The Filipino-Mexican American Who Conquered the US Open | JJ Spaun Makes History

June 15, 2025
Written By Onelia Miller

Big things are happening, people. Filipino-Mexican-American golfer JJ Spaun just pulled off one of the most epic wins in recent golf history by clinching the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club. This isn't just a win for him – it’s a moment of serious pride for the Filipino and Mexican communities worldwide. It’s proof that the game of golf isn’t just for the old guard anymore. The new wave is here, and JJ Spaun is leading the charge.

Spaun’s road to the top hasn’t been easy, but it’s been one hell of a journey. It’s the classic underdog story, but with a modern twist: Spaun is here to break barriers, and he just did. His win isn’t just about hitting birdies and sinking putts; it’s about proving that representation matters, and we’re here for it.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Spaun (his mother, Dollie, is of Filipino and Mexican descent, and his father, John, is European American) didn’t exactly have a silver spoon in his mouth. He didn’t come from wealth or fame, but he had something way more important: drive. His mother would say he was more interested in watching the Golf Channel as a child than cartoons. He put in the hours, sacrificed like crazy, and built his way up from the ground. In 2016, Spaun earned his PGA Tour card, and that was the start of something big. But let’s be real: the road to the US Open wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Spaun spent years grinding it out, facing setbacks, and learning the hard way.

But here’s the thing about Spaun: he’s got a mental game that’s pure steel. Sure, his game looked shaky early on in the final round, with five bogeys in the first six holes. But when the rain came and play got delayed for 95 minutes, it was like the reset button was hit. When play resumed, Spaun was a new man. Birdies on holes 12, 14, and 17 got him right back into the mix, and then, he did the unthinkable. A 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole? Straight-up clutch. That putt didn’t just win him the tournament – it solidified his place in history, earning him a two-stroke victory over Scotland's Robert MacIntyre.

Spaun’s win means a lot more than just a new major champion. It’s a cultural milestone. Filipino and Mexican-American golfers, historically overlooked in mainstream American sports, now have someone to rally behind in a major way. This isn’t just Spaun’s win – it’s our win. When you think of the usual faces on the PGA Tour, it’s easy to feel like golf isn’t “our” game. But now, there’s Spaun, standing tall, showing the world that Filipino and Mexican-American excellence is a force to be reckoned with.

For younger generations of Filipinos and Mexican-Americans, Spaun's win is a call to arms: you can do this. Whether it’s golf, basketball, or any other sport, the old limits are out the window. Spaun is a walking example that no dream is too big, and no arena is off-limits for us.

The crowd went wild when Spaun sank that final putt. The roar was deafening, and for good reason. This wasn’t just another athlete crossing a finish line, it’s a defining moment for both the Filipino and Mexican-American communities. It’s a reminder that we belong on every stage, in every sport, and in every field. And the fact that Spaun’s triumph is coming at a time when so many of us are pushing for greater representation makes it even sweeter.

So what’s next for Spaun? The guy is just getting started. This win not only landed him the US Open title but also a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team and a cool $4.3 million payday. With everything he’s accomplished, who knows what’s in store next? One thing’s for sure: we’ll all be keeping an eye on his career because this is just the beginning.

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Written By Onelia Miller

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