A storm changes everything: Two magic strikes bring JJ Spaun $4.3 million

A storm changes everything. Two magic strikes bring JJ Spaun $4.3 million. June 16, 2025, 8:37 a.m.

The weather is really bad—and just the right thing for JJ Spaun. After a break, he recovers at the US Open and, thanks to two fantastic shots, wins the first major title of his career. The reward is a hell of a lot of money.

Thanks to some fantastic shots on the final holes, professional golfer JJ Spaun won the US Open. He was the only player to fall short of the course standard at the major tournament in Oakmont, shooting 279 strokes, and ultimately won by two strokes over Scotsman Robert MacIntyre. For the 36-year-old American, Spaun, it was the first major victory of his career.

"I never thought I'd be standing here holding this trophy," Spaun said after his triumph, for which he earned $4.3 million (around €3.73 million). "I've always had ambitions and dreams. I've never known where my ceiling is. I'm just trying to be the best golfer I can be. I'm happy I was able to show that here at Oakmont."

Spaun's restart after storm break

The day had started very poorly for Spaun, with five bogeys on the first six holes – one stroke more than expected in each. Due to heavy rain, the tournament in Pennsylvania, which boasts a purse of $21.5 million (approximately €18.6 million), was interrupted for more than an hour and a half. Spaun used this time to regroup.

On hole 17, he hit the ball 287 meters from the tee directly onto the green, and on hole 18, he made the longest putt of the tournament from almost 20 meters. The two birdies—holes one stroke short of the course standard—made the victory perfect.

Scheffler and McIlroy have no chance

Spaun also benefited from the fact that the two leaders after the first three days collapsed in the final round. US professional Sam Burns shot only a round of 78 on the difficult par-70 course and finished the tournament in a tie for seventh place. Australian veteran Adam Scott also lost his nerve on the final day, shooting 79 strokes.

World number one Scottie Scheffler of the USA finished the third major of the year in seventh place, just like Burns. Northern Ireland's golf star Rory McIlroy finished 19th. German Stephan Jäger failed to make the cut after just two days and was eliminated early.