J. J. Spaun's Unlikely U. S. Open Triumph

J. J. Spaun was in deep trouble. He started the U. S. Open with five bogeys in his first six holes. His shoulders were slumped, and his head was down. It seemed like his dream of winning a major championship was over before it even began. But then, something unexpected happened. He won. Spaun's turnaround was one of the most surprising comebacks in recent history. He managed to shoot an even-par 70 on the final day, finishing just one stroke ahead of a group of top golfers. It wasn't just his skill with the club that turned things around. A weather delay midway through his round gave him a much-needed break. This break, which he later called a "mental reset, " helped him regroup and focus. "I just needed to breathe, " Spaun said after his victory. "I couldn't even think straight out there. " The weather delay seemed to give him the chance he needed to refocus. Some people think it was just his determination and talent that helped him come back. But others have a different opinion. Smylie Kaufman, a retired PGA Tour pro, thinks Spaun got some help from the USGA. On a podcast, Kaufman didn't hold back when talking about Spaun's comeback. "He just was lost, " Kaufman said. "The composure wasn't there. He was doing his best, but I'm telling you—he had some of the worst breaks I've ever seen. " Early in the round, Spaun faced tough lies in the rough and a bad bounce off the flagstick. It seemed like nothing was going his way. Then came the weather delay. A thunderstorm forced players off the course for nearly two hours. Kaufman believes this break gave Spaun a second chance. "Maybe Heyward was at Oakmont Country Club talking to J. J. Spaun at the reset, " he joked, referring to a famous speech by Jason Heyward during the Cubs' 2016 World Series win. The delay seemed to help Spaun refocus. He returned to the course looking calm and in control. While some credit his mental strength or resilience, Kaufman suggests the timing of the stoppage played a big role in his comeback. So, what's next for J. J. Spaun? After his stunning U. S. Open win, Spaun is already looking ahead. His next confirmed start is at the Travelers Championship, one of the PGA Tour's big events. As a top-30 player, he has full exemptions and will be playing among some of the best in the game. Beyond that, his schedule isn't set in stone, but he's likely to play in events where he's had success before. He's also exempt from The Open Championship in Northern Ireland, thanks to his U. S. Open victory.