JJ Spaun’s $450K Opportunity: How Living in Arizona Can Keep His U.S. Open Winnings in the Family

 

JJ Spaun’s $450K Opportunity: How Living in Arizona Can Keep His U.S. Open Winnings in the Family

JJ Spaun just etched his name into golfing history by capturing the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club—one of golf’s most punishing tests—with a commanding performance that earned him a staggering $4.3 million payday. For any professional golfer, that kind of windfall is life-changing. But here's a twist: Spaun doesn't reside in high-tax California—he lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. That matters immensely. Because instead of losing over half a million dollars to California’s top-bracket state income tax, he’ll owe just 2.5% on his earnings in Arizona.

That means roughly $107,500 in state taxes, saving him around $450,000 compared to if he lived in California. That’s a real amount he could put toward his family’s future: college savings, real estate, investments, or simply more quality time together. It’s less money heading into Phoenix coffers and more staying in his pockets.

As Spaun shifts his focus to the Travelers Championship, he’s riding high on momentum. But this major win has another benefit: spotlighting how much more favorable Arizona’s tax system is for high earners like himself. In Scottsdale, the state doesn’t punish success—it leaves more of it in the hands of achievers.

In this article, we’ll break down Arizona’s flat 2.5% income tax, show how much Spaun saved by not calling a high-tax state home, and ask an important question: with so many smarter financial options on the table, why let more of your hard-earned prize slip away?

Arizona’s Flat, Friendly Tax Code

Arizona isn’t just a great place to live—it’s a smart place to keep more of what you earn. As of the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025), Arizona implemented a flat 2.5% state income tax for all earners. That’s unprecedented simplicity and fairness: the killer earnings that come with a major championship net the same state rate as modest income.

Compared to California’s wildly progressive bracket that maxes out at 13.3% for payouts over $1 million, investopedia.com, Arizona’s 2.5% is gentle, particularly for a $4.3 million windfall.

For Spaun:

• California state tax at 13.3% = ~$571,900
• Arizona state tax at 2.5% = ~$107,500
• Total savings ≈ $464,400

That’s nearly half a million dollars Spaun keeps simply by living in Scottsdale—a difference between letting money vanish or anchoring it in his family’s future.

What That Money Could Mean for Spaun’s Family

Half a million dollars isn’t theoretical—it’s real savings and real potential:

• College fund: A top university's private tuition costs $50–70K per year.
• Home equity: A cash down payment on a $900K house in Scottsdale.
• Investments: Over 20 years in a diversified portfolio earning 6–7% annually.
• Quality of life: More meaningful vacations, giving, or unfettered time off.

Spaun paid the price on Oakmont fairways—he shouldn’t pay an unnecessary tax penalty, too.

Why Residency Matters for Athletes

Pro athletes frequently choose their homes based on tax efficiency. A golfer like Spaun isn’t tied to a franchise—they can live wherever fits best financially.

• Relocation can reduce the tax bill by hundreds of thousands annually.
• It doesn’t influence eligibility to compete.
• It allows athletes to prioritize family and long-term security.

Arizona delivers on lifestyle, community, and financial wisdom—without painful state taxes siphoning off trophy paydays.

Conclusion

Winning the U.S. Open is what every golfer dreams of. JJ Spaun did more than dream—he conquered it at Oakmont. But a champion’s legacy isn’t just defined by trophies—it’s about what they do with those victories.

Living in Scottsdale has already helped him protect nearly $450,000 of that $4.3 million haul. That’s not just smart—it’s strategic.

As he heads to the Travelers Championship, Spaun rides more than momentum. He’s under no illusion that governments should reward achievement. Arizona’s flat, low state tax rewards grit and keeps more money exactly where it belongs: in the family, in investments, in dreams.

California might shake its head at tax refugees. But for Spaun, Arizona isn’t a compromise—it’s an upgrade, combining a great quality of life with a financial structure that celebrates, not penalizes, success.

Pro athletes will continue to choose smartly when they choose where to live. Spaun already made the right call—not just with his driver, but with his domicile. Because in a game of margins, $450,000 saved matters. For his children’s future. His peace of mind. And his legacy off the course.

A champion doesn’t just win. He wins smart. And with Scottsdale behind him, Spaun might just be doing that better than anyone.