J.J. Spaun clinches first major with stunning putt to win U.S. Open

J.J. Spaun captured his maiden major title at the U.S. Open on Sunday, sealing victory with a dramatic 64-foot birdie putt across a rain-soaked 18th green at Oakmont Country Club. 

The Californian held off Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre to win by two shots, capping off a wild final round with a two-over-par 72 to finish one under for the tournament.

Needing just a par at the last to avoid a playoff, Spaun went one better, draining a sensational birdie putt in the rain to complete his breakthrough victory. The moment brought redemption after narrowly missing out on the title at The Players Championship in March.

“Just to finish it off like that is a dream,” Spaun said. “To have my own moment at this championship — I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life.”

As the putt dropped, Spaun celebrated with a fist pump, tossed his putter in the air, and embraced his caddie before sharing the win with his young daughters in an emotional Father’s Day finish.

“It was so special to have my whole family there,” he added. “I can’t describe the feeling of having them see me win.”

Tied with MacIntyre heading to the 17th, Spaun delivered a clutch 309-yard drive on the drivable par-four that landed just 17 feet from the hole. Though he missed the eagle attempt, he tapped in for birdie, setting the stage for his spectacular finale.

“I didn’t want to look at the scoreboard on 18,” Spaun said. “I had a feeling that a two-putt would win it, based on the crowd, but I didn’t want to change my strategy or get defensive.”

Redemption After Past Heartbreak

Spaun’s triumph came just three months after a painful playoff loss to Rory McIlroy at The Players, a moment that nonetheless proved he belonged among golf’s best.

He started the tournament strong, posting the only bogey-free round on Day 1 despite Oakmont’s notoriously punishing setup. During the final round, Spaun stumbled early with five bogeys but stayed within reach as others failed to capitalize.

Viktor Hovland finished in third after a 73, while Cameron Young (70) joined LIV Golf players Tyrrell Hatton (72) and Carlos Ortiz (73) in a tie for fourth.

Sam Burns, who held a one-shot lead heading into Sunday, faltered with a 78 and ended five shots back. “I gave it everything I had,” Burns said. “This course doesn’t give much back.”

Weather Delays and Late Drama

Sunday’s final round was disrupted by a 96-minute delay due to heavy rain, which flooded fairways and greens, forcing groundskeepers to squeegee the course back into playable shape.

Veteran Adam Scott, playing in his 96th consecutive major, unraveled with a closing 79 that saw him drop five shots over his final five holes, finishing tied for 12th.

Among those making a late surge was Jon Rahm, who carded a three-under 67 — tied for the day’s low round — to finish five shots off the lead, alongside world number one Scottie Scheffler and Burns.

Rory McIlroy also signed for a 67, climbing to seven over after a rough week. The Northern Irishman, who completed the career Grand Slam at the Masters earlier this year, said he was eager to reset before next month’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

“I just need to get myself back in the right mindset,” McIlroy said. “I probably haven’t been there the past few weeks.”