Image Credit: GolfWRX
Fans were puzzled when J.J. Spaun, the 2025 U.S. Open champion, didn’t play in either foursomes session during the Ryder Cup. Now, Spaun has shared why, revealing that it wasn’t about his form or his equipment, but experience.
Veteran Strategy Behind the Bench
Speaking on Trey Wingo’s Straight Facts Homie! podcast, Spaun said U.S. captain Keegan Bradley made the decision to open with a “veteran-heavy lineup” for the Friday foursomes. Despite finishing second in Ryder Cup points and earning an automatic spot, Spaun was making his first appearance in the event.
“Maybe I was a little surprised,” Spaun admitted. “But Keegan was adamant about sending out guys who’ve been in that arena before and had success.”
There had been speculation that Spaun’s benching was due to his equipment, he was the only American using a Srixon ball, but he shut that down quickly. “It had nothing to do with equipment,” Spaun said. “He wanted experienced players out there first, and I’d get my start in fourball, which is an easier format to get comfortable in.”
Solid Play, Tough Result
Spaun performed well when he finally teed it up, winning in his fourball match on Saturday. However, the U.S. team struggled overall, losing 3–1 in both foursomes sessions. Many fans wondered why Bradley didn’t adjust the pairings after the early defeats.
“I don’t know what the thought process was for Saturday,” Spaun said. “Keegan probably didn’t want to overreact and start changing everything. He stuck with the plan and hoped it would turn around.”
Giving Credit to Team Europe
Despite the U.S. loss, Spaun was quick to praise the opposition. “Honestly, the European team was just playing unbelievable,” he said. “They were putting amazing and shooting 8 under in alternate shot, that’s so hard to beat.”
At 35, Spaun’s first Ryder Cup appearance offered a mix of learning and leadership. Though benched early, he handled it with class, and his comments reveal the tactical challenges behind one of golf’s most pressure-filled events.
