J.J. Spaun is a golfer who gained public attention after his performance at the Players Championship. The 35-year-old golfer came to the tournament clearly motivated to make history and record his second victory on the PGA Tour, with the opportunity to do so right now, playing in the playoffs.
The American golfer played a great tournament, but the fact that he is facing Rory McIlroy in the playoff does not give optimism to many that Spaun can excel.
Spaun is aware that he does not have the role of favorite in this duel, but precisely such a lack of pressure could provide this 34-year-old golfer an easy path to victory.
Rory McIlroy, on the other hand, feels enormous pressure, knowing that having the role of favorite is not easy.
"Everyone expects him to win. I don't think a lot of people expect me to win," Spaun said, as quoted by Bellingham Herald.
"I expect myself to win. That's all I care about."
Great comeback
The American golfer was three shots down, but managed to get back into the match, securing himself another chance to win today. Spaun said he wanted to fight back, knowing he had nothing to lose. Chasing someone is much easier than being chased by someone, Spaun admits.
"I just tried to fight back," he said. "I had nothing to lose." "When I'm hunting, it's easier to let it go. Whereas, starting the round ... I was a little scared and stuff."
The famous golfer is lucky to be in such a situation, with so much attention focused on him. It's rare for him to have the chance to be in a situation like this, and the question is how he will handle this kind of pressure.
It won't be easy for him, there's no doubt about it.
"I like being in the spotlight now," Spaun said.
"I proved it to myself coming down the stretch ... that (Monday) it could go my way. Maybe I am the one everyone thinks should win."
