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.

I just tried to dig deep,” said the 34-year-old Californian who can now call himself a major champion. “I've been doing it my whole life.”

OAKMONT, Pa. – J.J. Spaun’s closing pursuit of major glory began at 3 a.m. Sunday in, of all places, a CVS in downtown Pittsburgh. Spaun’s almost 2-year-old daughter, Violet, had woken up with a stomach bug, and mere hours into Father’s Day, dad duty called.

All this while those in contention stroll on and begin their quest toward something more. Sunday of the 2025 U.S. Open, the driving range had an elevated heartbeat; it was racing uncontrollably. Following a near two-hour weather delay,

When J.J. Spaun rolled in the winning putt at the U.S. Open, it wasn’t just the crowd that reacted. Standing off to the side, Robert MacIntyre gave the most relatable response possible: a stunned "Wow,

J.J. Spaun's Sunday at Oakmont to win the 2025 U.S. Open was one of the craziest final rounds from a major champion in recent memory. He began his day with five bogeys in his first six holes, going from tied at 2nd to five shots back of the lead before even making the turn.

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

The Californian overcame an exceedingly slow start Sunday to prevail at stormy Oakmont Country Club with some late-round drama.

Spaun, who up until Sunday had a grand total of one (1) PGA Tour victory to his credit, won the U.S. Open on talent, yes. But he won it on tenacity, too, and bend-but-don’t-break mental toughness. He won it because he hung around long enough to make exactly the right move at exactly the right moment.

J.J. Spaun managed the rain and a tough Oakmont course to win the 2025 U.S. Open, the first major victory for the California native.