He Should Be Investigated”: Sam Burns’ Explosive Claims Against JJ Spaun Rock 2025 U.S. Open, Igniting Chaos Among Golf Fans
The 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club was already a dramatic affair, marked by torrential rain, a chaotic final round, and JJ Spaun’s improbable victory. But days after Spaun’s historic triumph, the golf world has been thrown into turmoil by explosive allegations from runner-up Sam Burns, who claims Spaun used illegal technology to gain an unfair advantage on the final day. Burns’ accusations, delivered in a fiery post-tournament interview, have sparked a firestorm of debate, divided fans, and prompted calls for an official investigation into the new U.S. Open champion.
A Historic Victory Shrouded in Controversy
JJ Spaun’s victory on June 15, 2025, was a fairytale story that captivated golf fans. The 34-year-old, who had never won a major and nearly walked away from the sport a year earlier, battled a brutal Oakmont course, punishing weather, and a stacked leaderboard to claim the title. After a disastrous front nine where he carded a 40, Spaun mounted a stunning comeback, playing the back nine in 3-under par, capped by a jaw-dropping 65-foot birdie putt on the 18th to finish at 1-under par, two strokes ahead of Robert MacIntyre. The emotional scenes of Spaun wiping away tears and celebrating with his caddie were hailed as one of the most inspiring moments in recent major championship history.
But the euphoria of Spaun’s triumph was short-lived. On June 17, Sam Burns, who entered the final round as the 54-hole leader but faltered with two double bogeys, dropped a bombshell during an interview with Golf Channel. “I saw something out there that didn’t sit right with me,” Burns said, his voice tinged with frustration. “There’s technology being used that’s not within the rules. I’m not saying it’s the only reason he won, but it’s not fair to the rest of us who play by the book. He should be investigated.”
Burns’ cryptic comments immediately set social media ablaze, with the hashtag #InvestigateSpaun trending on X within hours. Golf fans, already reeling from the chaotic final round, were split into two camps: those who defended Spaun’s hard-fought victory and those who demanded transparency from the USGA. The allegations have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a career-defining moment for Spaun, raising questions about the integrity of the game and the enforcement of golf’s strict equipment rules.
The Allegations: What Did Burns See?
Burns stopped short of providing specific details about the alleged illegal technology, citing the need for an official investigation. However, sources close to the situation, speaking anonymously to ESPN, suggested that Burns’ concerns centered around Spaun’s use of a device or equipment modification that may have provided real-time data or an unfair advantage during the rain-soaked final round. Speculation on X has ranged from advanced rangefinders to modified clubs with embedded sensors, though no concrete evidence has surfaced to support these claims.
The USGA, which governs the U.S. Open, has strict rules on equipment and technology. Rule 4.3a of the Rules of Golf prohibits the use of electronic devices that provide distance or other performance-enhancing data during a round, with exceptions for basic distance-measuring devices like laser rangefinders, which must be approved in advance. Any violation of these rules can result in disqualification, even after a tournament has concluded, as seen in past controversies like the 2017 LPGA ANA Inspiration, where Lexi Thompson was penalized for a rules infraction reported by a viewer.
Burns’ allegations are particularly incendiary given the context of the final round. A massive storm halted play for over 90 minutes, turning Oakmont into a waterlogged battleground. Spaun, who was five over par through eight holes before the delay, credited the break for allowing him to regroup and reset. “The weather delay kind of changed the whole vibe of the day,” Spaun said post-round. “I bounced back and fought really hard on the back.”
