Clarkson Has Hand in Spieth's Spaun Triumph

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

JJ Spaun won the BMW PGA Championship by two strokes, finishing with four birdies in the last five holes despite being left off the U.S. Presidents Cup team. His victory highlights both his resilience and the emotional volatility of professional golf, as rival Manuel Elvira faltered dramatically on the final hole.

JJ Spaun secured a two-stroke victory at the BMW PGA Championship, delivering a strong finish that featured four birdies over the last five holes to close with a round of 67. The win marked a significant moment for the world No.17, who credited a bit of unexpected inspiration from television personality Jeremy Clarkson.

Spaun, originally from Los Angeles and the 2025 U.S. Open champion, said Clarkson had been “here in spirit” during his triumph. His wife added a lighthearted touch to the celebrations by holding up a cutout of Clarkson’s head, referencing the golfer’s fondness for the docuseries Clarkson’s Farm. The couple plans to visit the Cotswolds for a pre-Christmas break.

Despite Spaun’s composed finish, the tournament’s closing moments were difficult for Manuel Elvira. The Spanish golfer, ranked No. 294 in the world and seeking his first DP World Tour title, was tied for the lead entering the final hole. After an eagle on the 17th, Elvira’s hopes abruptly unraveled when he found a bunker off the tee, followed by a series of misplayed shots, including a chip into another sand trap and a missed short putt. The resulting double bogey dropped him out of contention and cost him a prize of approximately £800,000 (around $1.5 million).

Elvira, 30, was comforted by his girlfriend and family, who gathered behind the green to provide support as the final drama unfolded. Spaun empathized with Elvira’s disappointment, describing it as “brutal to watch,” especially given the pressure and emotional toll of the moment.

Spaun also revealed that he had been motivated by being left off the United States’ Presidents Cup team for the upcoming event at Medinah. The U.S. captain, Brandt Snedeker, informed him of the decision in a 45-second phone call, describing Spaun as “the odd man out.” Spaun acknowledged he had been playing “with a huge chip on my shoulder” and used the exclusion as fuel to prove his worth ahead of next week’s competition.

Although Spaun’s win was marked by resilience and strong execution, the tournament underscored the harsh realities of professional golf—where moments of brilliance can quickly turn to heartbreak.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.