That 65-Footer Still Gives Me Goosebumps

By Lewis Barnett 16 June, 2025 8 mins read 98 Views

I'm still processing what I witnessed at Oakmont yesterday.

Robert MacIntyre had just delivered the kind of Sunday performance that makes you believe in fairy tales. The kid from Scotland was channeling pure magic on those greens, posting a brilliant 68 while everyone else was getting chewed up and spit out by that monster of a golf course. At one over par in the clubhouse, he looked like he might actually pull off the impossible - winning where his boyhood hero Colin Montgomerie got his heart broken back in '94.

But then JJ Spaun happened.

The Longest Putt Anyone Made All Week

Listen, I've covered enough golf to know when something special is brewing. Spaun was hanging around at one over with two holes left, and honestly? Most of us in the media tent were already writing MacIntyre's victory story. The American had been solid all day but nothing spectacular.

Then he absolutely crushed his drive on 17 - we're talking 309 yards on a driveable par-four, leaving himself just 18 feet for eagle. The putt slid past, but watching him drain that three-footer for birdie... you could feel the momentum shift. Even from the press box.

The 18th at Oakmont is basically golf's version of a final exam you haven't studied for. Spaun needed at least par to avoid a playoff, and after what happened to him at The Players Championship earlier this year (that putt hanging on the lip still haunts my dreams), I figured we were headed for extra holes.

Wrong. So very wrong.

65 Feet of Pure Insanity

What happened next defied every law of physics and probability I thought I understood.

Spaun lined up a putt from 65 feet away. SIXTY-FIVE FEET. That's longer than my entire backyard. The longest successful putt anyone had made the entire week at Oakmont, where three-putts go to die and dreams get buried.

I watched that ball roll for what felt like seventeen minutes. It tracked perfectly, never wavering, like it was following some invisible railroad track straight into the cup. When it dropped, the roar was so loud I'm pretty sure they heard it back in Pittsburgh.

Spaun collapsed. Literally just fell to his knees and started crying right there on the green.

From 120/1 Longshot to Major Champion

The bookmakers had Spaun at 120-to-1 odds at the start of the week. One hundred and twenty to one! I've seen better odds on my nephew's Little League team winning the World Series.

But here's what made it even more incredible - Spaun had fired the only bogey-free round of the entire tournament with his opening 66. While everyone else was getting brutalized by Oakmont's rough, he was out there playing like he owned the place. Then he hung tough through the middle rounds, stayed patient, and delivered when it mattered most.

At one under par, he was the only player to finish in red numbers. The ONLY one. At the US Open. At Oakmont.

Poor MacIntyre

God, my heart breaks for Robert MacIntyre.

The kid did everything right. He was the only player in the final sixteen groups to break par on Sunday - the ONLY one. His weekend rounds of 69-68 would've won most US Opens. He fought back from early bogeys, drained a 60-footer for eagle on the fourth (which seems almost quaint now compared to Spaun's bomb), and never stopped grinding.

After it was over, MacIntyre's reaction was pure class: "All I can say is that I'm absolutely delighted with the way I played today. I got off to a rough start with a couple of early bogeys, but sinking a sixty footer for eagle on the fourth showed you can never tell what is going to happen next here."

He paused, probably still processing what he'd just witnessed. "I could see no-one was getting away from me among teh guys who started out in front of me, so I had to dig in, dig in, and dig in some more. I did that. I did my best."

Sometimes your best just isn't enough when someone else decides to make the putt of their lifetime.

The Moment That Changes Everything

Spaun's celebration with his wife Melody and their kids afterward... man, that's why we watch sports. That's why we put ourselves through the emotional torture of caring about games that don't really matter in the grand scheme of things.

Because sometimes they do matter. Sometimes a 65-foot putt changes a family's entire future. Sometimes a 120-to-1 longshot reminds us that impossible things happen every day.

I'm still getting chills thinking about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I be aware of regarding golf course maintenance?

Golf course care includes a number of different activities. From mowing the grass and watering it to aeration and topping off, there are many options. How a green is maintained can greatly affect the way it plays. For example, freshly aerated greens may be slower and less smooth, heavily watered fairways may play longer and softer, and tighter mowing patterns can lead to faster greens and fairways. The maintenance schedules may help guide your strategy. Check the rules and notices of your locality before you begin your round. These may contain information regarding temporary course conditions caused by ongoing maintenance.

