J.J. Spaun clinched his first major championship in spectacular fashion at the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont—draining a dramatic 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th—to secure a memorable two-stroke victory . But the true heart of this story wasn’t just his clutch performance—it was the tender moments with the family who cheered him on.
A Chaotic Morning Turned Sweet
In an astonishing display of balance between career and parenthood, Spaun faced a parenting emergency just hours before tee-off. His youngest daughter, Violet, caught a stomach bug overnight, prompting Spaun to make a 3 a.m. run to CVS for medicine . He later laughed that taking care of her in the wee hours was “chaos,” but that very morning prelude added emotional weight to his accomplishment.
A Back Nine to Remember
His final round began disastrously—five bogeys in the first six holes left him trailing—but after a nearly 100-minute rain delay, Spaun rediscovered his composure. Four birdies from holes 12 to 18, capped by back-to-back clutch putts on 17 and 18, propelled him to a par 72 finish and the title with –1 overall .
Cherished Moments with His Daughters
Father’s Day brought added significance. His older daughter, Emerson, and a now-recovered Violet appeared on the 18th green alongside mother Melody, witnessing Spaun’s victorious sinking of that final putt . Spaun sharing the moment with his girls was unforgettable. “My daughter always asks me… ‘Were you the winner today?’” he reflected. “She didn’t have to ask me today. She got to see it.”
A Milestone for Both Career and Dad Life
Spaun’s backstory adds depth: diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2021 after a misdiagnosis, he nearly lost his PGA Tour card but bounced back—with a PGA Tour victory at the 2022 Valero Texas Open. Now, with a U.S. Open major and Father’s Day celebrations intertwined, the milestone resonates across both personal and professional realms .
Why This Moment Matters
• Veteran Resilience: A career forged in smaller tours, overcoming illness, and near misses (including at THE PLAYERS Championship) culminated beautifully .
• Diamond in Adversity: From a 3 a.m. pharmacy run to a rain-interrupted front nine, Spaun’s mental fortitude shone brightly .
• Celebrating Family: The image of his daughters embracing him on the green illustrates the deeper meaning behind his win: a champion dad winning for his family as much as himself.
In summary, J.J. Spaun didn’t just win a major—he conquered a night of parenting challenge, battled weather and course adversity, and celebrated alongside his biggest supporters. That image of him hoisting the trophy with Emerson and Violet cheering him on? It’s a Father’s Day moment the golfing world won’t forget.
