JJ Spaun’s Triumph at the 125th US Open
The 125th edition of the US Open, one of the four major tournaments in world golf and part of the PGA Tour, was won by John Michael Spaun Jr., better known as JJ Spaun. However, the most relevant aspect of his victory goes beyond the $4.3 million prize money and the prestige associated with lifting the trophy of one of golf’s most significant tournaments. It is Spaun’s resilience in his life story that truly stands out.
Overcoming Diabetes Diagnosis
Four years ago, JJ Spaun was on the brink of losing his PGA Tour card due to severe health complications from diabetes, a condition diagnosed in 2018 after a sudden weight loss began affecting his athletic performance.
“I was doing well, then it hit me. It was strange, I didn’t want it to affect my mental state, but it was a big change,” Spaun shared in a 2022 podcast about his initial diagnosis.
His first diagnosis was incorrect; he was told he had type 2 diabetes, and treatments didn’t work. After three years, in 2021, he learned he actually had type 1 diabetes, and his health began to improve.
Spaun’s Perseverance Shines at Oakmont Country Club
Spaun’s determination in managing his health was evident at the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, where he clinched the 125th US Open on Sunday with a score of 279 (-1), among $21.5 million in total prize money.
“Tiger (Woods) always said it’s about hanging in there, even if you’re four shots behind. It was simply a matter of staying calm and waiting for my moment without doing anything extraordinary. Tiger’s advice has become a reality,” Spaun said after his victory.
JJ Spaun’s Golf Career Before the US Open Triumph
Before his triumph on June 15, Spaun had never finished in the top 10 of any of golf’s four majors (The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and The Open).
Moreover, he had only one victory on the PGA Tour, which was the Valero Texas Open in 2022, where he earned $1.54 million for defeating Australian Matt Jones and American Matt Kuchar.
US Open 2025: Spaun Surpasses MacIntyre and Hovland
At the US Open 2025, Spaun outperformed Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre (281) and Norwegian Viktor Hovland (282), securing 279 strokes (-1).
“I never thought I’d be here with this trophy. I always had aspirations and dreams, but I never knew my limit; I just tried to be the best golfer possible,” Spaun added, noting that he will now rank eighth in the world after this victory.
Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz Shines at the US Open
Another delightful surprise from the 2025 US Open was Mexican golfer Carlos Ortiz, who finished in fourth place, tied with American Cameron Young and Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, all recording 283 strokes (+3).
Ortiz, a 34-year-old native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, earned $878,815 in prize money and achieved the best major finish of his career.
In ten previous major appearances, Ortiz had only made the cut twice and never placed within the top 50. He was T52 in the 2019 US Open and T55 in the 2021 PGA Championship. He didn’t participate in any majors in 2024.
Ortiz was part of the leading quartet with an hour left in the delayed 2025 US Open due to poor weather conditions. However, he couldn’t maintain the pace set by Spaun, MacIntyre, and Hovland, who claimed the top three spots.
- Key Questions and Answers:
- Q: Who is JJ Spaun, and why is his US Open victory significant?
A: JJ Spaun is an American golfer who overcame severe health complications from diabetes to win the 125th US Open. His victory is significant due to his resilience and the inspiring story behind it.
- Q: How did Spaun manage his diabetes diagnosis?
A: Initially misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Spaun later learned he had type 1. He persevered through treatment and managed his health, eventually leading to his US Open triumph.
- Q: What was JJ Spaun’s golf career like before the US Open victory?
A: Spaun had only one PGA Tour victory before the US Open and had never finished in the top 10 of any major tournament.
- Q: How did Carlos Ortiz perform at the 2025 US Open?
A: Carlos Ortiz, a Mexican golfer, finished 4th at the 2025 US Open with a score of +3, earning $878,815 in prize money. This was his best major performance to date.
