J.J. Spaun: The Underdog with a Shot at Glory at TPC Sawgrass

TPC Sawgrass has a reputation for crowning unexpected champions, and J.J. Spaun might just be the next surprise victor.

Every year, TPC Sawgrass crafts a thrilling leaderboard, featuring well-known players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas. Yet, it also provides a platform for lesser-known contenders, highlighting the course’s unpredictable nature.

One such contender is J.J. Spaun, who started Saturday’s third round in third place at 10-under par, just a stroke behind the leader. Teaming up with McIlroy in the second-to-last pairing, Spaun stands as a true underdog against one of golf’s most beloved players.

Rooting for Spaun is easy this weekend—he’s the quintessential underdog who could see a life-changing victory by Sunday.

Originally from Los Angeles, Spaun excelled at San Diego State, securing the 2012 Mountain West Conference Player of the Year. His journey to the PGA Tour took him through Canada’s PGA Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour before finally joining the PGA Tour in 2017. After 147 tournament appearances, he claimed his inaugural victory at the Valero Texas Open, a decade into his pro career. Despite this success, further wins have eluded him.

Spaun has tirelessly dedicated himself to maintaining his PGA Tour card, endlessly practicing alongside NBC Sports’ Curt Byrum.

Although he missed out on the FedEx Cup Playoffs last year, Spaun had a promising autumn, notably placing sixth at Japan’s ZOZO Championship. This form carried into 2025 with three top-15 finishes, almost capturing the Sony Open, only to miss a playoff due to a late bogey on the 17th. His second PGA Tour title remains just out of reach.

Spaun’s consistent performance in 2025 does come at a personal cost.

Following a remarkable 4-under 68 on Friday at TPC Sawgrass, Spaun felt a pang of guilt not for on-course mishaps but for being away from his wife Melody and daughters Emerson and Violet. This marks his ninth event this year, with long periods on the road proving difficult to reconcile.

“It’s hard,” Spaun admitted Friday. “I try to connect with them as much as possible, but when your child continually asks where you are and says they miss you, it’s tough. My family understands that this is my job. Hopefully, the sacrifices will be worth it, and we can enjoy plenty of family time together in the future.”

Melody manages with the help of nannies and supportive extended family, though Spaun’s time at home this season has been scarce.

Over the past years, Spaun has kept a demanding schedule, including 28 events last year, missing the major championships, and 32 events the previous year, with one major appearance.

“I juggle my responsibilities as a dad and my career,” he said.

Spaun credits his family for their unwavering support, which has helped him endure his hectic travel schedule in 2025.

And it’s precisely why Spaun deserves our cheers for the rest of this tournament.

A win at TPC Sawgrass would be monumental for Spaun and his family—not just financially but also in terms of career security. Victory would secure his PGA Tour status for five years and grant access to major championships, offering scheduling flexibility.

Such success would also afford him more trips to Disneyland, a favorite family spot.

While Spaun’s current strong standings make PGA Tour membership likely for next year, he relishes his underdog status, aiming to capitalize on it.

“I feel liberated this week,” he said. “I have nothing to lose.”

Indeed, Spaun has everything to gain—and of all the rewards, more precious family time would be the most significant.