Spaun, who up until Sunday had a grand total of one (1) PGA Tour victory to his credit, won the U.S. Open on talent, yes. But he won it on tenacity, too, and bend-but-don’t-break mental toughness. He won it because he hung around long enough to make exactly the right move at exactly the right moment.

According to the PGA Tour schedule, Spaun has played in 16 tournaments so far. His highlights include a T3 finish at the Sony Open, T2 at the Cognizant Classic and T6 at the Charles Schwab Challenge. He also led at The Players before losing to McIlroy in a three-hole playoff. His U.S. Open win added a whopping $4.3 million to his season earnings.

Burns converts the birdie following a brilliant tee shot on the par-3 13th. He’s at 4 under, one clear of playing competitor J.J. Spaun. The 44-year-old birdies the par-3 13th to get to 1 under. He’s two off the lead, seeking his second major title (2013 Masters).

The US Open Thursday at Oakmont was unforgettable with JJ Spaun showing the way. Here are highlights and scores from the first round.

J.J. Spaun overcame five early bogeys and sank a 64-foot birdie putt to win the U.S. Open at a rain-soaked Oakmont on Sunday.

U.S. Open winner J.J. Spaun jumped to No. 8 in the Official World Golf Rankings released Monday, a meteoric rise from 109th to begin the season.

As he stood on the ninth tee box in the pouring rain, it looked for all the world like J.J. Spaun had just played his way out of contention for the 125th US Open championship.