Although defeated, J.J. Spaun was energized when he departed THE PLAYERS Championship in March.
The journeyman on the PGA TOUR had just suffered his most heartbreaking defeat to date, a playoff loss to Rory McIlroy following a water ball at the famous par-3 17th hole.
However, Spaun was at ease with the prospect of competing in and winning a major tournament for the first time in his career. that he ultimately lifted the prize because he was worthy and good enough. Just a small percentage of golfers achieve the kind of unjustified confidence that many believe professional athletes are born with because of their exceptional talent, which propelled them to the TOUR. The results of Spaun’s efforts were evident at the U.S. Open on Thursday.
Spaun pulled off the finest major round of his life, a bogey-free, 4-under 66 to grab the lead in the U.S. Open lead through the morning wave, despite his previous hot-and-cold play and a notoriously challenging Oakmont Country Club that he said made him “pretty nervous.”
“I have no idea why this is occurring at this stage of my career.” Spaun a pro since 2012 said. That belief is the first step. At a major championship, especially one as demanding as the one Oakmont put up in the first round, there’s no faking a lead. Spaun didn’t like being hounded in earlier seasons. While it’s a start, the first round of a major isn’t exactly the back nine on Sunday.
Spaun was alone at the top of the standings for much the whole round. Spaun remained steadfast as those around him, including Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau, changed. After chipping in for a birdie on his first hole, No. 10, he exploited the par-5 12th, which at the time was the only hole playing below par, and added two more birdies to finish at 4-under 31. Of the ten U.S. Opens played at Oakmont, the first 9 holes were the best. Then, to maintain a 4-under round, Spaun made all pars on the front nine, which is the more difficult of the two sides. Spaun’s putting was the highlight of the performance. He gained over four strokes on the greens, the best mark in the field, by making five par putts of seven feet or more to keep up his pace.
“I think this was one of the better putting days of the year for me.” Spaun said.
He also received a brief game lesson on Monday, which contributed to his perfect scrambling. Spaun and Josh Gregory, who have been friends for a long time but have never worked together, met up at Oakmont this week. Gregory thought he might help Spaun with some of his problems, and Spaun was open to additional information. Spaun’s backswing was shortened during one lesson, and Gregory offered him advice on how to play the vicious lies that Oakmont players frequently encounter. Mark Carens, Spaun’s caddie, turned to Spaun after he chipped in on the opening hole on Thursday, saying, “Nice chip, Josh.” In terms of strokes gained around the green on Thursday, Spaun was among the top ten.
In what has turned into Spaun’s career year, the opening round is merely the most recent. After placing T3 at the Sony Open in Hawaii to start the year, he ended far behind Joe Highsmith as the runner-up at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, and then he did what he did at THE PLAYERS Championship. He just missed a birdie putt on the 18th hole that would have won him the event, bringing the competition to a close in regulation. Last month, Spaun achieved another top-10 result in the Charles Schwab Challenge.
“I’m able to perform under pressure on even the largest stages. This week will also be very stressful, but perhaps I can draw on those experiences.” Spaun said.
For Spaun, competing at a major is a novel experience. Until Thursday, he had never played a major championship round without bogeys. Additionally, he has never led a big round or even approached leading one. A T23 at the 2022 Masters was his best result. Even Spaun is surprised when his first lead came at Oakmont. Since he did not participate in the 2016 U.S. Open, all he knew about the course was that it was extremely difficult.
It’s challenging to ignore the clamor and the content on Twitter, social media, and other platforms. All you’re really hearing is how difficult this course is. To be honest, I was somewhat anxious.
However, I made an effort to control my nervousness and anxiousness because, I suppose, it improves my focus and swing. I don’t know, I just kind of become more in the zone, but if I’m not mentally in it or have no worries, it’s just a slow round or whatever. I enjoy the discomfort.
Over the next fifty-four holes, he will experience a lot more uncomfortable moments. At Oakmont, carnage lurks around every corner. Although making a lot of mid-range par putts and chipping in is probably not a sustainable strategy for winning, but belief is the first step in any successful strategy.
