"It's devastating": California native J.J. Spaun reacts to the 'tragic' LA wildfires

California native J.J. Spaun has opened up about the devastating wildfire in LA. The American golfer is in Hawaii this week, playing in the Sony Open. The tournament is heading for its conclusion, with the finale to take place on Sunday (January 12).

During the press conference of the Sony Open on January 11, J.J. Spaun reacted to the tragic LA wildfire. He was relieved that his family and people he knew were safe but prayed for the people who were affected by the disaster.

"It's pretty tragic. Fortunately but unfortunately I don't have any family or friends in that region that have been affected but I know a lot of people that know people that were affected, and it's devastating," he said (via ASAP Sports).

The PGA Tour player also said that his grandfather was living in Southern California, where the fire broke out; however, fortunately, he was "south enough to stay away."

"My grandpa lives in Venice Beach and luckily he's south enough to stay away. He's really close to it. But yeah, we haven't had any close calls or anything with people I know, so I'm glad that that region of my family, everyone is safe," he added.

Spaun further shared his prayers for the victims, saying:

"But yeah, it's sad to see. You just try to keep up with what you hear on the news every night. It was crazy last night at my hotel, someone pulled the fire alarm at 1:00 in the morning and we had to all evacuate, so I was like, what is going on. It was kind of crazy and ironic at the same time. But yeah, thoughts and prayers are with those in LA."

J.J. Spaun was born in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in California, did his schooling at San Dimas High School, and attended San Diego State University.

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J.J. Spaun takes the lead at Sony Open heading into the final

J.J. Spaun was impressive in the third round of the Sony Open in Hawaii. He played a round of 65, placing him in a good position heading into the finale of the event. He took a one-stroke lead in the game at 13-under.

Spaun started the third round of the PGA Tour event on the first tee hole with three birdies on the front nine. He made four birdies on the back nine on Saturday, along with two bogeys.

During the press conference of the tournament on Saturday, the American opened up about his performance, saying (via ASAP Sports):

"Just got off to a pretty solid start. Made a few pars on the first couple holes and then a nice birdie on 3. Just kind of took what it gave me and took the opportunities when they came and capitalized on it. It was a pretty solid round overall."

Stephan Jaeger settled for second place with Eric Cole and Patrick Fishburn, followed by Keegan Bradley tied for fifth place with Harry Hall, Nick Taylor, Nico Echavarria, Brian Harman, and Lee Hodges.