J.J. Spaun’s background is as fascinating as his rise on the PGA Tour. Born John Michael Spaun Jr. on August 21, 1990, in Los Angeles, California, he carries a rich and diverse ethnic heritage that he has openly embraced throughout his career. His father, John Michael Spaun Sr., a hospital administrator, is a white American, while his mother, Dollie Spaun, an office manager, is of mixed Filipino and Mexican descent.
Dollie’s father was born in California, but his parents had emigrated from Victoria, Tarlac in the Philippines, bringing with them the Ilocano language and traditions. Spaun grew up surrounded by a mix of cultures, a heritage he has often spoken about with pride.
How J.J. Spaun’s Parents Sparked His Lifelong Passion for Golf
Growing up in San Dimas, California, Spaun’s life revolved around golf from an early age, thanks in large part to his mother. A passionate golfer herself, Dollie played the sport well into her pregnancy, stopping only when she was eight months along. Many family members believed that golf was in Spaun’s destiny because of this early exposure. By the time he was three years old, he was already swinging a plastic golf club, hitting balls into a net his father had set up in the garage. Despite his natural talent, he never received formal golf lessons, learning instead through sheer dedication and practice.
His high school years at San Dimas High School paved the way for his collegiate career at San Diego State University, where he majored in social science and made a name for himself as a standout golfer. A two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection in 2010 and 2011, he was named Conference Player of the Year in 2012. His talent was undeniable, earning him All-American honors and setting the stage for a professional career.
Spaun turned pro in 2012, beginning his journey on PGA Tour Canada, where he experienced both struggles and breakthroughs. In 2015, he won the Staal Foundation Open, which propelled him into the top ranks of the tour and secured his entry into the 2015 RBC Canadian Open. That year, he shattered PGA Tour Canada’s single-season earnings record, finishing as the Order of Merit winner and earning a place on the Web.com Tour (now the Korn Ferry Tour) for 2016.
His career continued to climb when he won the News Sentinel Open in 2016, setting a tournament record of 26-under 258. This victory fell on his 26th birthday, making it a particularly memorable milestone. His success granted him full PGA Tour status in 2017. However, maintaining his standing on the PGA Tour was not without challenges. By 2021, he had dropped out of the top 500 in the Official World Golf Ranking and lost his PGA Tour card. But Spaun didn’t give up—he fought back through the Korn Ferry Tour Finals, finishing second at the Albertsons Boise Open to reclaim his PGA Tour status.
In April 2022, after 147 starts on the PGA Tour, Spaun finally secured his first PGA Tour win at the Valero Texas Open. This victory, achieved with a final score of 13-under, was a testament to his resilience. He defeated Matt Jones and Matt Kuchar by two strokes, solidifying his place among the top golfers in the world.
What Is J.J. Spaun’s Ethnicity?
Spaun’s heritage has always been an integral part of his identity. In an interview at the 2022 Valero Texas Open, he detailed his background, explaining how his mother’s side of the family is half-Filipino and half-Mexican. “My grandfather on my mom’s side, he’s from—he’s not from the Philippines, but his parents were. But they moved to California and he was born there, but he spoke Ilocano, which is like a dialect of Tagalog,” he said. His connection to his Filipino roots is evident in the pride he takes in his family’s history, even though he didn’t grow up speaking the language himself.
Beyond golf, Spaun has faced personal challenges, including a misdiagnosed battle with diabetes. In 2018, he was told he had type 2 diabetes, which led him to adopt a strict diet and fitness regimen. However, despite his efforts, he continued to struggle with his health. It wasn’t until 2021 that he discovered he had been misdiagnosed and actually had type 1 diabetes. Once he began receiving the proper treatment, he saw significant improvements, allowing him to perform at his peak once again.
Spaun is also a devoted family man. In 2019, he married Melody Means, and together they have two children, their first born in 2020 and their second in 2023. Balancing the demands of professional golf with family life is no easy feat, but Spaun has managed to make it work. His wife has even implemented a “five-hour rule” for practice when the family travels with him to tournaments, ensuring he spends enough time with them.
As for the question of whether he is Black, the answer is no. J.J. Spaun’s ethnic background consists of Filipino, Mexican, and white American ancestry. While race and ethnicity can sometimes be a complex topic, Spaun himself has always embraced his heritage and has been proud to represent his multicultural background in the sport of golf.
