J.J. Spaun uses Presidents Cup snub as motivation in BMW PGA Championship victory

J.J. Spaun had a message for U.S. Presidents Cup captain Brandt Snedeker, and he delivered it with his clubs instead of his phone, closing with a hot finish to win the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday in Surrey, England.

Just under three weeks after being denied a captain’s pick for the Presidents Cup, Spaun birdied four of his last five holes for a five-under 67 that brought him to 17 under on the week at Wentworth and left him two shots clear of a quartet of players that included world No. 2 Rory McIlroy and former Masters winner Adam Scott.

Spaun, who started the final round one shot off the lead, said afterward that the snub fueled his run to the title.

“I played with a huge chip on my shoulder,” Spaun told reporters. “I definitely had something to prove this week. But everything happens for a reason. I’m so delighted to be here and just to even play this event.”

Snedeker used his six captain’s picks on Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay and Presidents Cup rookies Chris Gotterup, Jacob Bridgeman and Jackson Koivun.

Spaun said he did not message Snedeker after his win, adding that the two haven’t spoken. Instead, Spaun let his clubs do the talking.

“Being left off the Presidents Cup team a couple weeks ago was very disappointing, and you know, I wanted to prove that I deserve to be on that team,” said Spaun. “I took care of my business this week. So all the best to the team next week at Medinah, and I’ll be watching.”

The 2026 edition of the Presidents Cup, a biennial event that pits a U.S. team against a lineup of international players from outside Europe, will be held at Medinah Country Club’s Course No. 3 in Chicago.

The U.S. 13-1-1 in the Ryder Cup-style competition with its only loss coming at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia in 1998.