Image via Golf Digest
Oakmont Country Club in Plum, PA, is one of the crown jewels of golf courses, especially in the United States, and it’s the face of the US Open, having hosted the major more times than any other course. It’s also known as being one of the world’s most challenging courses as well, and it was giving players problems all week for this year’s US Open.
To make matters worse, the conditions were bad due to rainy weather. This led to a major controversy where Sam Burns, who was leading the tournament, was forced to play his shot from an incredible wet and muddy lie. But, despite this controversy, it was still an entertaining tournament, as golfers fought to reach even par.
But with the likes of Adam Scott, Viktor Hovland, Robert McIntyre, and Sam Burns all in the mix, it was J.J. Spaun who came out on top. And Spaun, who is a familiar name, had only won PGA Tour win to his credit until he won the US Open at Oakmont. Also, those who weren’t familiar with JJ at first started to know him a lot more after he went into a playoff with Rory McIlroy at The Players Championship.
Well, after that loss, JJ got his big moment. And the amazing thing is that he never had a finish higher than 23rd at any major championship. Well, he got the US Open on his resume, and he did so by making a spectacular putt on an extremely difficult course.
After the putt dropped, there was plenty of class shown from Viktor Hovland and from Robert McIntyre, who could have potentially gone into a playoff with Spaun. Hovland gave Spaun a warm congratulations on the 18th green while McIntyre applauded Spaun while watching from inside the historic Oakmont clubhouse.
Think about it: Both of these talented players were THAT close to winning a US Open or at least giving themselves a chance in a playoff, especially MacIntyre, and they still showed pure class in defeat. It’s not like they both have a major under their belt already. This would’ve been their first which means it would be extra heartbreaking.
And although I have no doubt that it was indeed heartbreaking for Rob and Viktor, the way they dealt with it was almost as memorable as JJ’s putt. That’s what sportsmanship is all about. Now, I will say that there were some hilarious jokes about the putt.
You see, JJ’s putt was incredible. However, Viktor was putting from basically the same spot, and he was putting first on the 18th. So, this gave JJ and his caddie, Mark Carens, a great read. And Spaun knew it, too, hilariously acknowledging that Holvand can have “whatever he wants”.
All joking aside, that was still an amazing putt, especially considering how brutal Oakmont was that week, bringing the best golfers in the world to their knees. Heck, if you or I had Hovi’s read, we’d still likely miss it from that far out and on that green. But that’s why we’re not PGA Tour pros, right? Well, maybe you are, and if you are, then I apologize.
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