JJ Spaun secured a two-shot victory at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, finishing ahead of Rory McIlroy, who tied for second alongside Aaron Rai, Adam Scott and Manuel Elvira. The American's final round of 67 sealed the title, but his post-tournament comments about English culture and his omission from the Presidents Cup team have generated significant discussion.
Spaun's Affection for English Culture
Before his victory, Spaun expressed his fondness for England, citing the atmosphere and the local culture. "We love coming here, as far as being in the atmosphere, the English culture, we love it," he said at the midway point of the tournament. After clinching the title, he expanded on his family's appreciation for the TV programme 'Clarkson's Farm'.
"I think we really enjoyed it because we went to the Cotswolds before watching his show, and it gravitated to how we understood the culture there, the community, and then obviously looking like an idiot trying to farm. It's a good laugh. We enjoy the show and we love the Cotswolds," the 36-year-old added.
McIlroy's Surprise at Spaun's Omission
Rory McIlroy, who was impressed by Spaun's performance over the weekend, expressed surprise upon learning that Spaun was not part of the United States team for the upcoming Presidents Cup. "He's been playing great for the last couple of years. I think it's great of him to come over here [to the UK] and play," the world No.2 said. "He made the Presidents Cup, didn't he? He didn't? Oh, geez."
McIlroy added, "I was going to say, that's a good way to go into the Presidents Cup. Sorry. But it's great that he's over here, and he's obviously had a great week." Spaun, meanwhile, will not be involved in the Presidents Cup but has plenty of play ahead, as does McIlroy, who is aiming to chase down Patrick Reed for top spot in the Race to Dubai.
