J.J. Spaun’s Cinderella story is unfolding at the PGA Tour’s flagship event, the Players Championship. With a score of 2-under 70 in Round 3, Spaun has pushed to 12 under and taken a one-shot lead with 18 holes to play.
Despite being ranked 15th in the FedExCup race entering the week, Spaun’s performance is a surprise to many. But what makes his story even more remarkable is his journey from a walk-on college golfer to a PGA Tour contender.
Spaun, 34, had a successful college career at San Diego State, earning All-American selections and five individual wins. However, he struggled on the PGA Tour, losing his card in 2020-21 due to a slump that saw him miss 14 of 26 cuts.
A misdiagnosis of Type 2 diabetes led to a significant weight loss and lethargy, but Spaun eventually discovered he was actually a Type 1 diabetic. After regaining control over his condition, he regained his PGA Tour card through the Korn Ferry Tour Finals.
Spaun’s breakthrough came in 2022 when he earned his maiden PGA Tour title at the Valero Texas Open. Since then, he has finished inside the top 100 in points in each season and has been in contention a lot this year, with two top-3s and a T-2 finish at the Cognizant Classic.
Despite his success, Spaun acknowledges that confidence is still an issue for him. “I slowly have to prove myself, and people tell me that I’m better than I think I am,” he said on Saturday. “It’s just about believing in it.”
With 18 holes left to play, Spaun will need to dig deep and maintain his focus to hold onto his lead. Can he continue his impressive form and become the first player since Tiger Woods at the 2008 U.S. Open to double his 55th hole and win? Only time will tell.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/five-things-you-need-to-know-about-54-hole-players-leader-j-j-spaun