
Pro Golfers Reactions to JJ Spaun 64-Foot Walk-Off are Priceless
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The final round of the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont was nothing short of brutal. Rain had soaked the course, turning an already punishing setup into a nightmare for the field.
But through the chaos, J.J. Spaun delivered one of the most unforgettable finishes in major championship history.
OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 15: J. J. Spaun of the United States celebrates winning on the 18th green during the final round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 15, 2025...
OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 15: J. J. Spaun of the United States celebrates winning 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. (Photo by) More
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Standing over a 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th, needing only a two-putt to secure his first major, Spaun drained it, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
As the ball disappeared into the cup, Spaun threw his putter into the air, overwhelmed by the moment.
Viktor Hovland, who had battled Spaun throughout the day, was the first to embrace him.
Hovland hugged the $4.3M winner and expressed his mad respect, saying, "That was impressive dude, congrats."
'That was impressive dude, congrats.'
Mad respect from Viktor Hovland to JJ Spaun.
Sports still undefeated pic.twitter.com/QYk28u68Mx — Christopher Powers (@CPowers14) June 16, 2025
"Yeah, that was unbelievable," Hovland said later during the press conference.
"To watch him hole the putt on 12 down the hill there was unreal. And then he makes another one on 14 that was straight down the hill. And then the one on 18, it's just absolutely filthy there."
Viktor had his own battle. He had led for much of the final round, but a bogey on 16 and a missed birdie chance on 17 left him finishing at 2-over, settling for third place.
Meanwhile, Robert MacIntyre, watching from the clubhouse hoping to join Spaun in a playoff, was captured with his priceless reaction. As Spaun's putt dropped, MacIntyre couldn't help but smile and clapped wholeheartedly.
A few seconds later, he shouted, "Wow!"—a moment caught on camera that instantly went viral.
Bob MacIntyre applauding JJ Spaun draining the winning US Open putt as it ended his dream.
Love that reaction. Did all he could, but he had to applaud better.pic.twitter.com/50jF2vfhIu — Ryan Ballengee (@RyanBallengee) June 16, 2025
Tyrrell Hatton was mid-interview, and had an epic live reaction.
"Oh, he has holed it. Unbelievable! What a putt to win! That's incredible."
When asked what Spaun must be feeling, Hatton didn't hesitate: "In shock!"
The praise kept rolling in. Billy Horschel, sidelined due to injury, tweeted: "Take a bow @JJSpaun!!!!".
Ex PGA Tour pro, Colt Knost, also chimed in: "Congrats @JJSpaun!!! What a back 9!!! He added "Dude has always been a stripe show and now a @usopengolf champion!!!".
Michel Kim, a fan favorite, summed it up tweeting: "Dropped out of coverage to 65ft birdie putt and a US Open trophy. Unreal. Congrats to JJ!"
More Golf: Adam Scott's Strange Practice Routine Unveiled amid US Open Run

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A 34-year-old journeyman who contemplated retirement a year ago wins the U.S. Open? Sounds more like the movie 'Tin Cup' than what transpired at storied Oakmont Country Club on Father's Day. But J.J. Spaun, who was born in Los Angeles and played at San Diego State, won the tournament in dramatic fashion on a roller coaster of a Sunday. He bogeyed five of the first six holes but rallied with a 3-under 32 on the back nine, which included birdies of 40 feet, 22 feet and an incredible 64 feet. Advertisement Celebrate Spaun's underdog victory with a beautifully designed commemorative page print from USA TODAY. Featuring a bold headline and a striking image of Spaun celebrating at Oakmont, this keepsake captures the moment perfectly. Buy our U.S. Open page print Celebrate J.J. Spaun's victory in the 2025 U.S. Open with a commemorative page print from USA TODAY. Printed on premium, acid-free art paper, this collectible starts at $35 (plus shipping). Elegant upgrade options include framed editions and backgrounds in canvas, acrylic, metal or wood through the USA TODAY Store. Late on the back nine, Spaun was one of five players tied for the lead on a course that crowned such champions as Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Johnny Miller and Ernie Els. Spaun finished at 1-under 279, the only golfer in red numbers, two strokes ahead of Scotland's Robert MacIntyre. Advertisement He made the 64-foot putt for birdie on the 72nd hole when he only needed a two-putt par for victory. Own a piece of golf history today! J.J. Spaun's story will long be remembered by golf fans the world over. Buy our U.S. Open page print Contact Gene Myers at gmyers@ Follow him on X @GeneMyers. After nearly a quarter-century as sports editor at the Detroit Free Press, Myers unretired to coordinate book and poster projects across the USA TODAY Network. Explore more books and page prints from the USA TODAY Network, including titles on the Florida Gators' NCAA basketball championship and the Philadelphia Eagles' victory in Super Bowl 59. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Commemorate J.J. Spaun's U.S. Open title with our page print