JJ Spaun made history at the 2025 US Open by winning his first Major title while using an unconventional mixed bag of golf clubs. Unlike many professional golfers who rely on a single brand, Spaun combined equipment from various manufacturers, which contributed to his success amid challenging weather conditions at Oakmont.
Spaun’s choice to mix clubs from L.A.B, Srixon, Titleist, TaylorMade, and Cleveland proved effective, especially as he finished as the only player to complete the rain-affected tournament with an under-par total score. His unique approach has sparked discussions among fans and players, with many suggesting that top golfers like Rory McIlroy might benefit from a similar strategy.
The Variety in JJ Spaun’s Equipment Setup
JJ Spaun’s mixed club configuration included a Titleist GT3 driver set at 9 degrees, TaylorMade Qi10 for both his 3-wood (15 degrees) and 5-wood (18 degrees), and irons from Srixon—ZXi5 for his 4-iron and ZXi7 for his 5-iron through pitching wedge. Spaun’s wedges were Cleveland RTX ZipCore models at 50, 54, and 60 degrees, paired with a L.A.B. Golf DF3 putter. His grips were Golf Pride Tour Velvet, and he played with a Srixon Z-Star Diamond ball.
Fans responded positively when NUCLR Golf highlighted Spaun’s mixed bag setup after the US Open. Many noted that this approach could serve as a lesson for Rory McIlroy, who has recently struggled to find the right equipment combination.
“Smart man playing what works for him and not what the manufacturers force you to try and demo…You end up in the endless cycle like Rory testing new clubs every week,” one fan said.
—Fan
“A lot of guys would probably be better off if they didn’t take the bag and become restricted to playing only one brand throughout the bag. Smart move,” another wrote.
—Fan
“Good for him. Using what works for him instead of using what his sponsors told him to use,” one fan commented.
—Fan
Despite the praise for Spaun’s flexible club choices, some supporters also recognized the challenges professional golfers face with sponsorship agreements, which often limit options.
“Should be more normal, but sponsorships exist, so we get Tiger playing Nike drivers when he should have been playing Titleist.”
—Fan
One fan predicted that Spaun’s freedom to mix clubs might be short-lived due to sponsorship pressures.
“Not for long. Major club deal incoming,” one fan claimed.
—Fan
Spaun’s Performance Journey at the 2025 US Open
Spaun’s US Open effort was marked by resilience and adaptability, starting strong with an opening round 66 on June 12 at Oakmont, an initial 4-under-par performance highlighted by four birdies without any bogeys. The second round was more challenging as he scored 2-over 72, including four birdies offset by six bogeys.
Rebounding in the third round, Spaun fired a 1-under 69 with three birdies and two bogeys, setting the stage for a dramatic final round on June 15. Despite a rough beginning with five bogeys in the first six holes, he mounted an impressive comeback by sinking four birdies later in the round. His final round 72 (+2) secured a total score of 1-under par, earning him the championship and ending a three-year trophy drought.
What Spaun’s Victory Means for the Golf World
JJ Spaun’s triumph at the US Open highlights how adaptability and personalized equipment choices can impact performance at the highest level. His success challenges the conventional wisdom of sticking with one brand for every club and showcases the benefits of focusing on what suits individual playing styles.
For Rory McIlroy and other top players struggling to find their optimal setup, Spaun’s mixed bag victory serves as a reminder that flexibility may lead to breakthroughs. While sponsorship constraints remain a factor, greater openness to combining clubs from different manufacturers could influence future equipment decisions across professional golf.