J.J. Spaun Wins BMW PGA Championship After Missing Presidents Cup Selection
Sports Crrespondent: Imran Sohail
J.J. Spaun claimed the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Sunday, securing his second victory of the 2026 season after narrowly missing out on selection for the U.S. Presidents Cup team.
Making his debut at the European Tour’s flagship event, Spaun closed with a 5-under 67. He produced four birdies over the final five holes to finish two shots ahead of the field.
The victory adds to an impressive year for the 36-year-old American, who also won the Texas Open in April. Spaun captured his first major title at the U.S. Open last year at Oakmont.
Spaun said he used his disappointment over not being selected as a Presidents Cup captain’s pick as motivation during the tournament.
“I played with a huge chip on my shoulder,” Spaun said. “I definitely had something to prove this week, but everything happens for a reason.”
Elvira Misses Chance on Final Hole
Spain’s Manuel Elvira was tied with Spaun for the lead heading into the final hole after making an eagle on the par-5 17th.
Elvira needed a birdie on the 18th to take the title, but his approach strategy on the closing hole led to a difficult sequence.
He hit his second shot into a bunker after laying up from the fairway. His next attempt went over the green, and a subsequent chip also ended up in a bunker. Elvira eventually finished the hole with a double bogey and carded a final-round 70.
Elvira finished in a four-way tie for second place alongside Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Aaron Rai.
McIlroy and Scott both recorded rounds of 68, while Rai posted a 66.
Strong Finish Secures Victory
Spaun made his decisive move during the closing stretch at Wentworth.
He began the run with a tee shot that left him just three feet from the hole on the par-3 14th. He then converted birdie putts of around 15 feet on the 15th and 16th holes before making another birdie on the 18th.
His final-round 67 gave him a 17-under total of 271 for the tournament.
Spaun has previously spoken about enjoying trips to London with his family. He had not originally planned to play at Wentworth this year because of the travel schedule associated with the Presidents Cup.
