With Spaun in the spotlight, fans have learned more about the unique health challenges he has navigated since turning pro.

Spaun went out in a record 31 and posted just the eighth bogey-free round in U.S. Open history at Oakmont to take the early lead on Thursday.

OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — J.J. Spaun is still new enough to the U.S. Open, and a newcomer to the brute that is Oakmont, that he was prepared for anything Thursday. He wound up with a clean card and a one-shot lead on an opening day that delivered just about everything.

This is the first time Spaun has been in the top 10 following any major championship round, let alone held the lead.

Oakmont lived up to its reputation with a scoring average of about 74.6 despite a course still relatively soft from rain and moderate wind that didn’t stick around for long.

Spaun has never won a major championship, and he has very little experience in golf's first biggest tournaments overall. Aside from his one U.S. Open start, Spaun entered the week with just seven other major starts under his belt: five at the PGA Championship and two at the Masters in 2022 and 2025.

Spaun fired a bogey-free 4-under-par 66 to hold a one shot lead. Two-time champion Brooks Koepka is tied for third

Burns cards a 1-under 69 at rainy Oakmont and remains one shot ahead of Adam Scott and Spaun in pursuit of first major title.

J.J. Spaun is making waves right now through his performance at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, Pennsylvania.