How can my golf swing be improved?

It takes practice, good technique, as well as professional instruction, to improve your swing. Start with the basics of a strong stance. It is essential to achieve a balanced stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, grip the club correctly with neither too tight nor too loose a hold, and maintain a posture that allows for a fluid swing. Practice your swing in slow motion to understand the components of the swing path, clubface alignment, and the point of contact. Spend time on the driving range or with a professional coach to improve your technique. Consistency is key, so focus on repeating a good swing, rather than hitting the ball hard.

What golf clubs will beginners require?

A basic golf club set will suffice for most beginners. Standard sets usually include a driver, two woods (such as a 3-wood or 5-wood), an iron set ranging from 4-9, a pitching wedge and a putter. Many players also benefit from using a bunker shot sand wedge. Although professionals can carry up to fourteen clubs, the maximum allowed by golf rules, beginners should master a smaller selection before expanding their set. To develop confidence, choose clubs that you feel comfortable with and are easy to handle.

How many golf practice sessions should I do to improve?

The quality and consistency of your practice is more important than the quantity. For beginners, practicing two to three times a week can lead to noticeable improvements. Concentrate on devoting time to each aspect of the game - long shots, short games, and putting. A quality practice involves having a specific goal for every practice session. For example, you might want to work on your swing technique, shot precision, or distance control. Include professional instruction whenever possible to ensure you practice effectively and don't reinforce bad techniques. Remember that it's more than just hitting as many balls you can; each shot counts.

How can I determine my handicap in golf?

A golf score is a numerical measurement of a golfer’s potential ability. This allows golfers of different levels of skill to compete on an equal basis. For you to receive a handicap from your golf club, or a handicap agency, you will need to provide scores for at least one round (the number varies by country). This is done by adjusting the scores for the difficulty and tee of your course. You can get detailed instructions on how to calculate handicaps from your club or national association.

What is the difference between women's and men's golf gear?

There are some differences in the golf equipment for men and women, mostly due to physical differences and swing speed. Women's clubs have lighter shafts and are more flexible to accommodate a softer swing than men. Club heads often have a high launch angle that helps women golfers hit the ball farther. Additionally, grips are usually smaller to suit smaller hands, and the aesthetic design may differ. The best equipment for golfers should be determined by their individual ability, physical attributes, personal preferences and not strictly by gender.

How can I select the best golf club for my shot?

Selecting the correct club is based on factors such as distance, wind conditions and hazards. It also depends on your level of skill. Woods can be used from the tee to make long shots. Irons come into play as you move closer to the green, with lower-numbered irons (like a 4 or 5) used for longer approach shots, and higher-numbered irons (like an 8 or 9) for shorter approaches. When you are aiming for accuracy, a sand or pitching wedge may be used. You will also need a putter to complete your putting. Knowing the distance you need to hit each club for and what your average range is can help with club selection.

Statistics

Junior golf programs have seen an increase in participation by approximately 20% over the past decade, indicating growing interest among younger players.
Studies show that practicing putting for at least 15 minutes before a round can improve a player's putting accuracy by as much as 25%.
Golfers who use a golf-specific fitness program can increase their drive distance by an average of 15 yards, benefitting their overall game.
Roughly 60% of golfers who maintain a handicap index see an improvement in their scores year over year.
The average golfer spends about $500 on initial equipment when committing to learn the game.
About 85% of golf instructors recommend that new players focus on short game skills as an effective way to reduce their scores.
It is estimated that over 90% of dedicated golfers maintain their equipment regularly, which aids in performance consistency.

External Links

How To

How to Keep score in Golf

Once you understand the basics, keeping score is easy. Each stroke equals one point. Be sure to count every swing of the club, including any missed balls, or penalties incurred. Record the number for each of the holes on your scorecard. Be sure to check any local rules that may apply. Totalize the scores at each hole. Adjust your score according the course ratings and your handicap to find out your net.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/golf/golfs-cruelest-timing-when-your-body-quits-hours-before-glory