The win was sealed in dramatic fashion with two late birdies, capped by a remarkable 64-foot putt for birdie on the 18th – the longest on the course that week.

Despite his disastrous start, Spaun chipped away at the lead, posting 32 for the back nine – the lowest final nine since Tiger Woods in 2000.

The win is especially sweet for Spaun, who opened the season with mixed results, missing the cut in 10 of his first 15 starts. He also lost a playoff at the Players Championship in March, which is now seen as the crucial confidence booster that carried him through Oakmont.

Sunday's weather played a pivotal role. Heavy rain turned Oakmont’s infamous bunkers and greens into a defensive gauntlet, and the delay allowed Spaun to reset and refocus.

The victory also secures Spaun a spot on this year’s Ryder Cup team and a US$4.3 million winner’s cheque from the US$21.5 million prize fund.

Final Leaderboard – 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont