JJ Spaun Surges from Rocky Start to US Open Victory as Final Round Thwarts All Under-Par Challenges; MacIntyre Second

JJ Spaun Triumphs in Dramatic US Open Victory at Oakmont

[Image: JJ Spaun celebrates his winning putt on the 18th green at Oakmont.
Caption: JJ Spaun clinched his first major with a clutch final-hole putt.]

American golfer JJ Spaun claimed his maiden major title at the 2025 US Open, overcoming a turbulent final round at Oakmont Country Club. Despite a shaky start that saw him drop three shots early, Spaun rallied with a steely back-nine performance, capped by a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to secure a two-stroke victory.

Collapses and Comebacks
Spaun began Sunday’s round with a one-shot lead but quickly faltered, carding bogeys on holes 2, 4, and 5. “I felt like the wheels were coming off,” he admitted post-round. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre surged into contention with a gutsy 68, highlighted by four birdies in his first 11 holes. England’s Tyrrell Hatton also briefly shared the lead at 3-under, only to double-bogey the 17th after a wayward drive.

[Image: Robert MacIntyre reacts to a putt during his runner-up finish.
Caption: Robert MacIntyre’s 68 earned him a career-best major result.]

The Turning Point
As Spaun steadied himself with pars, his rivals crumbled. Former champion Adam Scott bogeyed three of his final five holes, while Sam Burns’ charge ended with a water-logged approach on the 16th. Trailing MacIntyre by one shot with two holes to play, Spaun delivered under pressure: a precise iron to six feet set up a birdie at the 17th, tying the Scot. Then came the unforgettable 18th, where Spaun’s daring approach skirted a bunker before his long putt curled into the cup, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Historic Win for Spaun
The 34-year-old’s even-par 72 gave him a 1-over total (285) for the tournament, making him the first player since 1985 to win the US Open without breaking par in any round. “This place tests every part of your game—and your mind,” Spaun said, cradling the trophy. “To do it here, at Oakmont, is something I’ll never forget.”

[Image: Spaun holds the US Open trophy amid cheers from the crowd.
Caption: Spaun became the first player in 40 years to win the US Open without a single under-par round.]

MacIntyre’s second-place finish marked Scotland’s best US Open result in decades, while Hatton’s late collapse left him tied for third. The brutal Oakmont layout lived up to its reputation, with no player finishing under par for the week. Spaun’s grit under pressure etched his name into major championship lore, proving that resilience trumps perfection on golf’s toughest stage.

Final Leaderboard

1. JJ Spaun: +1 (285)
2. Robert MacIntyre: +3 (287)
   T3. Tyrrell Hatton: +4 (288)
   T3. Sam Burns: +4 (288)
   T5. Adam Scott: +5 (289)

Featured images sourced from Getty/USGA.