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J.J. Spaun Leads U.S. Open 2025 with a Bogey-Free Round at Oakmont

Mithun Rudra

June 13, 2025

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JJ Spaun US Open 2025 after an incredible bogey-free 66 in the first round at Oakmont Country Club, a course notorious for its difficulty. Competing in only his second U.S. Open appearance, Spaun stunned golf fans and experts alike by delivering one of the rare bogey-free rounds in the event’s long and punishing history.

The 125th U.S. Open teed off with heavy expectations for major contenders like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, but it was Spaun who rose to the top. With steady play, sharp focus, and clutch putting, JJ Spaun US Open 2025, setting the pace for what’s shaping up to be a dramatic and unpredictable major.

Oakmont Delivers a Stern Test, But Spaun Stays Steady

Oakmont is known for chewing up even the most experienced players, and Thursday’s opening round was no different. Only 10 players finished under par. The average score hovered above 73, and the iconic Church Pew bunkers, slick greens, and thick rough punished every mistake.

But none of that mattered for Spaun, who took what the course gave him and executed with precision. His day began at 7:07 a.m. on the back nine, where he immediately made a statement by chipping in for birdie on the 10th hole from the rough. From there, the round gained momentum.

JJ Spaun US Open 2025 with a Historic Bogey-Free Round

It’s not just that J.J. Spaun leads U.S. Open 2025 — it’s how he did it. Oakmont has hosted 10 U.S. Opens, and Spaun’s round marks only the eighth time a player has gone bogey-free in a single round at this course.

He made birdies on holes 10, 16, 17, and 5, while parring the rest, including a couple of difficult up-and-downs. On hole 4, Spaun found himself in Oakmont’s famous Church Pew bunker but managed to save par with an awkward stance and delicate touch.

Spaun’s stats for the round were eye-opening:

• 18-of-19 putts made from inside 20 feet
• Fairways hit: 10/14
• Greens in regulation: 13/18
• Total strokes gained putting: +3.2

Short Game and Mental Grit Made the Difference

The secret weapon behind why JJ Spaun US Open 2025 may be his short game. He scrambled beautifully around the greens and never let the course intimidate him. The key? “Just don’t lose your steam,” he said post-round. “Stay focused and capitalize on every putt inside 10 feet.”

On several holes, Spaun was forced to make tough decisions — whether to go for the green or play safe, whether to be aggressive with his putts or lag it close. Every decision seemed to go his way, and every miss was followed up with a perfectly executed recovery shot.

This type of discipline is what separates good rounds from historic ones, especially at a U.S. Open.

Challengers in the Field

While JJ Spaun US Open 2025, the leaderboard is packed with big names hoping to close the gap in Round 2.

• Thriston Lawrence of South Africa posted a 3-under 67 to sit in solo second place. Despite playing in only his second U.S. Open, Lawrence looked comfortable and composed.
• Brooks Koepka, a two-time U.S. Open champion, finished with a solid 2-under 68. His strong finish, birdieing both the 17th and 18th holes, sets him up for a good push going into Friday.
• Jon Rahm, another major winner and one of LIV Golf’s top performers, finished at 1-under and is lurking within striking distance.

In contrast, big names like Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, and Scottie Scheffler all struggled:

• McIlroy shot a 4-over 74
• DeChambeau posted 3-over
• World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler had his worst major start at 3-over as well

The Historic Albatross by Patrick Reed

Though not among the top scorers, Patrick Reed made history with an albatross — just the fourth ever recorded in U.S. Open history — on the par-5 fourth hole. His 3-wood from 287 yards rolled into the cup, shocking even Reed himself.

Unfortunately, his joy was short-lived. A triple-bogey on the 18th left him at 3-over for the day. Nevertheless, it was a moment that electrified the crowd and added a touch of magic to an already unpredictable Day 1.

Why JJ Spaun US Open 2025 Is More Than Just a Headline

Spaun’s unlikely ascent to the top highlights a larger truth about the U.S. Open — this championship rewards resilience, precision, and mental strength more than reputation or resume.

Coming off a missed cut at the Memorial Tournament, Spaun had low expectations. He even admitted to abandoning swing changes he tried at home because they weren’t working. But with a fresh mind and renewed confidence, he approached Oakmont with humility — and executed brilliantly.

His performance stands as a lesson for aspiring golfers and pros alike: don’t try to overpower the course, learn to out-think it.

Weather, Course Conditions, and What’s Ahead

The Oakmont course will only get harder. With potential rain and humidity looming over the weekend, the rough could get heavier, and the greens could become more unpredictable.

If JJ Spaun US Open 2025 into the weekend, the pressure will mount. Historically, 36-hole leaders at Oakmont don’t always finish strong. The field behind him is packed with talent, and any mistake can turn a leaderboard upside down.

Eyes will be on:

• How Spaun handles the second round
• Whether heavy hitters like Koepka or Rahm will surge
• If Scheffler or McIlroy can bounce back and make the cut

🏁 Conclusion: JJ Spaun US Open 2025 – But Can He Finish the Job?

JJ Spaun US Open 2025, but the road to victory is far from over. Day 1 at Oakmont was just a preview of what this brutal course has in store. Spaun’s poise, putting, and strategy put him in the spotlight, but holding off major champions and rising stars will be the real test.

With weather changes, leaderboard shifts, and mounting mental pressure, Spaun’s mettle will be tested like never before. But if his bogey-free 66 is any indication, he may just be ready to surprise the golf world.

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Frequently Asked Question

1. Who is leading the U.S. Open 2025 after the first round?

Answer:
J.J. Spaun leads U.S. Open 2025 after shooting a bogey-free 4-under 66 in the opening round at Oakmont Country Club.

2. Why is J.J. Spaun’s round at Oakmont considered historic?

Answer:
His 66 is one of only eight bogey-free rounds ever recorded in a U.S. Open at Oakmont, known as one of the toughest golf courses in the world.

3. How many birdies did Spaun make during his first round?

Answer:
Spaun made four birdies — on the 10th, 16th, 17th, and 5th holes.

4. What helped Spaun keep a bogey-free scorecard?

Answer:
His excellent scrambling, precise short game, and putting were key. He made 18-of-19 putts from inside 20 feet, which helped him avoid bogeys.

5. What challenges did Spaun face on the course?

Answer:
He found himself in difficult lies, including the Church Pew bunker, and had to execute tricky up-and-downs. He also started the round with no prior competitive experience at Oakmont.

6. Which top players struggled in the first round of the U.S. Open 2025?

Answer:
Rory McIlroy shot a 4-over 74, while Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler both finished at 3-over par.

7. What notable shot did Patrick Reed make during the first round?

Answer:
Patrick Reed made an albatross (double eagle) on the par-5 fourth hole by holing out a 3-wood from 287 yards — only the fourth albatross in U.S. Open history.

8. Who are some of the closest challengers behind Spaun?

Answer:
Thriston Lawrence is in solo second with a 3-under 67, and Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm are also under par and within striking distance.

9. How did Spaun prepare for the tournament?

Answer:
He experimented with swing changes after missing the cut at the Memorial but abandoned them just before the U.S. Open. His focused, simplified approach paid off during pre-tournament practice.

10. What will be the key challenges Spaun faces going into the weekend?

Answer:
Maintaining consistency under pressure, dealing with potential weather changes, and holding off top-ranked challengers will be critical if J.J. Spaun leads U.S. Open 2025 into the final rounds.