TPC Sawgrass has a reputation for producing dramatic leaderboards, with both golf’s biggest names and unexpected underdogs competing for the title. While stars like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas often dominate, this year, J.J. Spaun is proving to be the perfect underdog to root for.
The 34-year-old Californian entered Saturday’s third round in solo third at 10-under par, just one shot off the lead. Playing alongside McIlroy, one of the sport’s biggest stars, Spaun faces a David vs. Goliath matchup—one that could define his career.
Spaun’s path to the PGA Tour has been anything but easy. The Los Angeles native played college golf at San Diego State, earning Mountain West Conference Player of the Year honors in 2012. After turning professional, he battled through PGA Tour Canada and the Korn Ferry Tour, finally securing his PGA Tour card in 2017.
It took him 147 career starts before earning his first victory at the Valero Texas Open in 2022, a moment that marked the peak of his decade-long grind. But since then, another win has eluded him, and he has continued to fight for his place among golf’s elite.
Despite missing the FedEx Cup Playoffs in 2023, Spaun rebounded with a strong fall season, including a T-6 finish at the ZOZO Championship in Japan.
His 2025 campaign has been even stronger, featuring three top-15 finishes, including a runner-up spot at the Cognizant Classic. However, a missed playoff opportunity at the Sony Open in Hawaii—a result of a costly bogey on the 17th hole—has only fueled his determination to win again.
J.J. Spaun at the RBC Canadian Open round two
While Spaun’s golf career has gained momentum, the demanding PGA Tour schedule has taken its toll on his personal life. As a devoted husband and father, he struggles with being away from his wife Melody and their daughters, Emerson and Violet.
After posting a 4-under 68 on Friday, Spaun admitted to feeling guilt—not about his performance but about the time spent away from his family.
“It’s tough. I don’t know how to deal with it. I try to talk to them as much as I can, FaceTime, but when you have a little one that’s just always asking where you’re at and how much they miss you and to come home, it’s tough.”
His 2025 season has already included nine events, leaving him home for just one week this year. In 2023, he played 28 tournaments, none of which were major championships. The previous year, he teed it up 32 times, with his last major appearance being the 2022 PGA Championship at Oak Hill.
“I just have so many responsibilities with my family and my kids… I was always about golf, golf, golf, but now that my oldest one is four, it puts things in perspective.”
Despite these challenges, Spaun has remained competitive, thanks to his strong support system at home. However, a win this weekend could change everything.
Winning The Players Championship would be career-changing for Spaun, both professionally and personally. The $4.5 million first-place prize would surpass any season earnings he has ever had. More importantly, it would give him PGA Tour membership for the next five seasons, along with automatic invitations to The Masters, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and The Open for the next three years.
This job security would allow Spaun to play a more selective schedule, freeing up time for his family and reducing the pressure to compete every single week. It would also mean more chances to take his daughters to Disneyland, a place where the family holds season passes.
Although he currently sits 15th in the FedEx Cup standings and is well-positioned for the Aon Next 10, Spaun remains an underdog at TPC Sawgrass—a role he fully embraces.
“I feel like that’s kind of the mentality that I have this week. I feel really freed up, like I have nothing to lose.”
Spaun may not be the biggest name in golf, but his journey—from grinding through the mini-tours to becoming a PGA Tour winner and devoted family man—makes him the perfect underdog to root for. His relatable struggles, relentless work ethic, and deep love for his family make him stand out among the star-studded field at The Players Championship.
A win at TPC Sawgrass wouldn’t just be a massive career milestone—it would give him the freedom to spend more time with his family, which might be the most valuable prize of all.
J.J. Spaun has built a successful career on the PGA Tour since earning his card in 2017, securing a memorable victory at the 2022 Valero Texas Open.
But behind every great athlete is a strong support system, and for Spaun, that person is his wife, Melody Spaun. Their relationship has evolved from an unexpected start to a partnership that has helped Spaun navigate the highs and lows of professional golf.
J.J. Spaun and wife Melody: The couple, who tied the knot in 2019, are proud parents to their two daughters—Emerson Lili, born in 2020, and Violet, born in 2023.
