There are few things that Spaun would take back from what has to be considered a career-best performance, even if he has a single tour win in the Valero Texas Open. Maybe his putt on the 72nd hole on Sunday evening, when his ball came up about two rolls short of victory on a birdie try.

Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun have had contrasting careers. But they both know the sting of defeat, the joy of victory, an how both mold a player.