Tiger Woods' Profound Impact on JJ Spaun's U.S. Open Win, Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Tiger Woods has shaped the golfing world like no other. His influence stretches across generations, inspiring players from LIV Golf's Bryson DeChambeau to world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
At the 125th U.S. Open, his impact was felt once again. This time by JJ Spaun, who secured his first major victory in one of the most brutal conditions imaginable at Oakmont Country Club.
U.S. Open 2025: J.J. Spaun reveals how Tiger Woods influenced his Oakmont win on June 15th. (Image Collage | Credits: Getty Images)
U.S. Open 2025: J.J. Spaun reveals how Tiger Woods influenced his Oakmont win on June 15th. (Image Collage | Credits: Getty Images)
Getty Images
Spaun's final round was a battle. He started with five bogeys in his first six holes, falling behind early. But he refused to quit.
He clawed his way back, draining a 65-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, sealing a two-stroke victory over Scotland's Robert MacIntyre.
Later, reflecting on his journey, Spaun credited Tiger Woods' influence.
"I just felt like you keep putting yourself in these positions, like eventually you're going to tick one off," he said.
"Max Homa told me a Tiger story where he said, 'As long as you're still there, you don't have to do anything crazy, especially at a U.S. Open.' I kind of was thinking about that out there this afternoon."
J.J. Spaun said Max Homa told him a 'Tiger story' at lunch one time, and it helped him win the U.S. Open...
Tiger knows best. pic.twitter.com/q4HCOCmjw4 — Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 16, 2025
As he soaked in the feeling of winning a major tournament, Spaun admitted he felt the luckiest.
"100 percent, at least in my mind, I'm the luckiest guy in the world. Just to finish it off like that is just a dream. You watch other people do it. "
With the win, Spaun's Official World Golf Ranking skyrocketed. He walked away with the Jack Nicklaus Medal, the U.S. Open trophy, and a $4.3 million payday.
Reflecting on his victory, Spaun admitted he felt like the luckiest guy in the world.
"Just to finish it off like that is just a dream. You watch other people do it. You see the Tiger chip, you see Nick Taylor's putt, you see crazy moments. To have my own moment like that at this championship, I'll never forget this for the rest of my life."
And perhaps the most special moment came after the win—when his daughter, Violet, proudly said, 'Dadda won!'.
JJ Spaun had to rush to CVS before U.S. Open win
Spaun's journey to the trophy wasn't just about golf—it was about resilience. Hours before his final round, Spaun was running to CVS at 3 a.m., tending to his sick daughter, Violet, who had been vomiting all night.
Despite the chaos, he stayed focused, determined to make the most of his opportunity.
OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 15: J. J. Spaun of the United States celebrates with his wife and family after his winning putt on the 18th green during the final round of the 125th U.S. OPEN...
OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 15: J. J. Spaun of the United States celebrates with his wife and family after his winning putt on the 18th green during the final round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 15, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. More
Photo bySpaun, who had never been in contention for a major before, had come close earlier this year, losing a playoff at THE PLAYERS Championship.
But he kept believing. "I just felt like you keep putting yourself in these positions, like eventually you're going to tick one off," he said.
Now with a fresh major win, Spaun sets his sights on the Travelers Championship.
More Golf: Wyndham Clark Loses Temper, Goes Berserk in U.S. Open Locker Room
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