PINEHURST, N.C. — America's JJ Spaun held off a fierce challenge from Scotland's Robert MacIntyre to claim his first major title in a dramatic finish at the 2024 US Open, securing a one-shot victory on a chaotic final day at Pinehurst No. 2.
The 33-year-old Spaun, who began the day two shots behind 54-hole leader Bryson DeChambeau, carded a final-round 70 to finish at 5-under-par 275, while MacIntyre's closing 69 left him agonizingly short at 4-under. "This is surreal," Spaun said afterward, clutching the trophy. "To win a major, let alone the US Open, is something I dreamed about since I was a kid."
A Final Round Packed With Drama
The championship came down to the wire as Spaun and MacIntyre traded blows over the treacherous back nine. Spaun seized control with back-to-back birdies at the 13th and 14th, only for MacIntyre to answer with clutch putts on 15 and 16. "I knew Robert wasn't going away," Spaun admitted. "Every time I thought I had breathing room, he came right back at me."
The pivotal moment came at the par-3 17th, where Spaun's tee shot nearly found the infamous "turtleback" green's runoff area before catching a fortunate bounce. MacIntyre, meanwhile, missed a 12-foot par putt that would have tied it. "That was the break I needed," Spaun said. "This course gives and takes in equal measure."
Collapses and Comebacks
The final round saw several contenders falter under Pinehurst's brutal conditions:
- Bryson DeChambeau (3rd, -3): The overnight leader collapsed with a 76, including a triple-bogey at the 12th after an errant drive into native area scrub.
- Rory McIlroy (T4, -2): Missed four putts inside 5 feet on the back nine, extending his major drought to 10 years.
- Ludvig Åberg (T6, -1): The young Swede's bold charge ended with a double-bogey at the 13th.
MacIntyre, who nearly withdrew earlier in the week due to a wrist injury, fought valiantly. His 40-foot birdie at the 16th brought roars from the crowd. "I gave it everything," the left-hander said. "JJ just played the big moments better. That's what majors come down to."
Spaun's Road to Redemption
The victory caps a remarkable turnaround for Spaun, who lost his PGA Tour card in 2022 and contemplated quitting competitive golf. Working with coach Mark Blackburn, he rebuilt his game with emphasis on:
- Improved driving accuracy (ranked 2nd for the week at 75%)
- Scrambling (saved par 68% of time from Pinehurst's punishing wiregrass)
- Mental resilience (credited sports psychologist Dr. Julie Elion)
Spaun's win continues a trend of first-time major winners at Pinehurst, following Payne Stewart (1999) and Martin Kaymer (2014). "There's something about this place," Spaun reflected. "It demands creativity and patience. That suits my game."
What This Means for Golf
The victory propels Spaun to No. 14 in the world rankings and secures his spot in next month's Open Championship at Royal Troon. For MacIntyre, the runner-up finish likely locks up his Ryder Cup debut for Europe. As the sun set over Pinehurst's iconic clubhouse, Spaun summed up the week perfectly: "This is why we play the game. For moments like this, where every shot matters and your best has to be enough."
