Athlete whose life changed the most following one performance

Dinsdale
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:26:48 +0000
The Game Room

Yesterday, a PGA journeyman JJ Spaun won the US Open. He was not impoverished - with $17 mill in career earnings. But he is 34 years old, with a single prior tour win..

The US Open victory alone was worth over $4 mill. AIUI, winning a major GREATLY increases a player’s opportunities. He is eligible for many more events, and his invitations and endorsements will increase greatly. (Historically, the challenge has been cashing in on such opportunities without having it detract from your continued performance. Everyone wants a piece of you.)

So I toss JJ Spaun out there as the comparison. What other athlete - individual or team - has had their life changed the most by a single performance. Define however you wish. I guess the change could be positive or negative.

BTW - I know these boards have NEVER supported robust discussions of golf. But for those who failed to watch the final round yesterday, you REALLY missed something. Spaun went out in 40, to win by 2. At one point with fewer than 5 holes to play, 4 people were tied for the lead. With 5 holes to play, the 2 golfers in 1st and 2d dropped to (IIRC) 7 and 8 strokes back. It was pretty wild, with horrific conditions on an incredibly tough course.

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