JJ Spaun claimed $1.53m in a stunning victory at the BMW PGA Championship, and revealed the extra motivation that carried him.Spaun is the first player since Byeong Hun An to win the flagship event on debut, cementing his victory with a final-round 67 and a final hole implosion from Manuel Elvira.Spaun won the US Open in 2025, and won the Valero Texas Open earlier this seasonAFPThe 36-year-old beat back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy, Aaron Rai, Adam Scott and Elvira by two shots.Spaun, who is not participating in the upcoming 16th edition of the Presidents Cup, said his snub from the team gave him the extra boost.Spaun played with ‘chip on shoulder’ after Presidents Cup snub“The stars aligned this week for me to come out on top,” Spaun said. “I’m just grateful to have the opportunity and play well and give myself a chance and came out with a W.“We [him and America captain Brandt Snedeker] haven’t spoken. I played with a huge chip on my shoulder. “I definitely had something to prove this week, but everything happens for a reason. I’m so delighted to be here and just to even play this event.“The extra motivation, I think that is the willpower that you have. “Being left off the Presidents Cup team a couple weeks ago was very disappointing and I wanted to prove that I deserve to be on that team.“I took care of my business this week, so all the best to the team next week at Medinah – I’ll be watching from my couch!”Both teams include six automatic qualifiers plus six captain’s picks.Spaun said his Presidents Cup snub gave him extra motivation to winAFPSpaun finished 10th in Presidents Cup qualification and was not one of Snedeker’s six picksAFPThe American qualifiers — Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns, Russell Henley and Collin Morikawa made the team outright.Snedeker then announced his picks on September 1 with rookies Chris Gotterup and Jacob Bridgeman joining veterans Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay.Snedeker defends not selecting SpaunTeam America have won 10 straight Presidents Cups, with eyes on an 11th when the tournament starts on Thursday, September 27 at Medinah Country Club.It will be the first time Snedeker, who won the Myrtle Beach Classic in May, has captained the team.On the Golf Channel broadcast of the BMW PGA Championship, Snedeker expressed his joy at Spaun’s victory, and doubled down on his roster selection.“First off, I just want to say I am so happy for JJ Spaun,” Snedeker said.Team America are aiming for their 11-straight win at the biennial eventGetty“The hardest thing you ever have to do is pick 12 guys, and we are very fortunate to have 18 guys who are worthy of being on the team.“There are always going to be guys who are left off, and JJ is no different, he’s a great compettitor.“I am just very excited with the 12-guys we have here, we certainly have the right 12-guys for this team. They are ready to go.”