THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – 2025 United States Open winner JJ Spaun has his golf winning roots in Thunder Bay, it was in 2015 that Newport Beach, California’s J.J. Spaun broke through for his first Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada win, shooting a final round 5-under 67 to win the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel.
In one of the most dramatic U.S. Open finishes in recent memory, J.J. Spaun cemented his name in golf history with a jaw-dropping 65-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole at Oakmont Country Club, claiming his first major title and just his second career PGA Tour victory.
The 34-year-old Californian, who was once considering walking away from the game, posted a final-round 2-over 72, bringing him to a tournament total of 1-under 279—the only red number on the leaderboard. His improbable win came two shots ahead of Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, whose late surge fell just short.
“I dug deep on the back nine,” Spaun said after hoisting the trophy. “I’ve been doing it my whole life. I just had to commit to every shot.”
A Final Round Full of Surprises
Spaun’s road to victory was anything but smooth. He opened Sunday with five consecutive bogeys, including a heartbreaker on the 2nd after his approach shot ricocheted off the flagstick. After carding a front-nine 40, he trailed leader Sam Burns by four shots.
Yet, as others faltered on Oakmont’s notoriously punishing layout, Spaun remained composed. Birdies on holes 12 (41 feet), 14 (22 feet), and 17 helped turn the tide before his iconic closing putt on 18.
Weather Adds to Oakmont’s Challenge
The final round was briefly halted by a 96-minute weather delay after a late-afternoon storm drenched the already saturated course. Oakmont, hosting its record 10th U.S. Open, had seen 13 inches of rain over the past month.
That delay disrupted several contenders. Burns, who led after 36 and 54 holes, collapsed with a 78, finishing tied for 7th. Adam Scott, bidding to become the second-oldest U.S. Open winner at 44, closed with a 79 and finished 12th.
“This course is just brutal,” said Scott. “Today was the toughest day by far.”
MacIntyre Makes History, But Comes Up Short
MacIntyre was the only player in the final 17 groups to shoot under par on Sunday. His 2-under 68 gave him a total of 1-over 281, earning him a runner-up finish. He joins Phil Mickelson and Brian Harman as the only left-handers to finish second at a U.S. Open—still the only major yet to crown a left-handed champion.
“Almost got there,” said MacIntyre. “But not quite.”
Canadian Spotlight: Conners Withdraws, Hastings Shines
Canada’s Corey Conners withdrew with a wrist injury after three rounds of steady play. Meanwhile, Justin Hastings, a San Diego State standout representing the Cayman Islands, earned low-amateur honours, the only amateur to make the cut.
Conners’ absence on Sunday was a disappointment for Canadian fans, though his recent form suggests more opportunities ahead this season.
Other Highlights and Historical Notes
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Spaun is the third player to finish top two at The Players and win the U.S. Open in the same year, joining Tiger Woods and Martin Kaymer.
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The par-3 8th played at 301 yards—the longest par-3 in U.S. Open history.
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Spaun made 401.5 feet of putts, the most by any player in the championship.
The Comeback Story of J.J. Spaun
Once ranked outside the top 200 and plagued by doubts, Spaun nearly walked away from golf in 2021. Inspired by a chance viewing of the film Wimbledon, and with support from his family, he rededicated himself. In 2025, he’s shown flashes of brilliance—finishing third at the Sony Open and nearly winning The Players in a playoff.
With Sunday’s victory, Spaun now moves into the top tier of the sport, and his performance at Oakmont—a blend of resilience, putting brilliance, and emotional grit—may go down as one of the most memorable in modern U.S. Open history.
