Jordan Spieth winning the US Open put the stamp of approval on it. What would have happened if Brendan Grace won?
Why does the winner matter? Was the 2005 US Open at Pinehurst tainted by the fact that it was won by Kiwi Michael Campbell who's golf game seemed to have pretty much eroded after that 2005 golf season?
Because the game likes returning to iconic venues. Merion is Merion in part because of Hogan. Oakmont is Oakmont in part because it's where the favored local hero lost out to an emerging superstar who would go on to become the best player in the history of the game. Spieth may flame out, but if he's the one to make a run at Jack's major record, or be on the verge of winning 5 U.S. Opens, the place of his first U.S. Open victory carries a bit more stature.