J.J. Spaun's Valero Texas Open Win Could Propel His 2026 Season

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Smylie Kaufman Show

JJ Spaun's Recent Victory and Its Significance

On a recent episode of The Smylie Kaufman Show, the host praised golfer JJ Spaun for his much-needed victory in San Antonio. Spaun, who had struggled at the start of the season with eight starts, four missed cuts, and no top 20s, finally secured a win. The victory was particularly timely as it rolled into Masters week, marking a significant turnaround for Spaun.

The host recounted details from the tournament, noting Spaun's performance under pressure and his ability to get back into the mindset that earned him a previous win at the US Open at Oakmont. Remarkable shots at the 17th hole were highlighted as key moments in his path to victory.

The discussion also touched on Spaun's rough start to the season, including dealing with unexpected issues like vertigo during the Phoenix event. However, improvements were seen at the Players Championship, particularly in his ball striking, which he and his team adjusted by focusing on his positioning and rotation. This adjustment seemed to pay off, as evidenced by his performance under challenging conditions and tricky pin placements in San Antonio.

Additionally, the host shared a personal anecdote about Spaun's decision-making in previous seasons, specifically his choice not to play in San Antonio two years ago, a decision Spaun later questioned. This year's victory in San Antonio confirmed the value of returning to play at a course where he feels confident.

The episode also included shout-outs to Tony and Mike at Strixton and Sean at Trayburn for their role in creating a custom set of clubs for Spaun, helping him achieve the 218-yard carry that proved so effective at the tournament.