J.J. Spaun’s Triumph at the Rain-Soaked U.S. Open
A Historic Day at Oakmont
OAKMONT, Pa. — On a day that demanded umbrellas, raincoats, and industrial-sized squeegees, J.J. Spaun proved that no one backs their way into a U.S. Open title. The 34-year-old Californian emerged as a major champion, reversing his own struggles while capitalizing on the misfortunes of others.
The Turning Point
The pivotal moment for Spaun came during a rain delay that lasted for 1 hour and 37 minutes. When the rain began to pour during the tail end of a challenging front nine, Spaun found himself four shots behind. His initial score of 40 on the front nine suggested nothing might be possible. However, with advice from his coaches to stay calm and embrace the situation, he was able to shift his mindset. “If you had told me I could be four shots back with nine holes to play, I would have jumped at the chance,” Spaun recounted.
Key Shots That Decided the Title
The shots that will resonate through golf history are Spaun’s drive on the reachable par-4 17th and a staggering 65-foot putt on the 18th. These moments not only solidified his lead but also capped a spectacular final round. The drive set him up for a crucial birdie, allowing him to take the lead for the first time—at even par. The putt, the longest of the tournament, closed out his back nine with a remarkable score of 32.
A Grueling Finish
Despite finishing with a score of 72—the highest closing-round score for a U.S. Open winner in 15 years—Spaun stood as the only player to finish under par for the tournament at 1-under 279. His accomplishment was all the more impressive considering the extreme weather conditions at Oakmont, which saw many players falter under pressure. In the end, Spaun’s solid play included a remarkable total of 401.5 feet worth of putts made across four days of play.
The Challenge of Weather and Competition
While Spaun thrived, others struggled in the relentless rain. Third-round leader Sam Burns fell apart, shooting a 40 on the back nine, while Adam Scott, the only major champion in the top 10 after Saturday, saw his hopes fade with a disappointing 41. Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre challenged Spaun the closest throughout the day but couldn’t quite keep pace as the rain continued to disrupt the flow of competition.
“I didn’t adapt to those conditions well enough,” Scott admitted, illustrating the difficulty competitors faced in the inclement weather. Tyrell Hatton briefly tied for the lead but succumbed to two bogeys on the final holes.
An Emotional Father’s Day
Beyond the golf course, Spaun’s day was marked by personal chaos. He began Father’s Day with a trip to the drug store at 3 a.m. to care for his sick daughter, Violet. “It was kind of a rough start to the morning,” he reflected, providing context for his initial struggles on the course.
Support from Coaches and Teammates
As Spaun battled through both personal and professional challenges, support from his coaches proved invaluable. Adam Schriber, his coach, emphasized the sacrifices that athletes make for moments like this, highlighting the emotional weight of Spaun’s victory.
With the silver trophy and gold medal now secured, Spaun’s triumph at the U.S. Open stands as a story of resilience, focus, and the ability to stay calm under pressure—an inspiring testament to what it means to be a champion in the sport of golf.
