US Open winner JJ Spaun speaks out about wife after landing £3.1million payday
JJ Spaun won his first major title with a stunning victory at the US Open and the 34-year-old was quick to praise his wife Melody for the role she has played in his success
JJ Spaun has warmly acknowledged his wife's crucial role in his stunning US Open victory. Spaun emerged as the sole player to finish under par following a nail-biting final round on Sunday.
The 34-year-old golfer sank a remarkable 64-foot putt on the 18th, securing a two-stroke lead over Robert MacIntyre and clinching his first major championship. The jubilant scenes at Oakmont Country Club featured Spaun celebrating with his wife Melody and their daughters Emerson and Violet.
A testament to his family values was his early morning pharmacy trip for his youngest daughter ahead of the final round on Sunday. Yet, Spaun didn't fail to recognise the pressures Melody had faced while he pursued the US Open crown and £3.1million ($4.3m) prize money.
"My wife had to deal with all of the stress of getting the girls there and making sure they looked cute for TV," Spaun told Us Magazine. "Having to run out at the right time and be presentable. I know it was stressful for her.
"She didn't hit a shot, but she's feeling drained just being the backbone of our whole family."
The somewhat unexpected triumph at Oakmont marks a high point in Spaun's career, with the star having previously thought about quitting the sport. While he savours his well-earned victory, Spaun, who is set to play in the Travelers Championship, remains mindful of the sacrifices his career demands from his wife.
"My hat's off to her for being such a huge support and understanding all these steps of my journey, learning as she goes," Spaun said. "And then also raising two children where at times I'm gone for a month, you know? Basically single parenting.
"There are so many times when we miss each other, we can't be together, because I'm on the road and she's trying to raise these two girls by herself while I'm trying to make a living and provide for them. There's tons of sacrifice. But that's kind of what leads to moments like this where you get to celebrate all that sacrifice and hard work. It's all paid off."
The couple's relationship dates back to 2013, leading to their wedding in July 2019. Melody was initially unfamiliar with golf, but that is now far from the case. "She didn't know what she was getting into," Spaun joked. "It would be one thing if she was a golfer, a competitive one at least, to know the career that I was about to embark on. She would have kind of had an idea about what to expect."
Melody offered her insights on Spaun's successful path to becoming the US Open champion. In a conversation with the PGA Tour following her husband's winning putt, she explained her pride at seeing him win a major tournament.
"Honestly, I feel like he's always been the underdog. I feel like the underdog finally had his day and he's finally proved himself," she said. "He's one of the most humble people I know and I just feel like he's finally gained his confidence and now it's showing. He finally feels like he belongs here, and he's proving himself.
"It's incredible. It's crazy to think he was on the Canadian Tour not very long ago, to me, at least, and to see him here now, he deserves everything."
Asked about the win coming on Father's Day, she added: "It's going to be hard to top, that's for sure! We're a really strong family unit and we're only happy when we're together so this means a lot to us."
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