His thrilling victory at Oakmont Country Club on Sunday was another example of the inspiring resilience of a San Dimas High graduate who never forgot his roots.

On a day built for umbrellas, panchos and industrial-sized squeegees, Spaun reversed his own freefall, took advantage of several others' and hit two shots that turned him into a major champion while finally, mercifully, creating a moment to remember at the rain-soaked brute called Oakmont.

Spaun could never have known his entire professional career prepared him for this moment in Western Pennsylvania

Spaun learned from previous errors to make history at the 2025 U.S. Open, writes Bob Harig. Plus, notes on the low amateur, the PGA Tour's new CEO and other stats from an epic U.S. Open.

Through it all, looming large and nasty and insurmountable, there was the golf course. Oakmont Country Club hosted its record 10th U.S. Open. As ever, it did not disappoint. This is the place that, in 1962,

But one-by-one, everyone sputtered, and Spaun made birdies on Nos. 12, 14 and the aforementioned 17 and 18 to thrill the masses. The 34-year-old Los Angeles-area native shot 66-72-69-72. "Fortunately, it was my time," said Spaun, who claims the 2022 Valero Texas Open as his sole PGA Tour title.

Celebrate J.J. Spaun's victory in the U.S. Open -- with a 64-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole -- with a USA TODAY commemorative page print

J.J. Spaun was dialed in on his approach shot on the second hole Sunday at Oakmont. Too dialed in. His wedge from 94 yards took one hop, hit the flagstick and ricocheted back, rolling off the green and 50 yards away.