JJ Spaun dedicates BMW PGA Championship win to Jeremy Clarkson
American golfer JJ Spaun dedicated his victory at the BMW PGA Championship to Jeremy Clarkson, despite never having met the former Top Gear host in person, reports BritPanorama.
Finishing five-under-par in his last round, Spaun secured a two-shot lead over Rory McIlroy, Aaron Rai, Adam Scott, and Manuel Elvira, who all tied for second place. The win comes with a £1.14 million top prize.
Following his triumph, Spaun celebrated the moment with his wife, Melody, who was photographed holding a cut-out of Clarkson’s face. They both expressed their admiration for Clarkson, particularly for his show Clarkson’s Farm.
Spaun revealed, “We’ve grown fond of him, along with the English culture; we actually take holidays in December in the Cotswolds, and we really enjoy his show.” His wife noted their hopes to meet Clarkson in person when visiting his pub, The Farmer’s Dog.
Although Clarkson could not attend the event, Spaun stated, “Jeremy was there in spirit, and I think he brought me good fortune,” reflecting on the cut-out as their good luck charm during the tournament.
This victory marks Spaun as just the third American golfer to win the BMW PGA Championship, following the footsteps of Arnold Palmer and Billy Horschel. Reflecting on his omission from the Presidents Cup team, he emphasised a desire to prove himself, stating, “Being left off the Presidents Cup team a couple of weeks ago was very disappointing, and I wanted to prove that I deserved to be on that team.”
In the realm of sport, such anecdotes remind us that inspiration can often come from the unlikeliest of places—whether amidst the chatter of a golf tournament or the laughter echoing from a TV screen. Ultimately, it’s not just a victory, but how the game and its culture weave through our lives, infusing even ordinary moments with extra significance.
