J.J. Spaun Wins $4.3 Million in Surprise U.S. Open Victory—Just 2 Years After Splashing Out $1.3 Million on New Arizona Home

Yahoo

17-06-2025

Professional golfer J.J. Spaun might not have been one of the leading names in his sport as of a week ago—but all that changed on June 15 when he putted his way to a sensational U.S. Open victory, bagging an impressive $4.3 million prize in the process.
The 34-year-old, who hails from California, secured an unlikely victory after two strokes at the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club on Sunday, according to ESPN, beating Scottish player Robert MacIntyre by two.
His historic win came after a birdie on the 17th hole, which propelled him to a one-stroke lead, before he went on to make a 64.5-foot birdie putt at the following hole to cement his victory, a moment that he then celebrated with his wife, Melody, and their two daughters.
'Honestly, I feel like he's always been the underdog, and he's finally proved himself,' Spaun's wife said of his victory in a video shared on the PGA Tour's X account.
After celebrating the milestone moment with an enthusiastic fist pump and a family embrace, Spaun—who began his pro career in 2013—later confessed that he had avoided looking at the scoreboard when walking up to the 18th fairway, noting that he just wanted to focus on his game and not on the prospect of winning.
'I knew, based [on] what the crowd was saying, that I felt like if I two-putted, I would probably win, but I didn't want to look because I didn't want to play defensive,' he told reporters. 'I didn't want to do anything dumb, trying to protect a three-putt or something.
'About 8 feet out, I kind of went up to the high side to see if it had a chance of going in, and it was like going right in. I was just in shock, disbelief that it went in and it was over.'
In winning the tournament—during which he was the only player to finish under par at 1-under 279—Spaun also netted his biggest professional payday: a $4.3 million chunk of the overall $21.5 million purse.
Maclntyre, who had been hoping to become the first left-handed golfer to garner the U.S. Open win, came in second at 1-over 281, and Viktor Hovland came in at third place at 2-over 282.
Though Spaun's U.S. Open prize money is the biggest total win of his career, he has netted an impressive $22.8 million in total PGA tournament earnings throughout his career, according to the official PGA Tour website.
Most recently, he earned $300,000 after tying for sixth place at the Charles Schwab Challenge, and in March, he took home $2.7 million after finishing in second place at The Players Championship, where Rory McIlroy claimed victory.
His impressive career winnings have helped Spaun to carve out quite the comfortable life for his family—who recently relocated to Arizona from California, having snapped up a $1.25 million abode in a 'highly sought-after neighborhood' in 2023.
Their five-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom abode sprawls across 3,705 square feet and 'backs up to a beautiful greenbelt,' according to the original listing.
The front of the home is surrounded by lush greenery and features an expansive driveway.
Upon entering the home, guests are greeted with an expansive floor plan and a formal dining room that comes with a dark wood floor and a stylish chandelier.
The living room features a cozy brick fireplace and opens to the chef's kitchen, which boasts state-of-the-art appliances and plenty of cabinets.
The primary bathroom boasts double vanities, a large soaking tub, and a glass shower.
Further in the home, there is a walk-in closet and balcony.
Outside, there is a large pool and an expanse of grass.
But perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of the home—at least where Spaun is concerned—is its proximity to multiple golf courses, including one in the same neighborhood as his home.
Given Arizona's notoriously dry and balmy weather, this means that Spaun can enjoy his pick of top courses year-round, ensuring that he is never without an opportunity to hone his skills.
However, Spaun has previously revealed that his wife has implemented some strict rules when it comes to his practice rounds, limiting him to a maximum of five hours on the course to ensure that he always has time for his family.
According to People, the pro golfer revealed in 2023 that his wife had told him: 'Like, OK, you get five hours. You gotta be back by this time.'
However, he conceded that, without the time limit, he does tend to get caught up.
'Sometimes I can get stuck out here for a long time,' he confessed. Now, 'I don't mess around and fraternize or socialize with everyone. Kind of just do my thing. Get it in there.'
Spaun has played golf for the majority of his life, having played in college while attending San Diego State University.
The father of two was recruited to play out of high school and was a key member of the Aztecs' gold team. He later became a two-time All-American and was named the Mountain West Player of the Year as a senior in 2012.
After his final year of college, Spaun, who was born to an American father and a half-Filipino, half-Mexican mother, turned pro.
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