One of the early memories of J.J. Spaun was his rookie year when he was too afraid to meet Tiger Woods. Now their names are together on the U.S. Open trophy.

Welcome to another edition of The Grind, where we have never felt better about the golf gods’ existence. I realize I go back and forth on this matter—based largely on how I perceive the breaks I’m getting on the course during a given day—but Sunday’s U.

J.J. Spaun received some help from above on his 64-foot, U.S. Open clinching-putt. Spaun’s caddie, Mark Carens, lost his father last year on Father’s Day. Carens’s father was named Eddie, and he was a presence during their triumph at Oakmont Country Club.

The pairings and starting times for Thursday’s first round of the 2025 Travelers Championship are set. In the marquee pairing of the day, defending Travelers champion and world No. 1 Scottie

J.J. Spaun Coming off 1st Major Win at U.S. Open

His thrilling victory at Oakmont Country Club on Sunday was another example of the inspiring resilience of a San Dimas High graduate who never forgot his roots.

J.J. Spaun had the second-longest odds of any golfer to win a major over the last decade. Read where Spaun ranks among recent long shots.

It’s been a whirlwind 48 hours for J.J. Spaun. In the wee hours of Sunday morning, he was running around an Oakmont CVS getting medicine for his sick child. Then he bogeyed five of the first six holes of his final round to all but shoot himself out of the tournament.

J.J. Spaun's win at the U.S. Open was one of the best sports moments of the year. It was also full of teaching moments.