JJ Spaun Claims Dramatic BMW PGA Championship

The American closed with a five-under-par 67 to finish two shots clear of a strong chasing group featuring Rory McIlroy, Aaron Rai, Adam Scott and Manuel Elvira. In doing so, Spaun became the first player since Byeong Hun An in 2015 to win the BMW PGA Championship on debut.

Presidents Cup disappointment provides extra motivation

Spaun arrived at Wentworth with plenty of motivation after narrowly missing out on selection for the United States Presidents Cup team.

The 36-year-old finished 10th in the qualification standings but was overlooked for one of captain Brandt Snedeker’s picks for the contest against the International Team at Medinah. Spaun admitted the disappointment gave him an added incentive throughout the week at Wentworth.

It has already been an impressive season for Spaun, who also won the Valero Texas Open earlier in the year and represented the United States in last season’s Ryder Cup.

His response to missing out on the Presidents Cup could hardly have been stronger, with Spaun producing four excellent days of golf before holding his nerve during Sunday’s final round.

Late drama at Wentworth

The closing stages provided plenty of drama.

Manuel Elvira still had an opportunity to challenge Spaun heading down the final hole, but a double bogey at the 18th ended his hopes and left Spaun with a two-shot winning margin.

The victory continues Spaun’s rise and is expected to move him to around 13th in the world rankings.

There was also a lighter side to Spaun’s Wentworth week.

His wife Melody carried a Jeremy Clarkson mask around the course, with Spaun revealing that the couple have become fans of Clarkson and English culture and regularly visit the Cotswolds.

After securing the title, Spaun joked that Clarkson may even have brought him some good fortune.

For Spaun, however, the week will ultimately be remembered for an outstanding response to disappointment and a memorable victory on one of European golf’s biggest stages.

Congratulations to JJ Spaun on a superb BMW PGA Championship victory at Wentworth.