Before becoming the dedicated wife of a PGA Tour golfer, Melody knew almost nothing about golf. The couple first met in Orange County, California, through mutual friends. On their first date, Spaun expected his career as a professional golfer to impress her—but he was quickly humbled.
Melody Spaun and J.J. Spaun
“I was like, ‘Yeah, I'm a pro golfer,’ because I thought I was cool. But she's like, ‘I don't even know. What does that mean? Like, does that mean you're like rich or something?’ I was like, ‘No.’ And she's like, ‘I don't really care.’ And I was like, ‘All right,’” Spaun shared at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Even a fun round of mini golf failed to impress Melody. “She was like, ‘This is lame,’” Spaun added. Yet, despite her initial disinterest in the sport, their relationship grew stronger.
Melody Spaun
Melody attended her first tournament in 2016 at the Northern Trust Open (now the Genesis Invitational), where she got her first real taste of professional golf. At the time, she found the experience intimidating, but Spaun made it clear this was the life she would need to get used to.
Over the years, Melody adapted to the lifestyle of a PGA Tour wife, attending events and offering unwavering support. Spaun acknowledges that her acceptance of his career has grown tremendously:
"She's a 10. A 10. Like as far as accepting the lifestyle," he said, emphasizing how much she has embraced the journey.
Despite this, Melody still keeps him in check, even setting limits on his practice time. Before the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions, she imposed a five-hour daily practice rule. “I was only allowed five hours a day by my wife,” Spaun admitted, adding humorously, “She said, ‘Well, yeah, if you start missing some cuts, we can adjust, we can add a couple hours there.’”
In 2016, J.J. received an incredible letter from one of his all time hero's Arnold Palmer.
This was of the back of J.J. sinking a clutch 12-foot birdie putt on the final hole to secure a record-setting victory at the Web.com Tour’s News Sentinel Open.
Celebrating his 26th birthday in style, Spaun broke through at Fox Den for his first tour victory. His win was already a milestone, as he had secured a PGA Tour card with a top-25 finish on the money list.
The letter is held dear to J.J.'s heart and is 'unofficial' good luck charm. At close of play on Saturday, Spaun leads the players at -12 after the third-round. Rory McIlroy slipped four shots off the lead after a punishing back nine in blustery conditions during round three at The Players Championship. After two days of calm conditions, strengthening winds at TPC Sawgrass created challenges for the late starters.
Despite the turbulence, Spaun showcased remarkable control and resilience, especially alongside McIlroy. He took an early lead with birdies on the second and third holes—at times sharing it, but never surrendering his position.
His round was defined by precise iron play, nearly sinking a 40-foot eagle putt at the ninth. Navigating a tough back nine, he limited the damage to just two bogeys on the 15th and 17th before confidently draining a lengthy par putt on the final hole to maintain his lead.
Arnold Palmer Letter to JJ Spaun
Spaun and Melody married in 2019 and have since built a beautiful family together. Their first daughter, Emerson Lili, was born in 2020, followed by their second daughter, Violet, in 2023.
Though the demands of the PGA Tour schedule often keep Spaun away from home, Melody ensures their household remains stable. He frequently expresses gratitude for her role in their lives, acknowledging how much she sacrifices for his career.
On Valentine’s Day 2019, he posted a heartfelt message on Instagram:
"Happy Valentine’s Day to my laundrywoman, barista, travel agent, #1 supporter, and fiancée. Life would be too hard without you!"
Similarly, on Mother’s Day 2021, he shared his appreciation once more:
"Happy Mother’s Day to the best mom in the world! Thank you for all you do for our little family."
These heartfelt messages show how much Spaun values Melody’s support as he continues his golf journey.
J.J. Spaun Instagram: 'Fun time on the @dp_show show today. Episode coming soon! @callawaygolf'
Behind every golfer grinding on the PGA Tour, there’s often a strong and supportive partner making sacrifices. For J.J. Spaun, that person is Melody. From initially knowing nothing about golf to becoming fully immersed in the lifestyle, she has embraced the ups and downs of professional sports.
Her unwavering support, sense of humor, and ability to balance family life with Spaun’s demanding career have played a crucial role in his success. As Spaun continues to chase more PGA Tour victories, he does so with the confidence of knowing that Melody and their two daughters will always be cheering him on.
jjspaun - Instagram
