While JJ Spaun rose to the occasion on Sunday at the U.S. Open at Oakmont, many of the players around him failed to find their best golf.
Viktor Hovland was one of those players. Coming into Sunday, Hovland was three shots behind leader Sam Burns and two shots behind Spaun. The Norwegian had his moments, but struggled to capitalize on his opportunities on his way to a 3-over 73.
While Hovland never got it going, Spaun put on a show on the back nine to steal the tournament in wet and muddy conditions. After the round, Hovland had a nice message for the newly-crowned major champion.
“That was impressive dude, congrats.” Mad respect from Viktor Hovland to JJ Spaun.Sports still undefeated pic.twitter.com/QYk28u68Mx
— Christopher Powers (@CPowers14) June 16, 2025
“That was impressive dude, congrats,” Hovland said to Spaun on the 18th green.
He likely was not only speaking of the back nine performance, but also what Spaun did on 18. The 34-year-old drained a 64-foot birdie putt to walk off the tournament.
Hovland had a few moments throughout the tournament that made many think that it may be his time to get his hands on a first major title.
His eagle on Friday at No. 17 and a pair of heaters at the turn on Friday and Saturday both allowed him to stay in contention, even as some of the best players in the world struggled with the tough conditions at Oakmont.
Unfortunately for him, the putter went cold on Sunday, forcing him to settle for a solo third place finish. It is his fourth top 10 at a major, but he is still chasing that elusive first title at the biggest events.
Despite the loss, Hovland did get to see someone get over that hump up close and personal on the 18th green on Sunday as Spaun collected the first major of his career.
After showing grace and support even in defeat, maybe that moment is coming for Hovland next.
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