J.J. Spaun left the entire world in awe when he won the 2025 U.S. Open. But what impressed the fans even more was the 64-ft six-inch birdie on the 72nd hole.

As expected, the United States Golf Association asked him for a club to feature in the museum. 

During the pre-tournament press conference at the Genesis Invitational, Spaun revealed that the USGA asked him for his L.A.B. DF3 putter. But did he really part with his major-winning tool? Not really!

The two-time PGA Tour winner told the association, “Unfortunately, I can't. That thing is not ready to be retired, especially after that putt.” 

The putter now carries more importance for the U.S. Open champion. A picture-perfect moment arrived last year when he tossed the putter aside during his celebration, following the impressive putt. Luckily, Mark Carens, his caddie, recovered the club. 

Golfers often develop strong attachments to their clubs, especially during such milestone wins. Putters, in particular, carry outsized psychological importance because they deliver the final stroke that defines a championship.

But J.J. Spaun had to give something of significance to the USGA museum. 

What Did J.J. Spaun Part With?

If not the custom flat-stick, the USGA asked Spaun for the next most significant club. And it was his Titleist GT3 driver. It was the club that he used to set up the iconic two-putt birdie that gave him a one-shot lead ahead of the final hole. 

“The second probably most valuable club, I think, was my driver, and I actually had switched to a more new head, meaning, like, it was probably getting close to its limit,” Spaun revealed. “It ended up being kind of too unusable anyway. So, I donated that. And I think they were pretty happy.” 

Spaun’s decision highlights a common tension. Institutions want artifacts for history, while players want to keep tools that still perform. In this case, the compromise allowed both sides to walk away satisfied.

The USGA received a key club, and Spaun kept the one he believes still has more wins in it.

Read more at Daily Club Golf!

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu