Jeremy Clarkson inspires major champion with touching gesture to UK farmers
JJ Spaun revealed his admiration for Clarkson's Farm after winning the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Former U.S. Open champion JJ Spaun has revealed he will donate a portion of his BMW PGA Championship prize money to a UK-based charity supporting farmers after being inspired by Jeremy Clarkson's hit TV show.
The American, who lifted the trophy at Wentworth Club in September, earned €1,332,870.21 for winning the DP World Tour's flagship event.
Spaun and his wife, Melody, regularly holiday in the Cotswolds and have developed a fondness for the English countryside, with their interest in the area growing through watching Clarkson's Farm.
The series follows former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson as he navigates the challenges of running a farm in the Cotswolds.
Spaun spoke about his appreciation for the show during his post-tournament press conference, revealing that he had also visited Clarkson's pub, The Farmer's Dog, in the hope of meeting the television personality.
"We've grown fond of him [Clarkson], along with the English culture," Spaun said.
"We actually take holidays in December in the Cotswolds, and we really enjoy his show."
Clarkson was not at the pub during Spaun's visit.
In a post on Instagram, the 34-year-old announced that his family would donate part of his tournament winnings to the Addington Fund, which supports farming families and rural communities across England and Wales.
The charity provides emergency financial assistance, housing support and mentoring for people entering the agricultural industry.
Spaun said watching the series had given his family a greater understanding of the pressures facing British farmers.
"Watching over five seasons of Clarkson's Farm has opened our family's eyes to the intricacies of British farming and the daily challenges farmers face," he wrote.
He also thanked the local community for welcoming his family during their winter visits to England, describing the donation as a way to show his appreciation.
Spaun said his family wanted to support efforts to protect Britain's farming communities and help the next generation enter the industry.
Ben Smith joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
