Spaun captures first major title with US Open victory

Time of India

11 hours ago

JJ Spaun
delivered a dramatic finish at
Oakmont
on Sunday, sinking a stunning 65-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to win the
US Open
and claim his first
major championship
.
The 34-year-old American overcame a rocky start that included five bogeys in his first six holes, holding his nerve down the stretch.
Spaun finished at one-under-par 279 for the tournament, securing a two-shot victory over Scotland's
Robert MacIntyre
.
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Undo
Norway's
Viktor Hovland
took third place at two-over 282. The win marks a career-defining moment for Spaun, who battled back in style to earn golf's ultimate prize.
— usopengolf (@usopengolf)
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"I never thought I would be holding this trophy," Spaun said. "I'm proud I've been so resilient in my career."
Trailing for much of the final round, Spaun mounted a stunning comeback as US Open leaders Sam Burns and Australia's Adam Scott faltered down the stretch.
Spaun, who became the first US Open champion to bogey the first three holes of his final round, rallied with four birdies over the last seven holes.
He drained a 40-foot birdie putt at the par-five 12th, followed by a 22-footer at the 14th. After a setback with a bogey at 15, he responded with a crucial tap-in birdie at 17 before sealing the victory with a dramatic 65-foot birdie bomb on the 18th.
— usopengolf (@usopengolf)
"When I hit it I thought it was short," Spaun said. "But about eight feet out it was looking pretty good.
"It's just one of those moments in major championships when you seal the deal."
Spaun claimed the biggest win of his career, taking home the $4.3 million top prize after an emotional finish at Oakmont. Spaun, whose only previous
PGA Tour
win came at the 2022 Texas Open, wiped away tears as fans chanted his name following his clutch 65-foot birdie putt on the 18th green.
A 96-minute weather delay before the back nine proved pivotal, giving Spaun time to regroup before launching a late charge. Meanwhile, Sam Burns collapsed with a five-over start through 12 holes, opening the door for a crowded leaderboard.
— usopengolf (@usopengolf)
Spain's Jon Rahm closed with three straight birdies to shoot 67 and finish at 284, tied for seventh with Burns and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
Rory McIlroy
, fresh off his Masters triumph, carded a 67 to finish on 287 as he now sets his sights on next month's Open Championship at Royal Portrush.