The story behind the Spaun family's love of Jeremy Clarkson

If you were surprised to see a face mask of UK broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson during JJ Spaun's winning celebrations at the BMW PGA Championship, you weren't alone.

As confirmation of Spaun becoming a Rolex Series winner came through in the players' lounge at Wentworth Club on Sunday, his wife, Melody, held aloft a face mask of Clarkson, best known for hosting the popular motoring television shows Top Gear, The Grand Tour and Clarkson's Farm.

It left everyone asking the question, why?

Well, Spaun explained that it stems from an affection born out of family vacations to the Cotswolds, where Clarkson's Farm is filmed, during recent winters.

Speaking in his post-round winner's interview, he said: "We've grown fond of him, along with the English culture, we actually take holidays in December in the Cotswolds, and we really enjoy his show. I went to his pub, The Farmer's Dog, with the hopes to catch a glimpse of him but he wasn't around."

It was Melody who first came to be aware of Clarkson's Farm, which has aired since 2021.

"She said we would have a surprise guest following me this week if I competed in the tournament and sure enough it was Friday morning, I see the face of Jeremy Clarkson and her holding it," added Spaun.

"Jeremy was there in spirit and I think he brought me good fortune."

Spaun, who was making his debut at the BMW PGA Championship, revealed his wife even suggested the couple, who have two daughters Emerson and Violet, buy a cottage in the Cotswolds after he lost out to Rory McIlroy in a play-off at THE PLAYERS Championship in March 2025.

In his press conference, he said: "My wife, she wanted to make a bet with me. She goes, 'If you win a tournament, like you're playing great, you finished second at the Honda, third, just lost in a play-off, I think you're going to win. If you win a tournament this year, you'll buy me a cottage in the Cotswolds.'

"'No. That's not a big enough accomplishment to buy a cottage in England.'

"'Okay, what about if you won a major?'

"'Of course if I won a major, I'll do whatever you want.' And fast forward, she's sending me listings on Zillow the following day. It's hilarious. We've come to a compromise. We don't own a cottage yet."

Well, maybe that might just change now.