Snedeker admitted he’d love to see Spaun “make me look like an idiot” after the US Open champ was omitted from his Presidents Cup roster.
Spaun became only the third American to capture the BMW PGA Championship, joining Arnold Palmer and Billy Horschel, and the first debut winner since Byeong‑hun An in 2015.
He confessed he arrived at Wentworth with a massive chip on his shoulder, feeling a point to prove and using the Cup snub as extra fuel.
“A captain must make hard choices,” Snedeker said, noting that Ryan Gerard, Akshay Bhatia and vice‑captain Gary Woodland were also borderline picks among the 15‑16 players he considered.
“The best advice I got was to trust my gut,” he added. “My instinct was clear.” For my money, Snedeker’s gamble may backfire.
Was Spaun deliberately passed over?
The 12‑man U.S. squad features 21‑year‑old rookie Jackson Koivun and Ryder Cup veteran Patrick Cantlay, even though both fell outside the top 12 in points. Last year’s U.S. Open winner Spaun, 36, was left out despite a tenth‑place finish.
Spaun also claimed a Valero Texas Open victory earlier this season, after debuting for Team USA at September’s Ryder Cup.
He said conversations with Snedeker during qualification led him to expect a spot at Medinah, but the news arrived in a brief call after the Tour Championship.
“It was a 45‑second call,” Spaun told reporters. “I was told I wasn’t on the team, labeled the odd man out. I wished him luck and that was it.”
“Those prior talks made me think I’d make the squad.”
“I came into this week determined to prove something,” Spaun said. “All my career I’ve had to earn everything—no scholarships, a hard‑won PGA Tour card, no sponsor exemptions.”
“Being left out must have a reason,” he added. “I don’t know it, but my caddie keeps reminding me how crazy this is.”
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