Nobody backs their way into a US Open title. JJ Spaun wasn’t about to be the first to say he did.

On a day built for umbrellas, panchos and industrial-sized squeegees, Spaun reversed his own freefall, took advantage of several others’ and hit two shots that turned him into a major champion while finally, mercifully, creating a moment to remember at the rain-soaked brute called Oakmont.

“I just tried to dig deep,” said the 34-year-old Californian who can now call himself a major champion. “I’ve been doing it my whole life.”