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Golfer JJ Spaun is an American national with Filipino and Mexican roots. Spaun was born in Los Angeles, California, and took up golf at a young age, encouraged by his mother, who played golf while pregnant with him. He went on to join the San Diego State Aztecs golf team and later became a PGA Tour regular, achieving notable successes such as breaking the record in PGA Tour Canada single-season earnings in 2015 and winning the 2025 U.S. Open.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Michael Spaun Jr |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Filipino and Mexican |
| Date of Birth | 21 August 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California |
| Parents | John Spaun and Dollie Spaun |
| Education | San Dimas High School, San Diego State University |
| Profession | Golfer |
| Notable Achievements | Winner of the 2022 Valero Texas Open, 2025 U.S. Open, and News Sentinel Open in 2016 |
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What You'll Learn
J.J. Spaun is an American national
After graduating high school in 2008, Spaun enrolled at San Diego State University (SDSU) and played as a collegiate golfer for the San Diego State Aztecs. During his freshman season in 2008-2009, he had four top-10 finishes and a 72.59 stroke average. In April 2010, he won his first individual collegiate title at the Thunderbird Invitational.
Spaun turned professional and joined the PGA Tour in the 2016-2017 season. In 2015, he broke the record for single-season earnings on the PGA Tour Canada and finished as the PGA Tour Canada Order of Merit winner, earning him a place on the Web.com Tour for 2016. In August 2016, he won his first event on the Web.com Tour, securing his promotion to the PGA Tour the following year. Spaun has since established himself as a PGA Tour regular, achieving notable successes such as winning the 2022 Valero Texas Open and finishing second at the 2025 Players Championship.
In addition to his golfing career, Spaun is known for his passion for baseball and is a supporter of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also has an interest in cars, particularly BMWs, and has owned several throughout his life.
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His mother is Filipino
The golfer JJ (John Michael) Spohn was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1990, making him an American national. However, Spohn's mother, Dollie, is Filipino, and he also has Mexican ancestry through her. Dollie Spohn was a passionate golfer, playing throughout her pregnancy with JJ, and receiving a doctor's permission to do so. She gave her son a set of plastic golf clubs when he was three, and he practised by hitting balls into a net in the family garage.
Spohn's mother's Filipino heritage makes him a person of diverse background. He is a PGA Tour regular, and his career highlights include winning the 2022 Valero Texas Open, which gave him his first chance to compete in the Masters at the Augusta Nationals. He also won the 2025 US Open, making a 64-foot putt for birdie on the final hole.
Spohn's Filipino roots have been noted by various sources, including Golf Monthly, which referenced his diverse roots ahead of a potential second PGA Tour victory. While his mother's heritage is Filipino, his father, John, is of Mexican ancestry. Spohn's parents have both been credited with influencing his love for golf. His father was also a golfer, and Spohn would watch him play from his stroller as a toddler.
Spohn's mother, Dollie, has been open about her Filipino heritage and its influence on her son's golf career. She shared her story with Golfweek, recalling how people predicted her son would become a golfer when he was still a child. Dollie's dedication to the sport, even during her pregnancy, is a testament to the role she played in fostering Spohn's talent and success in the golfing world.
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He also has Mexican ancestry
The golfer JJ Spaun is of mixed ethnicity. While he is an American national, Spaun also has Mexican ancestry and is a descendant of the Philippines through his mother's side. Spaun's mother, Dollie, was an avid golfer who played throughout her pregnancy with him. She received a doctor's permission to continue playing golf while carrying him until she was eight months pregnant. Spaun's father, John Spaun, was also supportive of his son's golf career. As a toddler, Spaun would watch his father hit range balls, and his father set up a net at home so that Spaun could practice.
Spaun took up golf at a young age, and his talent was evident from the start. He received a plastic set of golf clubs when he was just three years old and practised by hitting balls into a net in his family's garage. He did not receive formal lessons while growing up but was a self-taught golfer. Spaun's dedication and natural ability paid off, and he went on to attend San Dimas High School, where he excelled on the golf team. He was a CIF Southern Section finalist in 2007 and 2008. After graduating, Spaun enrolled at San Diego State University, where he continued to pursue his passion for golf.
Spaun's Mexican and Filipino ancestry adds to his diverse background and cultural heritage. While his nationality is American, his ethnic roots are a blend of different influences, reflecting the rich diversity of his family's history. Spaun's ancestry has undoubtedly shaped his identity and contributed to the person he is today. It is not just his golfing skills that define Spaun, but also his unique background and the support he received from his family, which has played a crucial role in his success.
