{
  "id": 8280018,
  "title": "2026 BMW PGA Championship: J.J. Spaun motivated after being U.S. Presidents Cup's 'odd man out'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/2026-bmw-pga-championship-j-j-spaun-motivated-after-being-u-s",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T17:58:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2026-bmw-pga-championship-j-153313925.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "2026 BMW PGA Championship: J.J. Spaun determined to win after being snubbed from the U.S. Presidents Cup\n\nJ.J. Spaun, who won the 2025 U.S. Open, is among the top contenders vying for the BMW PGA Championship lead at Wentworth this weekend. Fans were surprised to see Spaun in the field, as he had withdrawn from the Tour Championship with a shoulder injury three weeks ago and had no previous experience at this tournament. After a strong 6-under 66 in his Friday round, Spaun explained to reporters that he didn't expect to be left off captain Brandt Snedeker’s U.S. Presidents Cup roster despite his injury. He expressed disappointment at not being selected, stating, \"I wasn't really — I wasn't expecting it to be honest.\"\n\nSpaun mentioned that he had been circling Wentworth if he didn't get a shot at the 2026 Presidents Cup and that he set his goal to win the tournament as his debut in the event. Currently two shots off the lead at 10 under after 36 holes, Spaun is focused on playing his best golf and executing his plan. Ryan Gerard, another player left off the Presidents Cup team, took advantage of his opportunity by winning the BMW PGA Championship solo lead with an eagle at the 17th hole.",
  "summary": "J.J. Spaun said he wasn't expecting to be left off the U.S. Presidents Cup team at Medinah. It proved to be good motivation during his second round at the BMW PGA Championship, where he shot a 6-under 66.",
  "key_points": [
    "J.J. Spaun motivated to win after being snubbed from U.S. Presidents Cup",
    "Won 2025 U.S. Open, top contender at BMW PGA Championship",
    "Aimed for tournament debut after missing Presidents Cup roster"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}