J.J. Spaun Triumphs at 125th U.S. Open, Secures First Major Championship Victory

J.J. Spaun, a 34-year-old golfer from Los Angeles and alumnus of San Diego State University, secured his first major championship by winning the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania on June 15, 2025. Despite a challenging start in the final round, where he bogeyed five of the first six holes, Spaun demonstrated remarkable resilience. He finished the round with a 2-over-par 72, culminating in a dramatic 65-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, the longest made putt of the tournament. This performance led him to a one-under total of 279, making him the only player to finish under par. His victory was two strokes ahead of Scotland's Robert MacIntyre, who finished at one-over par. This win marked Spaun's first major title and his second PGA Tour victory, elevating him from 119th to 8th in the Official World Golf Rankings.

Born on August 21, 1990, in Los Angeles, California, John Michael "J.J." Spaun Jr. is of Filipino and Mexican descent through his mother. He attended San Dimas High School before playing collegiate golf at San Diego State University, where he was a two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection and the 2012 Conference Player of the Year. Spaun turned professional in 2012 and initially played on the PGA Tour Canada, where he won the Staal Foundation Open in 2015. He earned his PGA Tour card in 2017 and secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Valero Texas Open in April 2022. In 2018, Spaun was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which was later corrected to type 1 diabetes in 2021.

The final round of the U.S. Open was played under rain-soaked conditions, adding to the difficulty of the course. Spaun began the final round with five bogeys in the first six holes but recovered with birdies on the 12th, 14th, 17th, and a remarkable 65-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. His victory earned him $4.3 million from the $21.5 million prize purse. Robert MacIntyre of Scotland finished two strokes behind at one-over par.

This victory marked Spaun's first major championship and his second PGA Tour win, significantly boosting his career profile. The win propelled Spaun from 119th to 8th in the Official World Golf Rankings, marking a dramatic rise from his position at the start of the season. The substantial prize money enhances Spaun's earnings, placing him third on the season's earnings leaderboard behind Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Spaun's journey, including overcoming health challenges and regaining his PGA Tour card, serves as an inspiring narrative of resilience and determination.

Oakmont Country Club is renowned for its difficulty, and Spaun's under-par finish is a testament to his skill and composure under pressure. Spaun's 65-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole is noted as the longest made putt of the tournament, adding a dramatic flair to his victory.

Reflecting on his journey, Spaun said, "I never thought I'd be here holding this trophy. I always had aspirations and dreams. A few months ago I never knew what my ceiling was."

Spaun's victory at the 2025 U.S. Open not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also serves as an inspiring story of perseverance and triumph in the face of adversity.