Spaun's US Open win a tale of finding resilience, belief

American JJ Spaun's victory on Sunday at the US Open, the year's third golf Major that is invariably played on brutal courses meant to push the game's elite to the limit, shines as a great underdog story and demonstrates what resilience can help achieve.

- N Ananthanarayanan

NEW DELHI:

The 34-year-old from California achieved a two-shot win at Oakmont Country Club, arguably the world's most unforgiving course that caused further mayhem in the final round following rain — it led to a 90-minute break. The soaked fairways, wind, thick roughs and deep bunkers demanded patience and character above skill. Spaun though hit arguably two of the greatest shots to win a Major, the first driver off the tee to reach the green on the 309-yard, par-4 17th hole where he two-putted for birdie to take a one-shot lead.

And amid anxiety of what havoc the steady drizzle could do with shot judgment, Spaun, needing only to two-putt on the last hole to win, produced a stunning 64 feet, five inch birdie, the longest putt made in the tournament. It sealed a two-shot win over Scotland's Robert MacIntyre.