OAKMONT, PA — On a wild, rain-soaked Sunday at the 125th U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun delivered a gutsy, storybook finish that capped off one of the most chaotic final rounds in recent major history. With lightning in the sky, five players tied for the lead, and Oakmont Country Club baring its legendary teeth, Spaun overcame a disastrous front nine, a weather delay, and intense pressure to win his first major title in unforgettable style.

The moment that sealed it? A jaw-dropping 64-foot birdie putt in a downpour on the 18th green — one that sent the crowd into shock and Spaun into the history books.

A Nightmare Start — Then the Storm (and Spaun) Reset Everything

Spaun looked like a man unraveling early on Sunday. After starting the day tied for second, he carded five bogeys in his first six holes. His Thursday magic — a bogey-free 66 — seemed long gone.

Then, nature intervened.

A torrential downpour halted play just after 4 p.m. ET, forcing players and thousands of soaked fans to flee for shelter. Spaun, playing in the penultimate group, took cover — and found something else during the delay: composure.

When play resumed over an hour later, Spaun returned a different golfer. He played the next three holes even, then birdied 12 and 14 to take the outright lead. A bogey on 15 brought the field back into a five-way tie, but Spaun wasn’t done.

A Clutch Drive and a Legendary Putt

The tournament turned for good on the par-4 17th — a 314-yard, drivable hole where many players found disaster. Not Spaun.

He ripped a 309-yard drive onto the green, setting up an 18-foot eagle attempt. Though the eagle didn’t fall, the birdie gave him a one-shot cushion heading to the final hole.

On 18, rain again poured down. Spaun found the fairway and hit a solid approach to leave himself 64 feet from the hole. Two putts would’ve secured a tie. Instead, he rolled the ball in.

64 feet, 5 inches. Birdie. U.S. Open champion.

The crowd erupted as Spaun threw his putter into the air and embraced his caddie in celebration.

Burns, Scott, and Hatton Falter Down the Stretch

The story of Sunday wasn’t just Spaun’s brilliance — it was also the carnage around him.

Sam Burns and Adam Scott, the final pairing, started strong but fell apart as conditions worsened. Burns led by two shots after 10 holes but crumbled on the back nine, carding three bogeys and two double bogeys after the rain delay. Scott, the sentimental favorite chasing a second major at age 44, also faded with four bogeys and a double of his own.

Tyrrell Hatton and Carlos Ortiz surged into contention late, but mistakes on the closing holes — including a costly bogey from Hatton on 17 — knocked them out.

Robert MacIntyre, playing a few groups ahead, posted a 2-under 68 and finished at 1-over for the tournament, temporarily tied for the lead. But Spaun’s birdie on 17 and miracle on 18 ended any hopes of a playoff.

Oakmont Lives Up to Its Brutal Reputation

All week, Oakmont had been relentless — fast greens, thick rough, and tight fairways punished even the slightest errors. Sunday’s weather made things even more difficult.

The rain delay flipped the momentum, turning lightning-fast greens soft and sticky, and the rough even more penal. What followed was survival golf: a war of attrition where every par felt like a small victory and bogeys were contagious.

Burns, Scott, Spaun, Hatton, MacIntyre, and Ortiz all took turns leading or co-leading. For much of the back nine, five players were tied at 1-over — a rare logjam that kept fans glued to every swing.

Spaun’s First Major — and a Career-Changing Moment

For J.J. Spaun, this wasn’t just a win — it was a coming-of-age. The 33-year-old, long seen as a solid tour player without a major breakthrough, showed remarkable grit to bounce back from a collapse and seize control under the most intense pressure imaginable.

Oakmont demanded perfection. Spaun gave it just when it mattered most.

Final Leaderboard (Top 5)

• J.J. Spaun — Even (Final Round 72)
• T-2. Robert MacIntyre — +1
• T-2. Tyrrell Hatton — +1
• T-2. Sam Burns — +1
• T-2. Adam Scott — +1

Key Moments:

• Weather Delay: Over 90 minutes halted play as rain pounded Oakmont.
• Spaun’s Drive on 17: A 309-yard shot onto the green set up a tournament-turning birdie.
• 64-Foot Birdie Putt: Spaun sinks a long-range birdie in the rain on 18 to win.
• Burns Collapse: Two double bogeys and three bogeys after the delay derailed his chances.
• Five-Way Tie: On the back nine, five players shared the lead — until Spaun pulled ahead.

Source: CNN – J.J. Spaun wins the 125th US Open, outlasting a brutal course, a crowded leaderboard and Mother Nature

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With great putting comes great responsibility—Camilo “Spider-Man” Villegas is back to his best at The Players Championship.

Villegas Rolls Back the Years

Colombia’s Camilo Villegas, known for his unique green-reading style resembling the web-slinging superhero, surged into a surprise early lead at the 51st edition of the PGA Tour’s flagship event in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on Thursday.

The 43-year-old defied his world No. 254 ranking to shoot a stunning six-under 66 at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. He now shares the top spot with American duo Lucas Glover and J.J. Spaun after the first round.

