JJ Spaun credits his wife Melody for carrying the weight off-course as he claims his first major at Oakmont

JJ Spaun’s path to his first major title was paved with long days on the course—and longer nights off it for his wife. The 34-year-old golfer sealed a sensational US Open victory at Oakmont Country Club on Sunday, sinking a monster 64-foot putt on the 18th to finish two strokes clear of Robert MacIntyre and pocket a £ 3.1 million ($4.3m) winner’s cheque.

But even amid the roars and camera flashes, Spaun was quick to credit the woman behind his success: his wife, Melody.

“She didn’t hit a shot,” Spaun said, “but she’s drained just being the backbone of our family.” The pair embraced on the green, flanked by their daughters Emerson and Violet, after what many viewed as an improbable triumph for a player once on the verge of quitting the sport.

Earlier that same day, Spaun was making a pharmacy run for his youngest daughter—a telling reminder of the juggling act his family performs behind the scenes. “My wife had to deal with all of the stress of getting the girls there, making sure they looked cute for TV, and being presentable,” he said. “It was a lot.”

Spaun and Melody met in 2013, marrying six years later in July 2019. When they first got together, she had no idea what life with a professional golfer would demand. “She didn’t know what she was getting into,” Spaun admitted. “It’s not like she was a competitive golfer herself. There’s no playbook for what she’s done.”

From managing their household to raising two children during Spaun’s frequent travel stints, Melody has often shouldered a quiet but crucial burden. “At times I’m gone for a month,” Spaun said. “She’s basically single parenting while I’m out trying to make a living. There’s tons of sacrifice.”

And yet, that sacrifice, he added, is what makes moments like this feel so powerful. “It’s all paid off,” he smiled. “This is why we do it.”

Melody herself spoke with the PGA Tour shortly after Spaun’s winning putt dropped. Her voice cracking with pride, she reflected on the hard-fought road to this major title. “It’s been a long journey,” she said. “He’s worked so hard, and we’ve all been part of that grind. I’m just so proud of him.”

Spaun, who had never previously won a major, had considered walking away from professional golf after injuries and poor form threatened to derail his career. Instead, he regrouped and slowly rebuilt his game. His calm under pressure during a nerve-shredding final round at Oakmont proved his mental toughness had caught up to his raw talent.

He now turns his attention to the Travelers Championship but does so with a new aura—and a reinforced appreciation for the team behind him.

While most of the spotlight remains on his £3.1million windfall and breakthrough win, Spaun knows the real prize is what he took with him off the course.

“There’s no trophy big enough to hold what Melody’s done for me,” he said. “She’s been there every step—through the missed cuts, the lonely nights, the what-ifs. This is our win.”