Three-time PGA Tour winner forced out during first round of Tour Championship

J.J. Spaun’s season came to a painful end at the Tour Championship after the three-time PGA Tour winner was forced to withdraw during his opening round at East Lake.

The 2025 U.S. Open champion called time on his FedEx Cup race while playing the par-5 6th on Thursday, having struggled with a shoulder injury that had clearly affected his ability to swing freely. 

The 36-year-old was already 4-over par after five holes when he sent his tee shot down the 6th into the rough before deciding he could go no further.

Spaun was subsequently taken back to the clubhouse by cart.

“I tried to push through it,” Spaun said. “With the torque and the amount of force in a golf swing, it just doesn't feel very comfortable.”

The American revealed that the problem began on Tuesday morning, when he woke up with sharp pain around his right shoulder blade. 

Spaun and his physiotherapist attempted to work through the issue, but hitting balls caused the injury to flare up.

By Wednesday, the problem had also restricted movement in his neck, while even taking a few gentle wedge swings failed to provide the improvement he had hoped for.

“It’s just basically like a knife in my right shoulder blade,” he explained.

Spaun was playing in the fifth pairing of the first round alongside Min Woo Lee.

After being alone from the 6th tee, the Australian skipped to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive 8-under 62. 

Lee is seeking just his second PGA Tour title having won his first at the 2025 Texas Children's Houston Open. 

Spaun’s WD brings an abrupt conclusion to what had otherwise been an impressive season for the three-time PGA Tour winner. 

He claimed his latest title at the Valero Texas Open in April, earned more than $5 million during the campaign and entered the Tour Championship ranked 21st in the FedEx Cup standings before the points reset.

The injury could also have implications beyond East Lake, with Spaun under consideration for a captain’s pick for the United States Presidents Cup team.

He finished 10th in the American points standings, with the top six automatically qualifying for the team. 

Should Spuan make the side, it would mark his debut appearance at the Presidents Cup and his second straight team event for the stars and stripes having made his Ryder Cup debut at Bethpage in 2025. 

He took two points from a possible three during USA's 15-13 defeat at the hands of Luke Donald's Europe in New York. 

U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker is due to announce his six captain’s picks on Wednesday ahead of next month’s contest at Medinah.

For now, Spaun’s focus is on finding out exactly what has happened to his shoulder.

“I just didn't want to cause any further damage before I assess this correctly and see what's going on in there,” he said.

“It sucks to end the year this way, but that's life.”

Spaun will earn $355,000 for finishing 30th in the FedEx Cup race. 

The winner of the Tour Championship wins the FedEx Cup and a huge $10m. 

Check out the full prize money payouts at the Tour Championship. 

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