J.J. Spaun baffled by Presidents Cup omission: "I wasn't expecting it"

J.J. Spaun says his omission from the United States Presidents Cup squad came as a surprise.

The 36-year-old's career has been on an upward trajectory since he battled Rory McIlroy in a play-off at the 2025 Players Championship.

His standout victory, of course, was overcoming a rain-soaked Oakmont and the brilliance of Robert MacIntyre to clinch the 2025 U.S. Open.

Spaun visited the winner's circle again in March at the Valero Texas Open and was consistent enough to make it all the way to the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

He was forced to withdraw from the PGA Tour's season finale with a back injury but was still widely expected to get the nod from US captain Brandt Snedeker, given he was 10th in the points list.

But Snedeker named Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Jacob Bridgeman, Chris Gotterup and Jackson Koivun as his six captain's picks for the showdown against the International team.

Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns, Russell Henley and Collin Morikawa qualified automatically.

"I think it was disappointing to be left off," said Spaun after signing for a 6-under 66 on day two of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Spaun is well-positioned on 8-under heading into the weekend at the DP World Tour's flagship event.

"I wasn't expecting it, to be honest," he said of the snub. 

"But yeah, I wanted to continue to play golf, whether it was going to be here or at the Presidents Cup in Medinah.

"I always had this circled if I didn't get in Medinah."

Spaun already has team experience with the United States. He qualified automatically for the 2025 Ryder Cup squad.

He impressed on his debut, winning two points from three matches as Keegan Bradley's Team USA were narrowly defeated 15-13 on home soil at Bethpage Black despite a stunning late comeback.

"I kind of hung my hat on my experience with the Ryder Cup last year," added Spaun.

"I made it to the Tour Championship this year. I won in San Antonio. I kind of did everything I could. I was the odd man out."

Spaun is making his first ever appearance at the BMW PGA Championship.

He said he loves the English culture and goes to the Cotswolds every December with his family.

Spaun said: "I would say it's top drawer, is that what you guys say around here? I love it. I think the facilities are great. The club's great.

"There's three courses here. Everything is top of the line, and that's why it's our flagship event on the DP World Tour, and it's been a great start to my initial start here at Wentworth."