J.J. Spaun secured a remarkable triumph at the 2025 U.S. Open held at Oakmont Country Club, sinking an extraordinary 65-foot putt to clinch the title. Needing only a par or better on the final green, Spaun watched rival Viktor Hovland narrowly miss a similar putt, then calmly delivered the winning stroke. His victory marked a major milestone in his career, one he attributed largely to the influence of Tiger Woods’ guidance and advice.

Lessons from Near Misses and Overcoming Adversity

Throughout the season, Spaun faced several close calls, including a tough playoff loss to Rory McIlroy at THE PLAYERS Championship. These experiences provided valuable lessons on resilience and perseverance. Reflecting on his journey, Spaun explained how he stayed grounded despite the pressure, learning not to give up and to maintain belief in his ability to win.

You talked about your close calls this year and how adversity is a really, really good teacher. What are those lessons that you drew from that really helped you bring it across the finish line today?

— Journalist

I just felt like you keep putting yourself in these positions, like eventually you’re going to tick one off. This isn’t — I don’t put myself in this position often, or at all, for a major, that’s for sure. This is only my second U.S. Open. But all the close calls that I’ve had on the PGA TOUR this year has just been really good experience to just never, never give up.

— J.J. Spaun

The Tiger Woods Influence on J.J. Spaun’s Career

Spaun credited much of his mental toughness and strategic approach to the advice passed down from Tiger Woods. A conversation with fellow golfer Max Homa highlighted this wisdom, emphasizing patience and the importance of persistence at a U.S. Open, where conditions can be grueling. Woods’ perspective helped Spaun keep his composure even when trailing, encouraging him to stay close and not make reckless decisions.

Actually, I was thinking about — I was having lunch with Max Homa at home. We live in the same area. We belong at the same club. He was telling a Tiger story where he was like, As long as you just like are still there, you don’t have to do anything crazy, especially at a U.S. Open. He’s like, Tiger said this would happen, and the wind will switch, but you’ve got to just stay there. Even if you’re four back, you’ve just got to stay there. You don’t have to do anything crazy.

— J.J. Spaun

Persistence Through a Challenging Round

Spaun’s first nine holes were difficult, with five bogeys leaving him five shots over par. Despite this rough start, he believed the course was challenging for everyone. Recalling his mindset, he focused on steady play and staying patient rather than forcing risky shots. His game improved steadily, and as the round progressed, he climbed back into contention.

I kind of was thinking about that out there this afternoon, where I was four back, maybe going back out after the delay, and then I made some good pars, nothing crazy. Got a really good birdie. Then, next thing you know, I’m like tied for the lead, I think, and within four holes of the restart. That just kind of goes back to that, like you just try to like stay there. You don’t have to do anything crazy, especially at a U.S. Open. All those things came true.

— J.J. Spaun

Weather Delay Creates Opportunity

As the tournament unfolded, severe weather caused a delay at Oakmont. Prior to the disruption, Sam Burns held a lead despite a couple of bogeys, but on resumption, Burns faltered with a six-stroke increase, dropping out of contention. Similarly, Adam Scott struggled in the second half, finishing five over par. These setbacks among the leaders opened the door for Spaun to assert himself and push for the championship.

Significance of Spaun’s Win and What Lies Ahead

J.J. Spaun’s victory at the U.S. Open is a powerful example of how determination combined with learned wisdom from a golfing legend like Tiger Woods can lead to breakthrough success. Spaun turned his experiences of adversity and near misses into motivation, embodying Woods’ lesson of patience and resilience under pressure. This win not only marks a career-defining achievement but also suggests Spaun could become a consistent contender in future major tournaments, inspired by the legacy of one of golf’s greatest champions.