CROMWELL, Conn. – Fresh off his dramatic victory at the 2025 U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun declared he’s “on Cloud 9” as he arrived at TPC River Highlands for the Travelers Championship, where he’s set to compete for a $20 million purse starting on Thursday. The 34-year-old journeyman, whose 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th at Oakmont Country Club clinched his first major title, spoke candidly about the whirlwind of emotions following his career-defining moment.
“I’m not like fully in the clouds still,” Spaun said during a press conference Wednesday, his U.S. Open trophy gleaming nearby. “We’re getting a little below the ceiling.
“It’s been a whirlwind. Everything that the aftermath of this whole championship has been so crazy but so much fun, and all these doors opening, it’s stuff that you don’t expect ever really to happen in your career.
“The (hometown Los Angeles) Dodgers reaching out and Ryder Cup potential, the Today show. It’s just insane. I’m super grateful to have won the championship and to be given this experience.
“It’s something I’ll never forget obviously for the rest of my life. I guess I’m a part of history now.”
The victory, which earned him $4.3 million and vaulted him into golf’s elite, capped a remarkable comeback after a rain-soaked final round where he overcame a 5-over-par front nine with a blistering 32 on the back nine.
Spaun’s path to major glory was anything but smooth. Just eight months ago, he withdrew from the Sanderson Farms Championship, ranked 98th on the PGA Tour’s earnings list, and contemplated retirement amid a slump.
“I was doubting everything last year,” he admitted. “To go from that to holding the U.S. Open trophy? It’s surreal.”
His resilience, highlighted by a viral quote citing Confucius struck a chord with fans and peers alike: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
At Oakmont, Spaun’s grit shone through brutal breaks, including an approach shot that hit the pin on the second hole and ricocheted 50 yards back, turning a potential birdie into a bogey. A 96-minute rain delay proved pivotal, allowing him to regroup and stage a back-nine charge, birdying the final two holes to edge out Robert MacIntyre by two shots. A crucial read from Viktor Hovland on the 18th green’s break, which Spaun plans to thank with a bottle of wine, sealed the iconic 64-footer that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
The emotional weight of the win hit hard. Spaun celebrated with his wife, Melody, and their daughters, Emerson, 4, and Violet, 23 months, though some fans on X speculated about tension after noting Melody trailing behind during the celebration. Spaun brushed off the chatter, praising his wife’s unwavering support.
“Melody’s the backbone of our family,” he said. “She didn’t know golf when we met, but she’s been my rock through every high and low.”
Spaun’s U.S. Open heroics drew reactions across the golf world. Runner-up MacIntyre’s speechless awe at the winning putt went viral, while women’s U.S. Open champion Maja Stark admitted to tears watching Spaun’s family celebration.
“I didn’t cry after my win, but I cried for J.J.,” Stark said, a testament to the underdog’s inspiring journey.
Now, at the Travelers Championship, Spaun faces the challenge of sustaining momentum. The event holds personal significance: in 2020, he won the tournament’s Umbrella at 15½ Challenge, a closest-to-the-pin contest, donating $10,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, who advised Spaun to “enjoy this moment,” talked as if the California native had already clinched a spot on the team.
“I think he’s a guy that people at Bethpage will really resonate with and a guy that on our team is the heartbeat,” Bradley said.
“He’s now the U.S. Open champion. That’s a heavy burden to bear, but he’s also – that’s also a great thing to have on your team.”
Despite the $3.6 million winner’s check awaiting at Travelers, Spaun insists his focus is on savoring the ride.
“I’m not chasing anything right now,” he said, grinning. “I’m just playing golf, loving every second, and letting Cloud 9 carry me.”
As he tees off alongside heavyweights like Scottie Scheffler, the golf world watches to see if Spaun’s magical run continues.
