Just when J.J. Spaun thought he’d finally get his big break, life decided to play a cruel joke. While the golfer maintained good shape all year, topped off by a dash of confidence, things started to go downhill—a cruel reminder of which Rory McIlroy didn’t shy away from bringing up later. But to understand this hilarious (read: heartbreaking for Spaun) exchange, we’ll need to go a bit into the past.

It all began at the Players Championship as Spaun was going head-to-head with Rory McIlroy in a playoff, when the famed island par-3 17th chanced upon them. Spaun had prepped for it on the range using his TrackMan, whereas Rory went first and hit a smooth 9-iron that landed safely on the back of the green. Spaun, thinking it through, then pulled out an 8-iron and went for a soft swing. He figured it made sense. Rory hits it longer anyway. Instead, what actually happened was his shot ended up in water beyond the back of the green. Meaning? That one club decision cost him the $4.5 million prize.

But what happened next was even more unexpected. Then came the time for the season’s first major: The Masters. It was time for the Par 3 Contest, and Spaun was in a playoff again, though this one was just for fun. He was walking back toward the course when he ran into McIlroy, who was coming off the range. It was one of those casual pass-by moments, or so it seemed, until the Northern Irish star left his competitor speechless. Spaun shared the story later on the SubPar podcast. “I’m walking back to the Par 3 course, and Rory is leaving the range. We’re kind of crossing paths,” he began, before adding what Rory asked…

“’Are you doing a playoff for the Par 3 contest?’” Spaun recalled, following which McIlroy reportedly hit him with a brutal, “Better get the club right this time.”

That one hit hard. Though Spaun laughed about it later, in the moment, it caught him off guard. “That hurt. That hit me deep,” he admitted. “It was still a little too soon to hear that.” He was just about to putt when Rory’s words got in his head, and sure enough, he lost the playoff against Nicolas Echavarria. McIlroy’s comment not only shocked Spaun but also left his best friend Shane Lowry stunned.

Expectedly, for Spaun, it was one of those jokes that lands a little too well when the wound’s still fresh. But now that we’ve heard about Spaun’s take, what did Rory think of Spaun’s near-miss? 

Rory McIlroy on Spaun’s costly club choice

After their playoff at the Players Championship, Rory McIlroy didn’t gloat. He could’ve let the moment be about Spaun’s mistake, but instead, he gave credit where it was due. Talking about the crucial 17th hole, Rory said, “I feel bad for J.J. He hit a really good shot on 17 and it just went straight through the wind.” He knew how unpredictable that hole could be and acknowledged that Spaun didn’t choke; he just got caught by the conditions. 

“Wind coming out of a completely different direction. I’m just glad we didn’t have to play 18 in that, three was enough.” Rory added, It wasn’t just a comment about his own experience. It was also his way of showing support for Spaun, whose shot on 17 had flown long into the water. Rory knew it wasn’t an easy swing under those conditions and made it clear that Spaun’s mistake came down to how unpredictable the wind was, not a lack of judgment. He appreciated the fight, respected the club choice, and walked away not just with a title but with respect for how he handled the moment.

Spaun may have missed out on the Players Championship and faced a close call, but that one comment stuck with him and fueled the fire that helped him win the U.S. Open. Sometimes those jabs end up being exactly what you need to push yourself forward.