There are some things in life you just don’t let go of. That perfect vintage concert tee you somehow still fit into, the handwritten recipe from your grandmother, or, if you’re a golfer, that one club that delivered the shot of a lifetime. This week, we got a peek into the hearts (and equipment bags) of two major champions, J.J. Spaun and Rory McIlroy, reminding us that even at the highest echelons of the game, sentimentality and personal connection reign supreme.
As lifestyle editor for The Daily Duffer, I’m always fascinated by the human element in golf – what makes players tick, what motivates them, and how their interactions with the game reflect universal truths. This recent revelation from Spaun, the reigning U.S. Open champion, beautifully illustrates that profound bond between a golfer and their tools.
The Putter That Changed Everything
Imagine winning your sport’s most prestigious event with a single, dramatic stroke. Now imagine being asked to hand over the very instrument that made it happen. That’s exactly the scenario J.J. Spaun faced when the USGA, keepers of golf’s historical flame, came calling for a memento from his 2025 U.S. Open triumph.
“I said, ‘Unfortunately, I can’t,’” Spaun said. “That thing is not ready to be retired, especially after that putt.”
And really, can you blame him? That specific L.A.B. Golf DF3 putter isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s a conduit for a memory, a testament to skill, and perhaps, a lucky charm for future glory. It holed a dizzying 64-foot putt at Oakmont to secure his first major title. That’s the kind of shot that gets replayed in highlight reels for decades, etched into golf history. To Spaun, that putter clearly holds an almost sacred status, and frankly, I respect it.
This isn’t about hoarding; it’s about connection. We all have those items that resonate deeply, that mark pivotal moments. For golfers, whether it’s a driver that tamed a particularly intimidating par-5 or a wedge that saved a crucial par, these clubs become extensions of our personal journey on the course.
“Viktor [Hovland], we kind of got a good line, a good read on the speed,” Spaun said after his win at Oakmont, when he drained the birdie try to secure his first major title. “I was more focused on how hard he was hitting it. I kind of knew the line already, but it looked like he gave it a pretty good whack because it started raining there for the last 10, 15 minutes. I just tried to pick my line and put a good stroke on it. I knew it was going to be a little slow. About 8 feet out, I kind of went up to the high side to see if it had a chance of going in, and it was like going right in. I was just in shock, disbelief that it went in and it was over. Yeah, here we are.”
His vivid recollection of “that putt” speaks volumes. It’s not merely a physical object; it’s steeped in emotion, strategy, and pure, exhilarating triumph. It’s a reminder for all of us that the most treasured items in our lives are often those attached to unforgettable experiences.
The Art of the Donation (and a Little Compromise)
While Spaun held firm on his putter, he did offer up an alternative: his driver from the victory. It wasn’t quite as sentimentally charged, and conveniently, it was nearing the end of its playable life. Talk about a win-win!
“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 said Wednesday. “It ended up being kind of unusable anyway, so I donated that, and I think they were pretty happy.”
This shows a delightful balance between preserving personal history and contributing to the game’s heritage. It’s a lesson in thoughtful compromise, which is something we all face in various aspects of our lives, golf and otherwise.
Then there’s Rory McIlroy, who shared his own story of a memorable club donation. His 7-iron from his 2025 Masters victory – which set up an easy two-putt birdie on the par-5 15th – was given to the club by his manager without his direct knowledge. While perhaps slightly less dramatic than Spaun’s firm refusal, Rory’s casual acceptance of the situation suggests a different, yet equally valid, relationship with his equipment.
”I didn’t realize this, but I flew back the day after on the Monday and I basically didn’t see my golf clubs since like post the playoff, and I saw that my 7-iron was missing,” McIlroy said last week at Pebble Beach. “I was like, that’s a pretty important club. Sean [O’Flaherty, my business manager] had already given it to the club, he just didn’t tell me. That’s fine, I’ll get a new 7-iron. If there was one I was going to give the club, it was probably going to be that one.”
What This Means for Your Golf Lifestyle
So, what can we, the everyday golfers, take away from these champions’ tales?
1. Cherish Your Memories: Golf is a game of moments. Whether it’s your first birdie, a chip-in from 50 yards, or a personal best round, the clubs that helped you achieve those feats hold a special significance. Don’t be afraid to connect emotionally with your equipment. It’s part of the rich tapestry of the game.
2. Find Your “Soulmate” Club: Just like Spaun’s putter, you might find that one club that just *feels* right, that consistently delivers when you need it most. Give it a name, talk to it, believe in it. That mental connection can be surprisingly powerful on the course.
3. The Power of a “Go-To”: While professional golfers have an endless supply of clubs, most of us don’t. Identify your most reliable club – the one you trust in a tight spot. Practice with it, build confidence with it, and let it be your secret weapon.
4. It’s Not Just About the Brand: Both Spaun’s L.A.B. Golf putter and McIlroy’s 7-iron are top-tier equipment, but their true value lies in the shots they produced. Focus on how a club *feels* and performs for *you*, not just its label or what the pros are using. The best club is the one that makes you feel confident and capable.
5. Storytelling is Key: These anecdotes aren’t just about golf; they’re about the stories we create. Every round, every shot, is a micro-narrative. Embrace the human side of your game – the frustrations, the triumphs, the camaraderie. These are the things that make golf a lifelong passion, far beyond the score on the card.
J.J. Spaun’s stand for his beloved putter is a delightful reminder that golf, at its core, is deeply personal. It’s about connection, emotion, and the indelible marks left on us (and our equipment) by unforgettable moments. So next time you’re on the course, take a moment to appreciate the trusty clubs in your bag – they’re more than just tools; they’re keepers of your golf story.
