J.J. Spaun captured the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday at Wentworth, securing a two-shot victory in his debut appearance at the European Tour’s premier event. Spaun finished with a five-under 67, highlighted by four birdies over the final five holes, to post a 17-under 271 total. The win marked his second of the year and fourth overall, moving him just outside the top 10 in the world rankings.

The 36-year-old Californian, who claimed the U.S. Open title at Oakmont last year, delivered the triumph shortly after being excluded from the U.S. Presidents Cup team announced earlier this month. Spaun said his omission from the squad motivated his strong performance. “I played with a huge chip on my shoulder,” he said. “I definitely had something to prove this week, but everything happens for a reason.”

Spaun’s victory continued a recent trend of American success at Wentworth, making it three U.S. winners in the past six years. He rattled off birdies on the 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th holes to pull clear of the field, showcasing resilience after a recent shoulder injury forced him to withdraw from the Tour Championship.

His closest challenger was Manuel Elvira of Spain, who briefly shared the lead after making an eagle on the par-five 17th. However, Elvira faltered on the final hole, hitting into a bunker on his layup and making a double bogey to finish in a four-way tie for second alongside Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, and PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai. All four closed with solid rounds, but could not match Spaun’s late surge.

Elvira acknowledged his costly mistake on the 18th. “Devastating that I hit the wrong shot at the right time on the layup and left myself the toughest shot in the fairway bunker,” he said.

McIlroy, seeking his eighth European Tour season title to tie Colin Montgomerie’s record, ended as runner-up with a 68. Despite missing an eight-foot birdie putt on the final hole that would have helped force a playoff, McIlroy expressed cautious optimism about his form. “I had my chances out there,” he said. “Wish I had some of those putts back, but I have to be encouraged with where my game is at.”

Spaun’s success came despite not originally planning to compete at the BMW PGA Championship due to scheduling conflicts ahead of the Presidents Cup next week near Chicago. The U.S. team’s final two captain’s picks went to Jacob Bridgeman and Jackson Koivun, younger players who have enjoyed rising success this season. Bridgeman, who won earlier this year at Riviera, went on to claim another victory Sunday at the Biltmore Championship Asheville with a closing 61.

Reflecting on his recent rise, Spaun credited his development and global ambitions for his breakthrough. “I blossomed into this player I never thought I could be,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be a global player. I’m really happy my schedule worked out the way it did.”

The BMW PGA Championship victory underscores Spaun’s return to form and establishes him as a growing force on the international golf stage.