JJ Spaun delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in US Open history, sinking a 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole at Oakmont to claim victory at one-under par.
The 34-year-old Los Angeles native became the only player in the field to finish below par in brutal conditions that saw sheets of rain descend upon the Pittsburgh venue Sunday afternoon.
Spaun's miraculous putt tracked perfectly toward the hole after he learned from playing partner Viktor Hovland's attempt moments earlier.
"Unbelievable! Just two-putting from there would have been huge, but to finish in such style like that is a dream come true," said Sky Sports Golf's Andrew Coltart.
The tournament appeared to slip away when he began with four consecutive fives.
But the PGA Tour journeyman mounted an extraordinary comeback on the rain-soaked back nine, shooting a brilliant 33.
His recovery included multiple crucial birdies, with a 22-footer at the par-four 14th helping him reclaim the lead at even par.
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The turnaround was particularly remarkable given Spaun's recent disappointment at the Players Championship, where he lost in a playoff to Rory McIlroy earlier this season.
This was only his second US Open appearance, making his maiden major championship victory even more impressive.
The championship unfolded amid extraordinary weather conditions that transformed Oakmont into a nearly unplayable course.
Play was suspended at 4:01 p.m. local time when rain began falling sideways, forcing a 96-minute delay.
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When play resumed, fairways were soaked and greens remained treacherously slick.
At one point, five players were tied atop the leaderboard at one-over par.
Sam Burns, who began the day leading at 4-under, saw his advantage evaporate with a nightmarish double bogey at the 11th hole after chipping back and forth across the green three times.
Adam Scott's chances evaporated with a devastating bogey-bogey-double bogey stretch from holes 14 through 16.
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Spaun dissolved into tears of relief and joy after his winning putt, embracing his wife and daughters at the side of the green. His caddie joined him for a celebratory dance in the rain.
"That was impressive, dude! Congrats!" Hovland told his playing partner after finishing his own round with a 73. Spaun thanked Hovland before gathering his family in his arms.
In the clubhouse, Scotland's Bob MacIntyre watched the dramatic finish on television and applauded Spaun's stunning putt, extending his arms as if to say: "What can you do about that?"
MacIntyre had finished at even par after his own impressive weekend rounds of 69 and 68.
Spaun's victory made him the eighth first-time major winner at Oakmont in 10 tournaments, achieving what no other player could manage all week—breaking par at one of golf's most demanding venues.
He leaves Oakmont with a cool $4.2million (£3million) in prize money.
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