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Spaun Eyes Major Title Defense Amidst Colonial Lead
30 May
Summary
- J.J. Spaun is in contention at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
- He is focusing on his putting as he prepares for the U.S. Open.
- Jordan Smith leads the tournament after two rounds at Colonial.
J.J. Spaun, the reigning U.S. Open champion, is currently in contention at the Charles Schwab Challenge, using the tournament as a critical tune-up for his upcoming major title defense. Spaun revealed that he has changed his putter, seeking to regain confidence on the greens, which he identifies as his primary challenge this year.
As of May 30, 2026, Spaun is positioned two shots behind leader Jordan Smith after 36 holes at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Smith, a PGA Tour rookie, holds the lead at 10 under par. He is closely followed by Hideki Matsuyama, Michael Thorbjornsen, Ryan Gerard, and Brian Harman, all within striking distance.
The tournament is being played under challenging conditions, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and high heat index. These hot and drying conditions are expected to make the fairways firmer and the course more difficult to play. Despite the heat, numerous players have posted sub-par scores through the first two rounds, matching a previous record.
Spaun's recent form has been inconsistent, missing cuts in major championships earlier this year. However, his strong performance at Colonial indicates a potential return to form. Following this event, Spaun plans to play the Memorial Tournament before skipping the Canadian Open to prepare for the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
