PGA Tour Golfer J.J. Spaun Makes History at US Open 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The U.S. Open teed off Thursday, and several players made strong early impressions. Despite a strong start, Rory McIlroy appears to have lost the momentum he had at this major. Through 17 holes, he has birdied two, bogeyed four and double bogeyed one to settle at T51 with a score of 4-over par.
Even more impressive is the solo leader, J. J. Spaun. After 18 holes, he sits at 4-under. In fact, he etched his name into Oakmont history by posting the lowest-ever inward nine score. He birdied holes 10, 12, 16 and 17.
Many top golfers felt this course is one of the hardest, but Spaun seems to have found the cheat code.
Another highlight was Shane Lowry’s eagle at Oakmont’s third hole, a feat never before achieved in U.S. Open history, which moved him to 4-over par. He ultimately finished at T91 with a score of 9-over par.
Spaun turned professional in 2012 and has played in 235 events, amassing nearly $18 million in career earnings. He has won just once, taking the title at the 2022 Valero Texas Open. He has registered 25 top-10 finishes, including five top-three results.
Behind him on the leaderboard are Si Woo Kim and Belgian golfer Thomas Detry, both at 2-under.
The third hole at Oakmont has never given up an eagle 2 in U.S. Open history… until now! 🦅
Well played, @ShaneLowryGolf! pic.twitter.com/kk9VlmyevX
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 12, 2025
Scottie Scheffler, the pre-tournament favorite and world No. 1, has yet to tee off but remains the main attraction. Just two trophies shy of a career Grand Slam, he must win at Oakmont and at next month’s Open Championship.
Scheffler is sure to produce some magic and deliver another spectacle. He has three wins in his last four appearances, and after a week off, he is all set to tee off at 1:25 p.m. ET.
Related: Jon Rahm Gets Brutally Honest on LIV Golf at U.S. Open
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.