Robert MacIntyre came agonizingly close to clinching his maiden Major title at the 2025 U.S. Open, delivering a stellar final-round performance at Oakmont Country Club that captivated fans worldwide. The Scottish golfer carded a brilliant 68 on a rain-soaked Sunday to set the clubhouse lead at one-over-par, only to be denied by American J.J. Spaun’s sensational finish.
Starting the day seven shots off the lead, MacIntyre battled through a challenging start, finding himself two-over through the first three holes. However, a magnificent 58-foot eagle putt on the par-5 fourth hole settled his nerves and ignited a fierce determination. “That kind of settled me down,” MacIntyre reflected. “That got me into somewhat of a groove and back in the golf tournament.”
His back nine was a testament to resilience, especially after a 96-minute weather delay threatened to disrupt momentum. “My previous rain delay comebacks haven’t been strong. Today was a day that I said to myself, Why not? Why not it be me today?” he said. Trusting himself and his caddie Mike Burrow, MacIntyre fought hard, birdieing the 14th and 17th holes to share the lead late in the round.
Meanwhile, Spaun, ranked world No. 25 and a 34-year-old Californian, mounted an extraordinary charge. After a shaky start marked by five bogeys in his opening six holes, he rallied with a three-under 32 on the back nine. The turning point came at the par-4 17th, where Spaun drove the green and two-putted for birdie, seizing a one-shot lead heading to the 18th tee.
The final hole witnessed one of the most dramatic moments in recent Major history. Facing a daunting 64-foot birdie putt that would clinch the championship, Spaun calmly rolled the ball in, prompting an eruption of celebration. MacIntyre, watching from the clubhouse on TV, applauded the putt and exclaimed, “Wow!” — a classy display of sportsmanship that endeared him even more to fans.
“I had a chance to win a major championship,” MacIntyre said. “It’s what I’ve dreamed of as a kid, sitting back home watching all the majors. It felt amazing. But J.J won the golf tournament. I mean, he’s dreamed of it. Everyone’s dreamed of that moment. For him to pour in the winning putt, I mean, nothing I can do. Fair play.”
Spaun’s victory marked his second PGA Tour title, following his breakthrough win at the 2022 Valero Texas Open. The triumph at Oakmont also elevated him to world No. 7 and earned him a $4.3 million prize. Spaun’s journey to the trophy was remarkable not just for his on-course grit but also for his personal challenges, including an early morning drive searching for an open chemist for his sick youngest daughter.
“It’s definitely like a storybook, fairytale ending, kind of underdog fighting back, not giving up, never quitting,” Spaun said. “With the rain and everything and then the putt, you couldn’t write a better story. I’m just so fortunate to be on the receiving end of that.”
The 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont was a grueling test, with the course softened by heavy rainfalls that led to a scoring average of 72.66 — over two shots lower than the previous day. The weather played a significant role, with many contenders struggling in the soggy conditions. Notably, Adam Scott and Sam Burns, both in the final group, faltered with scores of 79 and 78 respectively, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler finished tied for seventh alongside Jon Rahm.
Viktor Hovland secured third place with a 73, finishing two-over-par, while Tyrrell Hatton tied for fourth after a disappointing bogey-bogey finish. Hatton lamented his misfortune on the 17th hole, where a wayward drive into a greenside bunker derailed his challenge. “The finish at the end hurts a lot,” he said. “It was the first time I’ve been in contention in a major, and that was exciting.”
MacIntyre’s runner-up finish was a career-best in Majors, surpassing his previous best of a tie for sixth at the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush. His performance not only earned him $2.3 million but also boosted him to 12th in the world rankings, positioning him strongly for selection in Luke Donald’s European Ryder Cup team for the upcoming defense at Bethpage Black.
Throughout the tournament, MacIntyre’s composure and fighting spirit shone brightly. His reaction to Spaun’s winning putt was widely praised across social media, with many lauding his class and sportsmanship. The DP World Tour tweeted, “Bob MacIntyre is good for golf,” reflecting the admiration from the golfing community.
The final round at Oakmont will be remembered not only for Spaun’s remarkable victory but also for the compelling narrative of MacIntyre’s valiant chase and dignified response. As the dust settles, both players look ahead to future challenges — Spaun as a newly crowned Major champion and MacIntyre as a rising star with a bright future on the world stage.
In the end, the 2025 U.S. Open delivered drama, resilience, and unforgettable moments, showcasing the very best of golf’s competitive spirit and camaraderie.
