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.

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

Celebrate J.J. Spaun's victory in the U.S. Open -- with a 64-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole -- with a USA TODAY commemorative page print

While some of golf’s biggest names make up the list of U.S. Open winners at Oakmont Country Club, where it will be played this week, there is some historical precedent for a long shot to overcome a big betting favorite.

Scottie Scheffler’s Brutal Admission After US Open originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Scottie Scheffler’s run at the 2025 U.S. Open ended in heartbreak. The world No. 1, who came into Oakmont Country Club as a heavy favorite, couldn’t overcome the course’s brutal challenges.

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.

Paige Spiranac weighed in on the tension that currently exists between Rory McIlroy and the golf media during the playing of the 2025 U.S. Open.