Nineteen years ago, Villegas’ tied-third finish at this tournament—then a record for a PGA Tour rookie—established him as a rising star. Reflecting on his return, he acknowledged the changes in both the course and himself.

“The golf course has changed, I’ve changed, and I guess I have a lot more experience,” Villegas said. “I’ve gone through good and bad moments. Back in 2006, I was just a young kid coming out of college with nothing to lose.”

A Journey of Triumphs and Tragedy

Villegas enjoyed four PGA Tour wins, including the BMW Championship and Tour Championship in 2008, peaking at world No. 7. However, injuries and a dip in form led to a barren stretch, making him consider retiring in 2020.

That same year, he suffered a devastating personal loss when his 22-month-old daughter, Mia, passed away from brain and spine tumors. Fueled by her memory, he persevered, eventually winning the Bermuda Championship in November 2023—his first PGA Tour title in nine years.

Though he had struggled to break into the top 30 in 2024, his recent form showed promise. A tied-seventh finish at The American Express in January hinted at a resurgence, which he confirmed in Ponte Vedra Beach with an explosive start, including three consecutive birdies.

His highlight shots included a remarkable 28-foot putt at the par-three 3rd hole and an even more spectacular 35-foot chip-in from off the green at the 6th.

“It’s a tricky golf course. You’ve got to keep it in play,” Villegas said. “Aggressive and reckless can bring big numbers quickly—you’ve got to avoid those.”

Glover and Spaun Keep Pace

Lucas Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open champion, continued his resurgence after battling the yips, firing four late birdies to match Villegas at the top. The 45-year-old, ranked 44th in the world, is seeking his seventh PGA Tour win and his first since two back-to-back triumphs in August 2023.

“Just don’t want to be done at 45, honestly,” Glover said. “I believe I can still compete out here, and I don’t want to stop anytime soon.”

Meanwhile, world No. 57 J.J. Spaun carded an impressive bogey-free round to join the leaders.

“Bogey-free anywhere is really nice—a good way to start the week,” Spaun, 34, said. “I kept the ball in front of me, limited mistakes, and made some good putts—it was just a solid day.”

Villegas begins his second round at 8:35 a.m. ET (12:35 p.m. GMT) on Friday, with Spaun and Glover teeing off at 8:02 a.m. ET (12:02 p.m. GMT) and 1:40 p.m. ET (5:40 p.m. GMT), respectively.

Scheffler and McIlroy in Contention

Two-time Players champion Rory McIlroy finished at five-under, just one shot behind the leaders. His playing partner, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, sits two shots back after posting a three-under round.

Scheffler is aiming for a historic third consecutive Players Championship win. His only bogey of the day at the 10th hole ended a streak of 40 straight bogey-free holes at TPC Sawgrass, but he remains within striking distance.

“Last year doesn’t truly matter when it comes to this tournament—this is a new four rounds,” Scheffler said. “I feel like I could have posted a better number, but overall, I’m pleased. I’ll try to go lower tomorrow.”

Max McGreevy, currently tied with McIlroy, still has two holes left in his first round due to play suspension caused by darkness. He will complete them Friday morning.

Scheffler, McIlroy, and world No. 3 Xander Schauffele—who shot an even-par 72—begin their second rounds at 8:24 a.m. ET (12:24 p.m. GMT).

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A Career-Changing Victory

Brian Campbell secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Mexico Open, cashing in on a fortunate break during a playoff against Aldrich Potgieter. The 31-year-old, who turned professional a decade ago, clinched the win with a birdie on the second extra hole at Vidanta Vallarta.

With this victory, Campbell earns invitations to The Masters, The Players Championship, and the PGA Championship, along with access to five remaining $20 million signature events on the PGA Tour schedule.

“Unreal Moment” for Campbell

After calmly sinking a 4-foot birdie putt on the 18th green, Campbell struggled to believe his long-awaited breakthrough had finally come.

“To be in this position is just so unreal,” he said. “I can’t believe it, really.”

How It Unfolded: A Lucky Break Seals the Win

The playoff began with both Campbell and Potgieter making birdie on the 18th in regulation and then parring the hole in the first extra round.

When they returned to the par-5 18th for the second playoff hole, Potgieter seemed to have the edge with his superior power off the tee. But Campbell’s drive went astray, heading toward out-of-bounds stakes—only to bounce off a tree and land back in play.

From there, he played smart:
Hit a fairway metal to 68 yards short.
Executed a lob wedge that checked up just short of the hole.
Sank his 4-foot birdie putt for the win.

“You’ve got to get those breaks sometimes,” Campbell admitted. “I hit a really bad tee shot, caught the tree, and was lucky to stay in play. That kept me in it to the end.”

Potgieter Falls Short Despite Power Advantage

The 20-year-old South African had multiple chances to take control. He hit the fairway twice in the playoff and had a 6-iron in hand for his second shot both times.

First playoff hole: Hit a hard draw over the green, settling for par.
Second playoff hole: His approach was on a perfect line but came up a foot short, landing in a bunker.

Potgieter blasted out to 6 feet but missed his birdie putt, setting the stage for Campbell’s winning moment.

“Hopefully, my time will come soon,” Potgieter said. “Pressure is a big thing—you just have to learn from it and adjust the next time.”

