J.J. Spaun Sets the Pace at U.S. Open with Record-Breaking Round

Historic Performance at Oakmont

Oakmont, PA – In a remarkable display of skill and composure, J.J. Spaun, a 34-year-old golfer from San Diego, delivered a flawless performance during the opening round of the 2025 U.S. Open, held at the famed Oakmont Country Club. Spaun carded a stunning bogey-free, 4-under-par 66, which not only positions him at the top of the leaderboard but also ties the record for the lowest opening round in U.S. Open history.

A Bold Start

• First Half of the Round: Spaun began strong, birdieing four of his first eight holes. His 4-under-par 31 on the front nine established a new U.S. Open record for the best score on the opening nine holes of the first round.
• Smooth Putting: With only 26 putts for the round, he highlighted his putting prowess by sinking several critical par-saving putts that maintained his momentum.

“I knew it was going to be tough,” Spaun remarked. “I tried my best to grind through it all, and fortunately put together a clean card today.”

Breakthrough Year

This marks Spaun’s second appearance in the U.S. Open, having previously participated in 2021 at Torrey Pines, where he missed the cut. However, 2025 has been a breakthrough year for Spaun, who displays remarkable consistency in his performances.

• Key Achievements in 2025:
  • Runner-up finish at the Players Championship, narrowly losing to Rory McIlroy in a playoff.
  • Tied for 2nd at the Cognizant Classic.
  • Finished T-3 at the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Historical Context

Spaun’s round ties him with Andrew Landry, who also shot a four-under 66 in the opening round of the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont. Furthermore, he currently stands 25th in the world rankings, with the last eight U.S. Open champions emerging from the top 25 players globally.

Looking Ahead

Heading into the next rounds, Spaun is riding high on confidence and continues to dream big. He is currently ranked sixth in the FedEx Cup points standings and holds the 13th spot in the U.S. Ryder Cup rankings.

“This is obviously a breakout year for me,” Spaun said. “My finish at the Players was very eye-opening to me to have that self-confidence to play on the biggest of stages. This week is off to a very good start.”

Conclusion

As the U.S. Open unfolds, J.J. Spaun’s historic round has certainly set the stage for a thrilling tournament. His impeccable performance not only positions him as a contender, but also exemplifies the spirit of competition that defines this prestigious event.

For more details about the U.S. Open and its historical significance, check out the official U.S. Open website.

By delivering such an outstanding performance, J.J. Spaun has captured the attention of golf fans and analysts alike. As he prepares for the challenges that lie ahead, one thing is clear: Spaun is a player to watch this season.