Norman started fast at the 1995 U.S. Open, opening with rounds of 68 and 67. Norman increased to a 74 in the third round, while Lehman fired a 67 to tie Norman at the top. Pavin was three strokes behind following rounds of 72, 69 and 71.

But in the final round at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Pavin surged with a 68, compared to a 73 from Norman and a 74 from Lehman. While Norman and Lehman began faltering on the back nine, Pavin held steady. He took the lead after a birdie on No. 15, then made a tricky par putt on the 17th.

After teeing off on the final hole, Pavin still needed a 4-wood to reach the elevated final green. He struck the ball pure, and began racing after the shot, running up the fairway until he was able to see the ball on the green. At that point, Pavin knew the 1995 U.S. Open championship was his. He got the ball down for par and claimed the trophy.

The 1995 U.S. Open is also notable for being the 100th anniversary of the very first U.S. Open in 1895 (although not the 100th playing of the championship due to wartime suspensions). This was also the first U.S. Open played by Tiger Woods, who qualified as the U.S. Amateur champion. Woods, however, was forced to withdraw with a wrist injury during the second round.