Robert MacIntyre shows true colors with reaction to JJ Spaun winning U.S. Open.
U.S. Open runner-up Bob MacIntyre showed exactly who his is with a display of sportsmanship in the immediate aftermath of JJ Spaun’s stunning victory at Oakmont.
Bob MacIntyre showed his class with his immediate reaction to JJ Spaun’s remarkable U.S. Open victory at Oakmont on Sunday. It is a contrast to the ‘arrogant’ display Rory McIlroy was slammed over.
The Scotsman wondered if he might have done enough to snatch his first major title after a stellar final-round 68 in the Pennsylvania rain to set the clubhouse lead at one-over-par. But Spaun, who started in a share of second place at three-under-par, had been luckless early in his round to fall away from the lead.
But the American mustered an inspired finish, birdieing 17 to take a one-shot lead up the last before draining a 66-foot birdie putt to clinch his first major by two shots.
MacIntyre was in the scorers’ room at the time, and his reaction to Spaun’s outrageous long-range putt to clinch the title was telling. The two-time PGA Tour winner could only applaud before saying, “Wow.”
MacIntyre started the final round seven shots off the lead, and he was the only player in the top six to card an under-par round on Sunday, putting together a brilliant 68 in the most difficult of conditions, emerging from a 100-minute weather delay to show why he deserves to be considered one of the best talents in the sport.
Speaking before Spaun sank his winning putt, the 28-year-old made clear he would have no regrets, regardless of the outcome.
The back nine was just all about fighting,” he said. “My previous rain delay comebacks haven’t been strong. Today was a day that I said to myself, Why not? Why not it be me today?
“When I was going round, and I just trusted myself, trusted my caddie, trusted all the work that I’ve done, and we’re sitting here in the clubhouse nicely, and just wait and see.”
Spaun held back his emotions on the 18th green as he received the U.S. Open Championship Trophy and spoke with NBC’s Mike Tirico.
He admitted, “Honestly, I didn’t really stay composed with everything that was happening early on,” referencing a couple of tough breaks during the first three holes. “I just tried to dig deep and finish strong with solid shots.”
He credited a weather delay for shifting the momentum: “That delay really changed the energy of the day. I came back and battled hard on the back nine.”
Describing his final putt, he said, “When I hit it, I thought it might come up short, but it was perfectly on line. About eight feet out, it looked great—just tracking straight toward the hole. It was one of those unforgettable moments that can decide a major. Thankfully, it was my turn.”
Reflecting on the win, he added, “I never imagined actually holding this trophy. I always dreamed about it, but didn’t know how far I could go or what my limits were. I’m proud of the resilience I’ve shown in my career and the challenges I’ve overcome. Today, I was able to show that at Oakmont.”
