There isn’t a more stunning “Where did this come from?” story among the 12 U.S. Ryder Cup players who’ll compete against Europe this week at Bethpage Black than J.J. Spaun’s.

Before 2025, Spaun’s goals in golf were rather raw and simple: He was in a yearly battle to merely keep his PGA Tour card to retain his playing status on the tour. Keep his job.

Winning a major championship? 

Being a member of a Ryder Cup team?