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Robert MacIntyre Had 1-Word Reaction to J.J. Spaun's Epic U.S. Open Putt

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Rachel Dillin | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 5:28 PM ET

When J.J. Spaun rolled in the winning putt at the U.S. Open, it wasn’t just the crowd that reacted. Standing off to the side, Robert MacIntyre gave the most relatable response possible: a stunned "Wow," followed by a slow, respectful clap.

The moment, captured in a now-viral video shared by the PGA Tour, felt like something out of a movie. Spaun had just sunk a pressure-packed putt to clinch the first major of his career, and MacIntyre, his closest competition, watched on television, visibly impressed.

It was a fitting response to a finish that golf fans won’t forget anytime soon.

After the round, MacIntyre was asked about the putt and his reaction. He didn't hold back.

I found Bob MacIntyre after the U.S. Open to ask about this moment, and he gave an awesome answer.

"He won the golf tournament. I mean, he’s dreamed of it. I’ve dreamed of it. Everyone’s dreamed of that moment. For him to pour in the winning putt, nothing I can do. Fair play.” https://t.co/7jnTgFFK1D
— James Colgan (@jamescolgan26) June 16, 2025

"He won the golf tournament," he told GOLF.com’s James Colgan. "I mean, he's dreamed of it. I've dreamed of it. Everyone's dreamed of that moment. For him to pour in the winning putt, nothing I can do. Fair play."

Spaun's victory capped off a gritty, emotional run that saw the 33-year-old overcome a packed leaderboard and his own past disappointments to finally grab hold of golf's biggest stage.

But MacIntyre’s reaction reminded fans what true sportsmanship looks like.

Golf Twitter erupted with praise for the Scotsman, with fans calling his one-word response "pure class." Some even said it was the highlight of the tournament.

Another wrote, "I became a huge fan of Bob McIntyre today. What a classy dude."

"Pure class and respect. Hope he wins a major soon," another fan agreed.

The slow clap. The quiet "wow." No jealousy. No bitterness. Just two competitors, one magical moment, great sportsmanship, and the kind of respect that makes sports worth watching.

As Spaun celebrated the biggest win of his life, MacIntyre's understated reaction somehow added to the magic.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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