Spaun Does Not Measure Up to Previous Oakmont Winners – Yet

If I’m being honest, J.J. Spaun was actually the last contender on Sunday I wanted to win the US Open. I got a text from a friend early Sunday morning asking me what I was hoping would happen. I told him I wanted Adam Scott to pull it off but wouldn’t be surprised if Sam Burns held on. Honestly, I didn’t care, as long as it wasn’t J.J. Spaun. I know, not terribly nice nor terribly kind, but this was my thinking. 

I’ve played Oakmont on four occasions. It’s the hardest course I’ve ever played, but I loved it each and every time. I have a soft spot for that hard place, and so I’m kind of picky about who wins our national championship on the course made for national championships.  

Here’s a look at what has defined the previous US OPEN winners at Oakmont. As Sister Marie Vianney used to say, “let’s review, Mr. Patrick.” 

1927 – One of the games flashiest players 

1935 – Forgettable player (sorry) 

1953 – Arguably the game’s greatest player 

1962 – Arguably the game’s greatest player 

1973 – World Golf Hall of Fame member 

1983 – World Golf Hall of Fame member 

1994 - World Golf Hall of Fame member 

2007 – Convicted felon (whoops) 

2016 – Future World Golf Hall of Fame member 

It’s a pretty strong list of attributes - with a couple of hiccups.  

The US Open is J.J. Spaun’s second-ever tour win. He has a long way to go live up to the list of Oakmont winners. Certainly, there is no denying how well he played on Sunday under very adverse circumstances. He is only the fifth US Open champion to finish birdie birdie on the final two holes of the championship. He made 136 feet of putts on the last six holes. He made – easily - the longest putt of the week, the 64.5 foot putt he made on the 72nd hole to clinch the championship. He became the first US Open winner in more than 100 years to shoot 40 or more on nine holes and still win. He was also up at 3 a.m. Sunday, running to the drug store to pick up medicine for his daughter, who had been throwing up all night. I don’t really see Tommy Armour having ever done that. 

In the end, he earned the US Open. He survived, and that’s what you do at the US Open. That’s certainly what you do at a US Open at Oakmont. So, we add J.J. Spaun to the list of winners of the US Open at Oakmont. I’ll admit, it was hard fought. He was battle tested, and the victory was well deserved. Also, he’s not a felon. So, there’s that.