On June 15, 2025, J.J. Spaun etched his name into golf history by winning the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, securing his first major championship. The 34-year-old American, who had never previously held a top-10 finish in a major, delivered a performance for the ages, overcoming a rain-delayed final round and a challenging course to finish as the only player under par through 72 holes. Spaun’s thrilling late rally, with four birdies on the back nine, including a dramatic long birdie putt on the 18th, sealed a two-stroke victory over Robert MacIntyre. Here’s a look at Spaun’s remarkable journey and the equipment that powered his triumph at one of golf’s toughest tests.

A Breakthrough Performance at Oakmont

Spaun started the 2025 U.S. Open with a bang, firing a bogey-free 4-under-par 66 in the first round to take the solo lead, tying the lowest first-round score ever at Oakmont. His exceptional putting (+4.19 strokes gained, second-best in the field) set the tone, as he navigated the notoriously brutal Oakmont greens with precision. Despite a tougher second round (2-over 72), Spaun remained in contention, trailing 54-hole leader Sam Burns by one stroke. The final round tested his resilience: after a front-nine 40 and back-to-back bogeys, including an unlucky break on the par-4 2nd where his approach hit the flagstick and rolled 49 yards off the green, Spaun rallied spectacularly. Birdies on the 12th, 14th, and 17th, capped by a clutch 309-yard tee shot on the par-4 17th setting up a birdie, and a long putt on the 18th, secured his historic win.

This victory marked Spaun’s first major title and only his second PGA Tour win, following his 2022 Valero Texas Open triumph. His performance was a testament to his improved form in 2025, with four top-10 finishes, including a runner-up to Rory McIlroy at The Players Championship, and a career-high Official World Golf Ranking of 25th.

The Equipment Behind the Victory

Spaun’s success at Oakmont was underpinned by a carefully curated set of clubs and a golf ball that complemented his strengths, particularly his elite approach play (fifth on TOUR in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green at 0.761). Here’s a detailed breakdown of the equipment he used, as reported by sources covering the 2025 U.S. Open:

• Driver: Titleist GT3 (9 degrees)
  Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black VeloCore+ 6 X
  Spaun’s Titleist GT3 driver, paired with the high-performance Fujikura Ventus Black shaft, delivered the consistency and distance needed off the tee. His average driving distance of 305.0 yards (58th on TOUR) and Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee of 0.232 (51st) ensured he positioned himself well on Oakmont’s demanding fairways.
• Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees and 18 degrees)
  Shafts: Mitsubishi Diamana PD70 TX (15 degrees), Mitsubishi Diamana PD80 TX (18 degrees)
  The TaylorMade Qi10 fairway woods provided Spaun with versatility for long approach shots and tight lies. The Mitsubishi Diamana shafts offered stability and control, critical for navigating Oakmont’s punishing rough and strategic layout.
• Irons: Srixon ZX Utility (3), Srixon ZXi5 (4), Srixon ZXi7 (5-PW)
  Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 GOST (3), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (4-PW)
  Spaun’s iron play was a standout, with his Srixon ZX series irons delivering precision and workability. His 68.03% Greens in Regulation (37th on TOUR) and fifth-ranked Strokes Gained: Approach were pivotal in setting up scoring opportunities on Oakmont’s small, heavily contoured greens.
• Wedges: Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore (50, 54, 60 degrees)
  Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
  The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedges gave Spaun the spin and control needed for Oakmont’s tricky greenside situations. Despite a 0-for-6 scrambling performance in the final round, his wedge play earlier in the week helped him save crucial strokes.
• Putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3
  Spaun’s putting performance in the first round (+4.00 strokes gained) was a game-changer. His season average of 28.95 putts per round (119th on TOUR) belies the clutch performance he delivered on Oakmont’s slick greens, particularly with the long birdie putt on the 18th to clinch the title.
• Golf Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond
  The Srixon Z-Star Diamond ball provided the ideal balance of distance, spin, and feel for Spaun’s game. Its performance on approach shots and around the greens complemented his strengths, helping him maintain control in windy conditions and on firm fairways.

A Career-Defining Moment

Spaun’s 2025 U.S. Open win was a story of perseverance. Despite leading after the first round in seven PGA Tour events without converting to a victory (0-for-6), he broke through at Oakmont, defying history and expectations. His ability to recover from a challenging front nine in the final round, coupled with his equipment’s reliability, showcased his mental toughness and preparation. The emotional moment of his wife, Melody, celebrating with their daughters as he sank the winning putt captured the personal significance of this triumph.

Spaun’s victory also highlighted his journey from a walk-on at San Diego State University to a major champion. With only one prior PGA Tour win and a career marked by steady improvement, this U.S. Open title cements his place among golf’s elite. His equipment choices—combining Titleist, TaylorMade, Srixon, and Cleveland—reflected a thoughtful approach to optimizing his game for Oakmont’s unique challenges.

J.J. Spaun’s 2025 U.S. Open victory at Oakmont Country Club was a masterclass in resilience, skill, and strategic equipment selection. His Titleist GT3 driver, TaylorMade Qi10 fairway woods, Srixon irons, Cleveland wedges, and Srixon Z-Star Diamond golf ball were instrumental in conquering one of golf’s toughest venues. As Spaun continues his career, this major championship will stand as a defining achievement, proving that with the right tools and determination, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.