Major-winning golfer admits he was ‘sick’ of looking at his golf clubs this year and had to have time off

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The PGA Tour has a gruelling schedule for those looking to compete for wins week in, week out.

Even during a player’s highest moments, the pressure can weigh heavily on anyone. Rory McIlroy admitted he wanted to hide after winning The Masters and was happy to return home to the United Kingdom ahead of The Open Championship. 

Combine that with one of the most emotionally draining Ryder Cups in recent memory, which featured frenzied fans at Bethpage Black, and it’s understandable why a player may need to spend some time away from the golf course to regather themselves for the upcoming season.

That was certainly the case for one major winner, who said he was sick of looking at his clubs after the Ryder Cup.

Why J.J. Spaun needed a break from golf after the Ryder Cup

J.J. Spaun just had the year of his life. He went from almost stepping away from the sport in 2024 when he nearly lost his PGA Tour card, to winning the US Open at Oakmont and being one of Team USA’s best players at the Ryder Cup.

But this means that Spaun was playing under far more duress than he was used to during his professional career.

All of a sudden, he was thrown into the pressure cooker of Bethpage Black. All eyes were on him and Justin Rose for their playoff at the St. Jude Championship, and he carried the burden of leading down the stretch at a major championship at Oakmont.

Spaun was thrust into stardom in 2025, and he needed a break from the game. He explained, “I took two weeks off after the Ryder Cup. It was the first time, actually, I was sick of looking at my clubs.

“I think it was such a stressful year, an intense year as far as what I’m used to. After about two weeks, I told myself, ‘Maybe it’s time to start swinging a bit. I don’t want to be too rusty, but I think two weeks is my limit.

“Yeah, hanging out with my family, being a good dad, helping around the house, getting things done around the house, which is the time to do it. It’s been very chill.”

It was a much-needed break from Spaun, and the break clearly didn’t affect his play.

How J.J. Spaun is playing at the Hero World Challenge

Spaun is in action for the first time in a month at Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge event, and he’s going toe-to-toe with some of the world’s best players, such as Scottie Scheffler.

And once again, Spaun is showing that he belongs on that stage. He has a share of the lead at Albany at six-under-par through his opening round.

He’d have the outright lead if not for a bogey on the final hole, which is proving to be the toughest on the entire course. He had seven birdies on his round in an impressive showing for the American.

He’ll have his work cut out to win the tournament, as Scheffler is right there with him at six-under, but it’s yet another opportunity for Spaun to show that his US Open win was far from a fluke.