A Long Road to Victory

Campbell’s win came after 186 combined starts on the Korn Ferry and PGA Tour, where he had previously earned just $1.48 million. His payday on Sunday alone was $1.26 million.

His journey to this moment was full of challenges:

• Played college golf at Illinois and was the low amateur at the 2015 U.S. Open.
• Earned his PGA Tour card in 2017 but missed 13 cuts in 20 starts.
• Faced a slow-play penalty at the Zurich Classic in an unusual ruling involving his partner, Miguel Angel Carballo.
• Spent the next seven years in the minor leagues before finishing No. 8 on the Korn Ferry Tour last year, securing his return to the PGA Tour.

What’s Next for Campbell?

His Mexico Open victory grants him a two-year exemption through 2027 and a packed spring schedule featuring:
Arnold Palmer Invitational
The Players Championship
The Masters
RBC Heritage

Final Leaderboard Highlights

Brian Campbell – 20-under 264 (Wins in Playoff)
Aldrich Potgieter – 20-under 264 (Runner-Up)
Isaiah Salinda – Bogey-free 65 to finish third
Aaron Rai – Tied for fourth with Ben Griffin after briefly leading the field.

Campbell credited his grit and perseverance for the breakthrough, proving that years of hard work and patience can finally pay off.

From struggling on the Korn Ferry Tour to winning on the PGA Tour, Brian Campbell’s journey is a true underdog story. Now, he’s set for golf’s biggest stages.

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ORLANDO, Fla. – Tiger Woods’ 15-year-old son, Charlie, made a splash at the PNC Championship on Sunday by hitting the shot of his life – his first-ever hole-in-one. However, it was Bernhard Langer and his son, Jason, who claimed victory in a thrilling playoff to win their second consecutive PNC Championship title.

A Historic Moment for Charlie Woods

The day was highlighted by Charlie’s stunning 7-iron shot on the par-3 fourth hole, which soared into the cup for a hole-in-one. The moment was a major milestone for the young golfer, who shared an emotional hug with his father, Tiger Woods, before receiving a friendly reminder to buy a round of drinks for everyone.

“It’s not even close, the most fun I’ve had on the golf course,” Charlie said, reflecting on the thrilling day. Tiger shared his son’s sentiment, calling it “the thrill of a lifetime” to witness Charlie’s first hole-in-one and to share the experience with their family.

“This event is about bonding and family,” Tiger said. “We didn’t win, but we competed. No one made a mistake out there. We had to earn it, and that’s what you want. Hats off to the Langers. They played amazing.”

Langer’s Victory in a Nail-Biting Playoff

Despite Charlie’s incredible hole-in-one, it was the Langer team who emerged victorious after a tense playoff. The two teams, Langer and Woods, had tied at 15-under 57 in the scramble format, setting a tournament record of 28-under 116.

In the playoff on the par-5 18th, Langer had the advantage, thanks to his age and tee placement. While Woods and Charlie were hitting from farther back, Langer had a significant 82-yard head start. After both teams missed their eagle putts, Langer’s son, Jason, set up his father with an 18-foot eagle putt, which the 67-year-old Langer confidently sank for the win.

“It was one of the best shots I’ve ever seen,” Tiger said of Langer’s bunker shot on the 14th hole earlier in the round. Langer’s play continued to impress, as he made key shots throughout the round, including hitting a driver out of a bunker on the par-5 14th hole.

A Strong Showing from the Woods Family

Tiger Woods, who was playing for the first time since undergoing his sixth back surgery in September, moved well and played solidly. Despite his health challenges, he showed glimpses of his old form, including an impressive driver shot off the deck on the 14th hole.

For Tiger, it was his first playoff appearance since losing to Zach Johnson in the 2013 World Challenge. Even in defeat, he reflected on the joy of competing with his son, saying, “That’s what this event is all about. To be able to share those moments with family is priceless.”

Langer’s Continued Dominance at PNC Championship

Langer’s victory was another impressive achievement in his storied career. The two-time Masters champion, who had a difficult start to the year after tearing his Achilles tendon playing pickleball, has now extended his streak to 18 consecutive seasons with a win on the PGA Tour Champions. This is his sixth PNC Championship title, with four of them coming alongside his son Jason and two with his son Stefan, who caddied for his younger brother.

Despite the Woods team’s best efforts, no other team came close, with Team Harrington tying for third place. Padraig Harrington’s son, Paddy, also celebrated a memorable moment by making his own hole-in-one on the par-3 eighth hole, shortly after Charlie’s ace.

A Celebration of Family and Golf

The PNC Championship is a unique event, bringing together major champions and their family members in a fun, competitive setting. While the Woods family did not come out on top, the event was a huge success in terms of showcasing family bonds, memorable moments, and incredible golf shots.

As Tiger said, “It’s about the family, the fun, and the memories we create. That’s what makes it so special.”

This thrilling tournament wrapped up with Langer and his son Jason taking home the trophy, while Charlie Woods’ first hole-in-one and his shared experience with his father made it a day to remember. Fans were treated to an unforgettable showdown and an inspiring demonstration of family and golf at its best.

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