JJ Spaun Reflects on His Journey to Championship Glory
Portrush, Northern Ireland – Just a month after experiencing one of golf’s biggest moments at Oakmont, JJ Spaun finds it hard to believe he’s the reigning champion.
“Winning felt really surreal,” he shared on Wednesday, just before the first round of the British Open kicks off in Portrush.
Despite his humble take on confidence, it’s easy to imagine him cruising the road from Portrush to nearby Portstewart, a top-tier links course, and confidently besting a handful of skilled golfers.
“I knew I had to show myself that I was good enough to compete and win on the PGA Tour,” Spaun explained. “Winning on the Tour is tough, so it was necessary to prove it.”
“A few years back, I wouldn’t have thought winning a major was in the cards. My main goal was just to qualify for them. That’s how my career unfolded—it’s a bit uncertain where I go from here,” he admitted.
What he achieved in June was nothing short of spectacular: sinking a birdie on the last hole at Oakmont for a stunning walk-off win.
Spaun mentioned he “drew a lot of confidence” from that victory.
Now, he’s set to play in the opening rounds of the 153rd British Open, where he’ll face off against notable players like defending champions Xander Schauffele and Jon Rahm.
“Self-belief is crucial for success in major events,” Spaun noted, recalling how he lost in a playoff to Rory McIlroy. “That experience really helped me push through to the other side at the US Open.”
Currently ranked 10th in the world, Spaun is also a strong candidate for the US Ryder Cup team.
“I’ve honestly never thought of myself as Ryder Cup material,” he confessed. “It feels a bit odd when my coaches talk about it as if it’s a given.”
Spaun’s confidence has also been buoyed by his caddy, who has believed in his potential for years. “Even when I was outside the top 100, my caddy was convinced I could be a top 10 player,” he shared. “He believes I’ll be No. 1 eventually, but, you know, just making it to the top 10 is an achievement on its own. You absorb what others say, and then it starts to feel real. It’s all about developing your own trust in yourself,” he said.