Spaun's mother, Dollie, has been credited as a significant influence on her son's love for golf. Her own passion for the sport, which she continued during her pregnancy with Spaun, likely sparked his interest in the game. Dollie's dedication to golf, coupled with the support and encouragement from his father, John, created an environment that fostered Spaun's talent and drove him to pursue excellence in the sport. Spaun's mixed ethnicity and cultural background have undoubtedly enriched his life experiences and contributed to his success as a professional golfer.
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He was born in Los Angeles, California
John Michael Spaun Jr, better known as JJ Spaun, is an American national. He was born in Los Angeles, California, on 21 August 1990, to John Spaun and Dollie Spaun. Spaun's mother, Dollie, was an avid golfer who played throughout her pregnancy with him. She received a doctor's permission to continue playing golf while carrying him until she was eight months pregnant. Spaun's father, John, was also supportive of his son's golf career. As a toddler, Spaun would watch his father hit range balls, and his father set up a net at home so that Spaun could practice.
Growing up in California, Spaun took up golf at a young age, thanks to his parents' influence. He received a plastic set of golf clubs when he was three years old and practised by hitting balls into a net in his garage. He also had a passion for skateboarding but eventually focused on golf. Spaun attended San Dimas High School in California, where he played for the golf team and was a CIF Southern Section finalist in 2007 and 2008. After graduating in 2008, he enrolled at San Diego State University (SDSU) and joined the San Diego State Aztecs collegiate golf team.
During his freshman season in 2008-2009, Spaun had four top-10 finishes and a 72.59 stroke average. In April 2010, he won his first individual collegiate title at the Thunderbird Invitational. After a successful collegiate career, Spaun turned professional and joined the PGA Tour. He first played on the PGA Tour in the 2016-2017 season after winning a Korn Ferry Tour event in 2016. In 2015, he broke the record for single-season earnings on the PGA Tour Canada. He also achieved six consecutive top-10 finishes on the same tour.
Spaun's notable achievements on the PGA Tour include winning the Valero Texas Open in 2022, which qualified him for his first Masters at the Augusta Nationals. He also finished second at the 2025 Players Championship, losing to Rory McIlroy in a playoff. Additionally, Spaun won the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club, making him a major championship winner. His victory at the US Open included a remarkable 64-foot putt on the final hole, securing his win by two strokes. Spaun's success and diverse background, including his Filipino and Mexican ancestry, have made him a well-known figure in the world of golf.
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Spaun is a self-taught golfer
J.J. Spaun is an American golfer who is known for being self-taught. Spaun's mother was an avid golfer and inspired him to take up the sport at a young age. At just three years old, Spaun received a plastic set of golf clubs and began practising by hitting balls into a net his father had set up in their garage. Despite not receiving any formal lessons, Spaun's passion and dedication to the sport drove him to succeed.
Growing up, Spaun attended San Dimas High School, where he continued to pursue his love for golf. He played for the golf team and excelled, becoming a CIF Southern Section finalist in 2007 and 2008. After graduating, Spaun chose to further his education and golfing career by enrolling at San Diego State University (SDSU). He joined the collegiate golf team, the San Diego State Aztecs, and quickly made a name for himself. During his freshman season in 2008–09, Spaun achieved four top-10 finishes and maintained an impressive 72.59 stroke average.
In April 2010, Spaun's hard work paid off as he won his first individual collegiate title at the Thunderbird Invitational. This marked the beginning of a successful golfing career. Spaun went on to win several more tournaments, including the Valero Texas Open in 2022, which qualified him for the Masters at the Augusta Nationals. Spaun's talent and perseverance have earned him a notable reputation in the golfing world, and he continues to be a strong contender in various tournaments.
One of Spaun's most remarkable achievements was his performance at the 2025 U.S. Open held at Oakmont Country Club. He started strong, taking the first-round lead with a bogey-free 66. Despite facing challenges along the way, Spaun demonstrated resilience and strategic skill. After a weather delay, he regrouped and made birdies on several holes, ultimately securing a one-shot lead heading into the final hole. With a remarkable 64-foot putt, Spaun finished the tournament as the only golfer under par, claiming his first major championship victory.
Throughout his career, Spaun has proven that formal training is not the only path to success. His self-taught approach, combined with dedication and a strong work ethic, has led him to become a top-ranked golfer. Spaun's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring golfers, demonstrating that passion and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
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Frequently asked questions
JJ Spaun is an American national.
JJ Spaun was born in Los Angeles, California, United States.
JJ Spaun has Filipino roots on his mother's side and Mexican ancestry on his father's side.
JJ Spaun first played on the PGA Tour in the 2016-17 season after winning a Korn Ferry Tour event in 2016.
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