For Los Angeles native and 2025 U.S. Open Champion J.J. Spaun, a trip to the UK is all business. Rather than sightseeing, Spaun spends his time entirely on the course, noting that the atmosphere of a historic English club is more than enough to satisfy his taste for local culture.
Spaun is competing in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth after he rounded out the PGA Tour season by withdrawing from the Tour Championship at East Lake. Spaun struggled at the PGA Tour’s season finale with a shoulder injury.
But he’s back at one of the most historic golf courses across the pond, and he’s enjoying his time by soaking in all the English novelties. “Being in this area of London kind of gives us our fix for English culture and enjoying the local things to be had,” said Spaun.
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“We just love being in this part of the world, and it’s a fun week for my family and I. So a little bit of golf, a little bit of leisure, and it’s been a fun week so far.”
Spaun sits in a tie for sixth following the second round of the tournament, as he carded six-under on Friday and two-under the round prior. Asked how he was enjoying Wentworth, the Ryder Cup star said the trip couldn’t be better.
“It’s been wonderful. We love coming here, as far as being in the atmosphere, the English culture, we love it,” said Spaun.
JJ Spaun is near the top of the leaderboard in Wenworth -Credit:Getty Images
“Golf-wise, a strange couple of days. Overall happy with how I played the last couple days.”
Asked how he would describe Wentworth to those back home, Spaun wasn’t going to sugarcoat his description. “I would say it’s top drawer, is that what you guys say around here? I love it,” said Spaun.
“I think the facilities are great. The club’s great. There are three courses here. Everything is top of the line, and that’s why it’s our Flagship Event on the DP Tour, and it’s been a great start to my initial start here at Wentworth.”
Spaun has found himself embracing the UK culture
Spaun’s first time at Wentworth was a sight to experience, as the 36-year-old had traveled to the country previously, but he deeply enjoyed his time at the permanent home of the DP World Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship.
“My family and I actually vacation over here in the wintertime,” said Spaun. “So any excuse to come to the U.K., and England, especially, we try to make it happen. It’s nice the way the schedule worked out for me this fall to be here.
“This is an event I always wanted to play. I’m glad it worked out, and I’m off to a decent start.”
Ryan Gerard is currently ahead at Wentworth and holds a two-stroke lead at the top of the leaderboard. Spaun is four shots off Gerard, but after enjoying the second-best round on Friday, optimism will be high heading into the weekend.