J.J. Spaun will be able to take a host of positives from his debut at the Hero World Challenge after the US Open champion finished tied for fourth at Albany.
A remarkable 2025 season for J.J. Spaun has concluded. Of course, the high point came at Oakmont as the 35-year-old became a major champion. But he also came agonisingly close to winning both The Players Championship and the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
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He also made his Ryder Cup debut at Bethpage.
And he has ended the year on a high by finishing fourth at the Hero World Challenge. Spaun was joined by Scottie Scheffler on 20 under par, two shots adrift of Alex Noren and eventual winner Hideki Matsuyama.
Spaun certainly saved his best for last with a 65 on Sunday in the Bahamas.
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And there is no question which part of the game stood out for Spaun. He gained 4.6 shots around the greens in the final round alone, according to Data Golf.
The next best player was Corey Conners, who gained 2.49 shots.
Speaking after his last round, Spaun suggested that he had unprecedented success around the greens.
“I think it was three chip-ins in one day, I don’t think I’ve ever done that in my career. Yeah, just worked on my technique around here with the grain and stuff and got comfortable. Just one of those days where they kind of were going in,” he said.
J.J. Spaun reacts to playing in Tiger Woods’ event for the first time
There have been plenty of reminders that Spaun is now on a world-class level. Obviously, the victory at Oakmont and the Ryder Cup appearance stand out, but being invited to Tiger Woods‘ tournament was also significant to him.
And Spaun outlined how starstruck he continues to be whenever he is around the 15-time major champion.
“Yeah, he watched me my entire warmup yesterday, like right on my bag. We were chatting back and forth. I was just like so nervous because I’m not used to hitting in front of him. He definitely got the first tee nerves out the way for me there on the range,” he said.
“But it was cool, I loved coming to this tournament growing up in L.A. and just enjoy being involved with anything Tiger does. If you’re kind of hanging around him, you’re in good company, you’re doing something right. It’s been such a fun week and an honour to be here.”
If 2025 is a sign of what is to come, Spaun can certainly expect to make many more appearances at Albany in the future.
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