Mental Mastery on the Course: 6 WiseGolf Lessons from J.J. Spaun’s US Open Journey

With an icepack on my ankle, my cat Buddy curled up beside me, and recovery in full swing, I tuned into the U.S. Open, watching through a new lens. This time I wasn't watching the scores - I was searching for WiseGolf wisdom. And what I saw in J.J. Spaun's mental game was pure gold.  Here's what stood out.

In one of the most mentally demanding environments in sports, J.J. Spaun’s performance at the US Open wasn’t just a showcase of physical skill—it was a masterclass in mental strength.

Here are six powerful mental health lessons we can all learn from his emotional journey at Oakmont this weekend:

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1. Harness Anxiety as Focus

Spaun admitted to being nervous on Day 1—but rather than letting those nerves take over, he said he “harnessed that… it kind of heightens my focus, makes me swing better.”

Lesson: Embrace nervous energy. It doesn’t have to rattle you—it can sharpen you.

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2. Step Into Discomfort

He openly shared that he likes feeling uncomfortable, especially knowing how brutal Oakmont could be.

Lesson: Growth lives outside your comfort zone. The best breakthroughs come when you lean into the uneasy.

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3. Let the Course Come to You

Spaun said he tried to “let the course come to me… If I make a bogey, I make a bogey.”

Lesson: Let go of what you can’t control. Focus on how you respond, not on forcing outcomes.

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4. Bounce Forward

After five bogeys in six holes, Spaun regrouped, sank clutch putts, and kept calm under pressure.

Lesson: A setback doesn’t define you. Learn to reset quickly and keep moving forward.

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5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

He described this tournament as the peak of his mental game, referencing lessons learned from nearly winning The Players.

Lesson: Celebrate progress. Every round, every shot, every breath—builds the muscle of resilience.

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6. Play Like You’ve Got Nothing to Lose

Spaun’s mindset? “Play like you have nothing to lose,” recreating the freedom he felt at The Players.

Lesson: Let go of fear. When pressure feels like possibility, you unlock your best self.

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Mental health in golf isn’t about staying calm—it’s about staying capable.

J.J. Spaun teaches us to use nerves as fuel, to step into challenge, and to recover like champions do.

Whether you’re on the course, in the office, or navigating life’s rough patches, remember:

Feel the nerves, focus the energy.

Step toward discomfort.

Accept what comes.

Reset from setbacks.

Build on progress.

Play with freedom.

Wise Takeaway:

Mental strength isn’t about eliminating nerves—it’s about learning to work with them.

Whether you’re teeing off at Oakmont or tackling life’s challenges, true wisdom is staying present, embracing discomfort, and choosing resilience over perfection.

Until next round - play wise, stay wise

Coach Heidi