Sam Burns Alleges J.J. Spaun Cheated with Illegal Tech at 2025 U.S. Open, USGA Probes
Oakmont, Pennsylvania, June 19, 2025 – The golf world is abuzz with controversy as Sam Burns has accused J.J. Spaun of using illegal technology to secure his dramatic victory at the 2025 U.S. Open, leaving fans stunned and sparking an immediate USGA investigation. Spaun’s thrilling win at Oakmont Country Club, capped by a 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, marked his first major title, but Burns’ explosive claim of cheating has thrown the achievement into doubt, igniting heated debates across the sport.
Spaun clinched the title on June 15 with a final-round comeback, finishing at -1, the only player under par, two strokes ahead of Robert MacIntyre. His resurgence after a weather-delayed front nine, where he dropped five bogeys, included four birdies on the back nine, raising suspicions. Burns, who led after 54 holes but faltered to a tied-seventh finish with a final-round 78, alleged Spaun’s recovery relied on unauthorized equipment, though specifics remain unclear. The accusation, aired post-tournament, shocked fans, with social media platforms lighting up—some defending Spaun’s grit, others questioning Burns’ intent after his own struggles, including a denied relief claim on the 15th hole.
The USGA responded swiftly, launching a probe into Spaun’s gear and performance data, focusing on potential technological breaches. Spaun, who started the week with a bogey-free 66 to lead after Round 1, has maintained his innocence, emphasizing his fair play record. The investigation’s urgency reflects the gravity of Burns’ charge, especially given Oakmont’s grueling conditions and the high stakes of a major. Fans recall Burns’ frustration with USGA rulings earlier in the event, suggesting his accusation might stem from personal disappointment, yet the lack of concrete evidence keeps the narrative open-ended.
Spaun’s team is cooperating, and the USGA’s findings could reshape his legacy and the tournament’s credibility. With The Open at Royal Portrush approaching, this scandal has golf enthusiasts on edge, debating whether Spaun’s triumph was skill or subterfuge. As the investigation unfolds, the sport braces for a ruling that could redefine trust in its competitive integrity.
