Sunday at Oakmont was chaotic, challenging, maddening and entertaining. It was all you could ask for in a U.S. Open.

Sam Snead supposedly hit so good a shot once that they installed a bunker overnight to stop him from doing it again. But did it happen?

But one-by-one, everyone sputtered, and Spaun made birdies on Nos. 12, 14 and the aforementioned 17 and 18 to thrill the masses. The 34-year-old Los Angeles-area native shot 66-72-69-72. "Fortunately, it was my time," said Spaun, who claims the 2022 Valero Texas Open as his sole PGA Tour title.

Sam Burns entered the final round of the 2025 U.S. Open in the lead, and it appeared he might be the only player to survive Oakmont. That was not the case.

When the second round ends, Burns will be the ninth player since 2000 to hold a one-shot lead after 36 holes at the U.S. Open. Only two of the previous eight went on to win — Angel Cabrera and Dustin Johnson, both here at Oakmont.

The winner of the 2025 U.S. Open will take home a hefty paycheck of $4.3 million, the same amount as last year's winner Bryson DeChambeau.

Spaun could never have known his entire professional career prepared him for this moment in Western Pennsylvania

It is of no consolation to the players that, unlike most venues, the conditions don’t change much. Oakmont plays nearly as difficult for the amateur membership as it does for the world’s best pros.