In a shocking twist following the conclusion of the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont, one PGA Tour professional has finished ahead of newly crowned champion J.J. Spaun — yet will walk away without a single dollar in prize money.
The player, whose identity remains known among insiders but has not been formally confirmed by tournament officials, competed in the event as an amateur. Despite outplaying Spaun across certain rounds and finishing with a lower overall score, their amateur status disqualifies them from receiving any portion of the $20 million prize purse.
Under USGA and PGA Tour regulations, amateur golfers are prohibited from collecting prize money in professional events. It’s a rule designed to preserve the integrity and spirit of amateur competition, but it often leads to awkward outcomes like this one — where a superior performance yields no financial reward.
Spaun, who claimed his first major title at Oakmont, took home $3.6 million for his victory. Meanwhile, the amateur in question will leave only with the prestige of a high finish and, potentially, a heightened profile heading into a professional career.
This isn’t the first time such a scenario has occurred. In previous majors, amateurs like Viktor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick once placed ahead of seasoned professionals but similarly forfeited potential earnings due to their non-pro status.
Golf fans have taken to social media both to praise the amateur’s performance and to debate whether the rule remains fair in today’s competitive landscape — especially when amateurs are clearly capable of contending with the world’s best.
As the PGA Tour continues to evolve, conversations around compensation, status, and eligibility are likely to grow louder. But for now, this standout performance will serve as a bittersweet reminder: in golf, excellence doesn’t always equal earnings.
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