India, June 17 -- American JJ Spaun's victory on Sunday at the US Open, the year's third golf major that is invariably played on brutal courses meant to push the game's elite to the limit, shines as a great underdog story and demonstrates what resilience can help achieve.

The 34-year-old from California achieved a two-shot victory at Oakmont, arguably the world's most unforgiving course that caused further mayhem in the final round following rain - it led to a 90-minute stoppage. The soaked fairways, wind, thick roughs and deep bunkers demanded patience and character above skill. Spaun though hit arguably two of the greatest shots to win a major, the first driver off the tee to reach the green on the 309-yard, par-4 17th hole where he tw...