JJ Spaun revealed he competed with a significant grudge after being passed over for the United States Presidents Cup roster, a drive that fueled his dramatic triumph at the BMW PGA Championship. The 36-year-old American secured a two-shot win at Wentworth, finishing ahead of Rory McIlroy, Aaron Rai, Adam Scott, and Manuel Elvira.
Spaun’s victory marks a historic moment as he becomes the first golfer since Byeong Hun An in 2015 to win the DP World Tour’s premier event on his debut. He closed the tournament with a final-round 67, capping off a week where he also benefited from a costly double-bogey on the 18th hole by rival Manuel Elvira.
The win adds to an already impressive season, which includes a earlier PGA Tour victory at the Valero Texas Open. Spaun had finished 10th in the standings for Presidents Cup qualification and made his Team USA debut in the Ryder Cup last September, making his omission by captain Brandt Snedeker all the more surprising.
Speaking at a press conference, Spaun described the decision as a brief and disappointing phone call following the Tour Championship. Despite previous conversations that suggested he was in contention for a spot, he was left off the final list. “I played with a huge chip on my shoulder,” Spaun said. “Being left off the Presidents Cup team a couple of weeks ago was very disappointing and I wanted to prove that I deserve to be on that team.”
Although Spaun and Snedeker have not spoken since the announcement, the golfer expressed no hard feelings, simply stating, “I took care of my business this week, so all the best to the team next week at Medinah – I’ll be watching from my couch!” He noted that the upset has only strengthened his resolve, drawing parallels to his career-long narrative of having to earn every opportunity rather than receiving scholarships or sponsor invites.
On a lighter note, Spaun celebrated his success with a Jeremy Clarkson mask, a tribute to the broadcaster and his wife Melody’s appreciation for English culture. The couple recently returned from a holiday in the Cotswolds where they watched Clarkson’s Farm. “Jeremy was there in spirit and I think he brought me good fortune,” Spaun joked.
Following the victory, Spaun is projected to climb to world number 13 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
The Clarkson mask celebration had me roaring. That is genuinely the most wholesome thing in sports right now.
I thought Spaun was a lock for that Presidents Cup team. Snedeker’s selection process remains a total mystery to me.
Two shots is a dominant margin! The chip on his shoulder clearly fueled this masterpiece. Well earned, JJ.