Starting the final round of the U.S. Open tied for second, J.J. Spaun looked ready to make history — and then immediately tried to unmake it. Five bogeys in his first six holes. That’s not a U.S. Open strategy, that’s a cry for help.
By the time he made the turn, Spaun had dropped so far he was practically in a different zip code from the lead. Golf Twitter started writing his obituary. The USGA probably had the trophy nameplate engraved for someone else.
Rain Delay: The Reckoning
And then… it rained.
A 95-minute weather delay gave Spaun just enough time to reboot the system, download “Clutch Mode,” and channel every sports montage ever made.
Birdie Bomb
When play resumed, he went full Hollywood.
Three birdies on the back nine.
A 64-foot heat-seeking, soul-crushing birdie bomb on 18.
Putter drop.
Fist pump.
Roll credits.
At 34, Spaun becomes the first U.S. Open winner ever to start with three straight over-par holes and still win. His 1-under total was the only red number on the board — because, of course, it was. He walked away with $4.3 million, his first major title, and probably a script offer for Happy Gilmore 2: Spaun’s Revenge.
Oh, and in his own words:
“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 moment for the rest of my life.”
Not bad for a guy who looked like he was speedrunning a meltdown.
Spaun’s Sunday Stat Sheet (Unofficial):
- Holes blacked out on: 3
- Times the broadcast team said “he’s done”: 7
- Back-nine birdies that mattered: 3
- Gallons of sweat: Unknown
- Viewers who screamed during that putt: All of us
- Shooter McGavin’s reaction:
“I could’ve made that putt… if Oakmont was a putt-putt course.”
Spaun hugged his caddie, his family, and probably every marshal within a 30-yard radius. At 34, he becomes the first U.S. Open champ to start the final round like a double-digit handicap — and end it like a Netflix sports doc.
Moral of the story?
You can light your scorecard on fire… as long as you save the ashes for birdie dust.
Spaun gave it a little encouragement, Happy-style:
“Go to your home! Are you too good for your home?!”