JJ Spaun US Open Golf Championship Interview

It’s hard to exaggerate how much JJ SpaunThe career was hung by a thread. Especially because, for many people who have not adjusted their golf on a molecular level, the emergence of the new U.S. Open champion seems to have happened overnight. But the truth is, Spaun’s career has been on a stable, quiet, upward trajectory for several years. The public finally caught up.

Born in Los Angeles, Spaun’s Rise is a classic slow-burning parent to the Philippines and Mexico. He became a professional in 2012 after his outstanding college career at San Diego State, but his route PGA Tour Just linear. He spent years grinding on mini tours and Canadian Tour before getting his travel card for Web.com (now Korn Ferry). Even after participating in the PGA Tour in 2017, Spaun struggled with injuries and inconsistencies, including his having to fight to keep the card. He is the kind of player who has to prove himself on every level, not the sponsor’s waiver, but the result.

When Spaun raises disputes in 2025 Player Champion. The 34-year-old maintained a one-step lead after 54 holes, but stumbled in the final round and eventually found himself in the playoffs Rory McIlroy. Due to the delay in weather, the next day was forced to return and the duel ended with a heartbreak: Spaun found water on the 17th of the iconic island green, McIlroy closed the door. This is the kind of moment that can bother the players. But Spaun doesn’t see it as a crash. He sees it as a verification, proving that his game is the best.

Three months later, this belief became a reality.

In 2025 We’re public At Oakmont Country Club, one of the most punishing scenes of the big champion golf course, Spaun played three spotless rounds on a course, requiring precision in each swing. From the final round, he shaky and found himself at the wrong end of the stick, which included a shot bounced from the flagpole, and the entire green stood out from the green. But he stayed patient because others were staggering. By the time he reached the 72nd hole, he had led the protection, and a 64-foot birdie putt interrupted the victory. Not only is he the main champion, he is one of the most unlikely and hardest success stories in recent memory.

You have conducted a lot of interviews and a lot of media requests in the past 48 hours. Can you give us an idea of ​​what it looks like since the end putter dropped, and what kind of headspace you are in now?

Yes, it’s crazy. I can even handle my achievements a lot. You kind of jump straight into gloves, winning formalities, trophy ceremony. The next thing you know is that you have to wait until after 1 a.m. to leave the club, sign and do all these good things. Then I had to fly to New York City in the morning.

I only slept for about three hours on Sunday night because I was late and couldn’t fall asleep. I woke up at 6am and decided to start the day. Adrenaline hasn’t really worn out yet. Today is a little better. It started adding more, especially to conduct all these interviews and media requests. I started to really feel this, I was the U.S. Open champion. Hearing a lot of sounds, watching replays, and having to express it, it helped me linger it. Yes, it’s a crazy 36 year old, nearly 48 hours, but it’s amazing. Dreams come true. I am so happy to be the U.S. Open champion.

Is talking about it, doing these interviews, giving you a chance to reflect on the right things and how things go?

Oh, totally. It’s really fuzzy. At first, I could only really remember the last few holes. But answering the question, even about the early stages of the week, or my mindset into Sunday brings it all back. It helped me wrap my head around everything and acknowledge the full picture. This is a great way to dip in it.

How does this compare to a typical round in terms of what you can remember and how to break down the game? Tee shot, approaching, something similar.

The difference between a normal round and what happened this weekend is that I remember more about how I feel emotionally and physically. Neurological, anxiety, comfort levels on certain lenses. On a tour Thursday or Friday, you’re just in your routine. No major. But this is the U.S. Open. The other day, I could totally feel what I was going through mentally and physically.

“I remain resilient no matter the adversity…you never know what’s going to happen.”

How do you deal with this pressure compared to a player championship? Do you feel you have made progress in your spirit?

Honestly, I thought I was really handling the players well and I tried to imitate the same approach. I went in with a mentality that I had nothing to lose. I just took the best score I could achieve without stress or expectations. That’s exactly how I approach the U.S. Open.

I remember saying that after the first round of Thursday, this became the mantra of the week. I didn’t try to change anything from the player. This experience proves what I can do. Even if I didn’t win, it gave me confidence and drove me through the U.S. Open.

What’s the most surprising thing since winning? Is there any unexpected news or moment?

It’s amazing to hear so many people. I don’t know if this is surprising, but one of the coolest moments was realizing that I might be locked in Ryder Cupcross fingers. But when it comes to surprise, Curtis Strange reached out. He has twice been in contact with the U.S. Open champion. That means a lot.

And, a New York City stroll with trophy is surreal. Get recognized on the street for a media journey. Too crazy.

Is New York also planning this media tour? Any morning performance or late night performance?

This morning, we eliminated most of them. I’ll start at 6:30 AM Today’s show. Then I did CNBC, ABC, Visit Hollywood,,,,, Pat McAfee ShowRich Eisen and SportsCenter. It was a wild day. I’m not used to a lot of talk, especially about myself.

What do you think about this? Are you someone who is willing to talk about yourself?

Not really. I got better because I knew it was part of my responsibility to the media. I’m trying to stay transparent and available. But if someone sent me a clip on a podcast or interview, I wouldn’t watch it. I watched myself a little cring on TV. Yes, it’s a little uncomfortable, but I’m trying my best.

We see your skateboard clip floating on Instagram. It looks like something you posted a while ago. Are you still skating?

My skating is almost as good as before. I grew up in Southern California and it was a cool thing, everyone skated. This is my first passion. I skater a lot and I’m pretty good, though not enough to get sponsorship or turn to a professional. During Covid, I thought I posted a clip, kind of like the Ice Bucket Challenge thing, where I did a trick and challenged friends to release their own version.

I still love to have fun, but I don’t do anything crazy anymore. Falling 34 is not the same as falling 14, so I’m trying to limit the time on the board.

Is it fun to see people browse your old Instagram posts now?

Yes, that’s weird. I think people are curious. They want to know me and see where I come from. I’m glad there is nothing embarrassing or immature there. The Internet will never forget. But if people laugh or are inspired, I go all out.

Reflect on your journey, after all the things you have gone through to hurt and keep the card, do you have anything to tell your young self now?

I’ll tell my past self just keep plugging. There are always debris on my shoulders. I didn’t graduate from high school, probably because I didn’t attend enough events to get people’s attention. But I have always had to prove myself, whether it is in junior golf, college or major.

No matter what the adversity is, I remain resilient. This is what I told myself: Keep pushing. You never know what is going to happen.

Finally, winning on Father’s Day is a special thing. How does it feel to have your family out there and how do they help you take root?

My wife and our two girls, we are our own small unit. Let’s do everything together. They traveled with me for a few weeks and they gave me a balance. Golf can really consume you, especially among professionals like the U.S. Open. It’s easy to get stuck on your head.

Having them on the road means I can leave golf on the court. When I came back, I was just playing with the kids about my dad’s duties. I’m not sitting there, living on 72 shots or making double bogeys. They just stay with me, do our things and take me root.