JJ Spaun Takes Massive Leap Up World Rankings amid U.S. Open Win
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
If there's one word to explain JJ Spaun's U.S. Open victory at Oakmont, it would be breathtaking! Battling through rain-soaked conditions, the PGA Tour pro overcame a nightmare start.
Spaun carded 5 bogeys in his first 6 holes, only to storm back with a birdie-birdie finish that sealed his first major championship. His 65-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole was the defining moment, securing a two-stroke win over Scotland's Robert MacIntyre with a two-over 72.
OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 15: J. J. Spaun of the United States celebrates with the trophy after winning during the final round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 15, 2025...
OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 15: J. J. Spaun of the United States celebrates with the trophy after winning during the final round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 15, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Photo by) More
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With the win, Spaun walked away with $4.3 million, Jack Nicklaus' medal, and a place in history.
He became only the third player to finish first or second at THE PLAYERS Championship and then win the U.S. Open, joining Tiger Woods (2000) and Martin Kaymer (2014).
He also became the fifth U.S. Open champion to finish birdie-birdie on the final two holes, following Ben Hogan (1953), Jack Nicklaus (1980), Tom Watson (1982), and Jon Rahm (2021).
If this wasn't enough, Spaun's victory sent his Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) skyrocketing, jumping from 25th to 8th in just a week.
Your new top 10 in OWGR
Welcome JJ Spaun and welcome back Viktor Hovland pic.twitter.com/QbrAk1nWML — Capt. Marchy (@TheMaster_Plan_) June 16, 2025
But the biggest shift came in the Ryder Cup standings, where he now sits at third, surpassing Russell Henley, who had been sixth before Spaun's win.
Golf Channel reporter Johnson Wagner, who had been tracking Spaun's performance, gave a big stamp of approval for his Ryder Cup spot, stating:
"I think JJ Spaun and the Ryder Cup—I cannot imagine anyone not wanting to be the partner."
The updated Ryder Cup standings now look like this:
Scottie Scheffler Xander Schauffele JJ Spaun Bryson DeChambeau Justin Thomas Collin Morikawa
Meanwhile, Ben Griffin, who had been desperate to prove himself at the U.S. Open, has lost his 7th position. The 2-time PGA Tour winner expressed his Ryder cup dream before stepping at Oakmont.
"I don't want to be on a Ryder Cup team just to be on a Ryder Cup team. I want to be a stone-cold killer who's trying to beat the European team and win points."
Now, after Spaun's stunning win, Grffin's path to the top 6 is suddenly much tougher, and unless he pulls off another big win, he'll need a captain's pick to make the team.
More Golf: U.S. Open: What happened between JJ Spaun and his wife, Melody
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