J.J. Spaun reveals Presidents Cup snub fuelled stunning BMW PGA triumph

J.J. Spaun admitted he arrived at the BMW PGA Championship with a “huge chip on his shoulder” after being overlooked for the United States Presidents Cup team.

Three weeks later, the American had delivered the perfect response.

Making his first appearance at Wentworth, Spaun produced a sensational closing stretch to win the BMW PGA Championship and claim his first DP World Tour title.

Starting the final round just one shot off the lead, Spaun carded a 5-under 67, saving his best for the closing holes as he birdied four of his final five.

That took him to 17-under par for the week and secured a two-shot victory over a group containing World No. 2 Rory McIlroy and major champions Aaron Rai and Adam Scott.

But there was an added layer to Spaun’s triumph.

Just weeks earlier, U.S. Presidents Cup captain Brandt Snedeker had decided not to select the 2025 U.S. Open champion as one of his six captain’s picks.

Instead, Snedeker went with Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay and Presidents Cup rookies Chris Gotterup, Jacob Bridgeman and Jackson Koivun.

Spaun admitted the decision had been difficult to take – and it provided plenty of motivation when he arrived in Surrey.

“I played with a huge chip on my shoulder. I definitely had something to prove this week,” Spaun said.

Rather than send Snedeker a message after lifting the BMW PGA trophy, Spaun made it clear that his performance was all the communication he needed.

“Being left off the Presidents Cup team a couple weeks ago was very disappointing, and you know, I wanted to prove that I deserve to be on that team,” Spaun said.

“I took care of my business this week.”

It was another statement performance from Spaun, who has established himself as one of the United States’ most successful players over the past 18 months.

After winning the US Open in 2025, Spaun earned his Ryder Cup debut later that year.

The Americans ultimately lost 15-13 to Europe at Bethpage, but Spaun emerged as one of their standout performers, taking two points from his three matches.

His latest victory adds another significant achievement to his CV.

Not only did Spaun secure his maiden DP World Tour title, but his win at Wentworth also saw him climb five places in the Official World Golf Ranking, moving from 17th to 12th.

And while the Presidents Cup omission clearly remained fresh in his mind, Spaun was keen to stress that he was simply delighted to have taken his opportunity in England.

“Everything happens for a reason,” he said. “I’m so delighted to be here and to even play this event.”

There was, however, one final message for the US team heading into the Presidents Cup.

Spaun confirmed he had not contacted Snedeker following his victory and revealed the pair had not spoken.

Instead, he left his performance at Wentworth to do the talking.

“I took care of my business this week,” Spaun said. “So all the best to the team next week at Medinah and I’ll be watching.”

After a remarkable final five holes at Wentworth, Spaun now has a major championship, Ryder Cup experience and a BMW PGA Championship title on his recent CV.

The Presidents Cup may have been the tournament he was left out of.

But at Wentworth, Spaun made sure nobody could overlook him.