bogeying five of the first six holes and falling five shots behind. After a weather delay, Spaun found his rhythm on the back nine, sinking two long-range birdies and steadying his play. His 64½-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole sealed the win and sent the crowd into loud cheers.
Talking about his journey, Spaun said, “Last year in June, I was looking like I was going to lose my job, and that was when I had that moment where, if this is how I go out, I might as well go down swinging. That’s kind of the mantra I’ve been having all year.”
His hard work and determination turned what looked like a lost cause into a “storybook, fairytale ending,” he added. “With the rain and everything and then the putt, you couldn’t write a better story. I’m just so fortunate to be on the receiving end of that.”
This win is a breakthrough for Spaun, who spent years playing on smaller tours before breaking through on the PGA Tour. He had struggled to keep a full-time status in recent years. Now, this major victory pushes him up to No. 8 in the world rankings and improves his chances for Ryder Cup selection.
The last holes of the tournament were the crowning moment in the match. After a 309-yard shot on the 17th hole that left him a good birdie chance, Spaun avoided looking at the leaderboard to stay focused. “I knew based off of, like, what the crowd was saying that I felt like if I two-putted, I would probably win, but I didn’t want to look,” he said.
Spaun also treasured the timing of his victory, which came on Father’s Day. “It was so cool to have my entire family there on Father’s Day. It’s incredible. I can’t find the words to express how special this moment is, especially with them witnessing me as the champion,” he said.
