J.J. Spaun’s improbable U.S. Open victory at Oakmont showcased a career built on resilience. His 64-foot putt on the 18th green sealed a storybook ending for the San Diego State alum, who overcame early career setbacks and health challenges.
San Diego State’s golf program, led by coach Ryan Donovan, thrives on recruiting overlooked talents with grit rather than pedigree. Players like Spaun, Xander Schauffele, and Justin Hastings embody Donovan’s philosophy of developing underdogs into world-class competitors through relentless work and perseverance.
Donovan, once an unheralded golfer himself, saw potential in Spaun’s unpolished game and fierce determination. With little initial support, Spaun climbed from obscurity to global prominence, now ranked 25th with nearly $23 million in career earnings.
This culture of grit continues with rising stars like Hastings. The formula remains clear: overlooked golfers, guided by Donovan’s mentorship, consistently defy expectations. As Donovan puts it, “You don’t always need to change. The fight, the edge — that’s what works.”
