When J.J. Spaun captured his first PGA TOUR victory at the 2022 Valero Texas Open, many saw it as a feel-good story of perseverance and grit. Since that lone victory, the golf media has seen J.J. Spaun as a journeyman pro, with only an occasional opportunity to make the cut much less and cash a large check for a top ten finish.

But, somebody forgot to tell J.J.!

Quietly Spaun has transformed himself from a Korn Ferry pro who had some health issues into a legitimate contender on the biggest venues in golf. In the past four months J.J. has finished second at the PLAYERS Championship, where he stood toe to toe in a sunrise duel against Rory McIlroy, the newest member of the Grand Slam Club. Spaun had ho-hum results at the Masters and the PGA Championship finishing inside the top 50 in both.

Then this journeyman pro chiseled his name into American golf history with birdies on the final two holes at Oakmont.

Still – the golf media refuse to recognize the growth and more the maturity of this golfer who has the appearance of a Saturday morning muni player. With a second-place finish at the PLAYERS and Best-Player-Down-The-Stretch win at the U.S. Open, Spaun has not garnered the respect he deserves.

J.J. Spaun will win more Major Championships because: Elite Ball-Striking and Consistency.

Spaun’s game is built on consistency and precision, especially off the tee and with his irons. He may not be the longest hitter on TOUR, but his driving accuracy and greens-in-regulation numbers consistently put him in position to score. At courses that reward precision over power – like TPC Sawgrass and Oakmont – Spaun’s control and shot-shaping capabilities give him an advantage. In recent seasons, Spaun has ranked among the TOUR’s best in approach play from 150-200 yards, a key for major championship success.

Improved Putting Under Pressure

The biggest improvement in Spaun’s game has been his putting. Once a relative weakness, his putting stroke is fluid and confident, particularly from inside 10 feet. He proved this at Oakmont converting several key par saves particularly in his first round 66.

In Major Championships, where the greens are rattlesnake-fast, this transformation could be the key. Champions at the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, or the Masters often win because they make the putts others miss. If Spaun keeps rolling it like he has recently, he will be right in the hunt.

Underdog Motivation

While Spaun doesn’t carry the same name recognition as the McIlroys or Schefflers of the world, that might be to his advantage. With less spotlight and lower expectations, he can play with freedom and focus. He knows what it’s like to fight for his place on Tour, and that underdog mentality will continue to drive him.

There’s also a hunger that comes from nearly losing your TOUR card. Spaun has rebuilt his career through sheer will and dedication. That edge can be a powerful weapon, especially in high-stakes moments when composure and motivation make all the difference.

J.J. Spaun’s career hasn’t followed the fast-track path of many top pros. He battled through mini-Tours, injuries, and struggles with form – at one point nearly losing his TOUR card. But every time he’s been counted out, he’s fought his way back. That kind of mental resilience isn’t just admirable; it’s essential to winning majors. Spaun just proved that on the back nine at Oakmont.

Spaun may not be the flashy pick to win a major, but golf history is filled with players who broke through after years of grinding. His steady rise, improved putting, mental toughness all point toward future success. In a sport where confidence mean everything, Spaun is trending in the right direction.

Majors often come down to who can handle pressure when the leaderboard tightens on Sunday afternoon. Spaun proved that he doesn’t back down. After a horrible 41 on the front nine on Sunday (including some bad luck), his ability to stay calm and focused under pressure proved the difference.

We all know that Spaun was just trying to two-putt on 18… but who else, in the elite field, had two putts to win the Open?

So, while the spotlight may shine elsewhere, don’t be surprised when J.J. Spaun holds up another Major Championship trophy, proving that his victory at Oakmont, one of the most difficult courses in the world, was not a fluke.