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# J.J. Spaun on the ‘Brutal Honesty’ of Golf, His Wild career Trajectory & why He Almost Quit
J.J. Spaun’s career has been…a ride. From Monday qualifying to PGA Tour wins,near misses and moments of serious doubt,he’s seen it all. This week on Subpar, he sits down with colt Knost and Shane Bacon to unpack it all with a refreshing level of honesty.
You can listen to the full episode of Subpar with J.J. Spaun [here](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Ib97cEkWxce1QO6Sir1Fd) or by watching the [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyO3x8fwWUE) video below.
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## J.J.Spaun’s Monday Qualifying Grind
Spaun’s path to the PGA Tour wasn’t paved with junior golf stardom or collegiate dominance. It was built on a foundation of relentless Monday qualifying. He detailed the sheer pressure and mental fortitude required to consistently perform under those conditions.
“It’s brutal honesty with yourself,” Spaun explained. “You’re playing for yoru livelihood, and you’re doing it against guys who are just as hungry, just as talented. You have to be willing to accept that you might not get in, and then go back to the drawing board.”
He spoke candidly about the financial strain and emotional toll of constantly chasing a Tour card. It’s a reality many aspiring pros face, but few discuss with such vulnerability. He emphasized the importance of having a strong support system during those challenging times.
## The Ups and Downs of PGA Tour Life
Once he finally earned his PGA Tour card, Spaun experienced the highs and lows that come with competing at the highest level. He recounted his win at the 2022 Sony Open in Hawaii, describing the surreal feeling of finally breaking through.
“It was just…relief,” Spaun saeid. “Years of grinding, years of believing in myself, and it finally paid off. It was a dream come true.”
However, he also opened up about the struggles he faced after his win, including dealing with increased expectations and the pressure to perform. He admitted there were times he seriously considered walking away from the game.
“I almost quit,” Spaun confessed.”I was just so mentally exhausted. I needed to rediscover my love for the game.”
## The Mental Game & Finding Perspective
A significant portion of the conversation revolved around the mental side of golf. Spaun shared his strategies for managing pressure, overcoming adversity, and maintaining a positive mindset. He highlighted the importance of self-awareness and understanding your own triggers.”You have to be your own best friend out there,” Spaun said. “golf is going to test you, it’s going to push you to your limits. You need to be able to talk to yourself in a way that’s encouraging and supportive.”
He also discussed the importance of finding perspective and remembering why you started playing golf in the first place. He emphasized the need to separate your identity from your performance.
## What’s Next for J.J. Spaun?
Spaun is currently navigating the complexities of the PGA Tour and striving to regain his form. He’s focused on refining his game, strengthening his mental approach, and enjoying the journey.
“I’m still learning, still growing,” Spaun said. “I’m excited about what the future holds.”
He left listeners with a message of hope and encouragement, reminding