Pacific Palisades, Calif. — JJ Spaun’s LAB DF3 putter, which he used to sink the 64-foot birdie putt he used to win the U.S. Open at Oakmont last June, belongs in a museum.
Just not yet.
Speaking Wednesday at Riviera in his hometown of Los Angeles, Spahn said he still has a lot of work to do on the Zero Torque Wand, which he celebrated by tossing it into the air on the 72nd green. Thankfully, his caddy Mark Carens picked it up and he can be seen holding it with the same hand pointing to the sky as he hugged his boss. Cullens later explained that he pointed to the sky in memory of his late father, Ed, who “gave us a good reading.” It creates an indelible image. Talk about something that belongs in a museum.
advertise
Related: 2026 Genesis Invitational Picks: The Sleeper Cars Our Experts Love on the Riviera
While that photo may be in the USGA museum, Spann’s putter is not. But it’s not for a lack of effort by the USGA. The U.S. Open champion revealed Wednesday that he was asked to donate custom-made flat sticks. Understandably, he had to turn down the USGA.
“Unfortunately I said I couldn’t,” Spann said. “That thing wasn’t ready to retire, especially after that putt.”
fair enough. The USGA then requested the No. 2 club, Spann’s Titleist GT3 wood, which he used in the final round to hit his tee shot on the 17th green for a two-putt birdie, giving him a one-shot lead with one hole to play. That’s easier to get.
advertise
“I think the second most valuable club is my riders,” he said. “I actually had it replaced with a newer head, meaning, it was probably close to its limit. Anyway, it ended up being kind of unusable, so I donated it, and I think they were pretty happy with it.”
It’s definitely a nice consolation prize. Maybe one day Spann’s lab will be right next to it. That day is not today.
Related: Former ESPN host reveals comments that led to his suspension from Augusta National
