Michael Thorbjornsen claimed the first PGA TOUR title of his career, holding off a crowded chasing pack led by two-time major champion Xander Schauffele to win the Rocket Classic.
The 24-year-old American entered the final round at Detroit Golf Club three shots adrift of overnight leader Davis Riley but a disastrous front nine display from the 54-hole leader opened the door for the likes of Thorbjornsen, Cameron Young, and Michael Brennan. Thorbjornsen looked to capitalize and he did exactly that, particularly on the back nine where he sunk four birdies in six holes to place himself at the summit of the leaderboard as the event neared the closing stages.
Despite some pressure in what was a highly-packed leaderboard, Thorbjornsen kept his cool in the last few holes and finished in style with a 26-foot birdie putt at the last as he went bogey-free to card a 7-under 63, the best round of the day, finish on 18 under, and secure his first PGA TOUR victory on his 65th career start.
“I don’t know how to feel right now,” Thorbjornsen said afterwards. “It was such a battle out there and everyone, playing with some great players. I felt, was in the mix at some point today.
“I’m really happy I stuck to the process and committed to hitting certain shots. I feel like I’ve been on the Tour a few years now and you have to block it all out.”
Thorbjornsen went on to credit his win to new swing coach Sean Foley.
“I just started working with Foley a month ago and I feel like I’ve got to a point in my swing where I’m comfortable. I’m glad to see the hard work and patience has paid off.”
Thorbjornsen becomes the eighth first-time winner on the PGA TOUR so far this season and victory means he climbs into the top-70 of the FedExCup standings.
“Just to be in the playoff for the first time is very exciting,” he added. ”It’s great to be playing against the best players in the world.”
Despite a point where he was leading the event in the final round, Schauffele remains winless on the PGA TOUR this year but earned a runner-up finish as he shot a 5-under 65 to end on 16 under, marking his best result of the year.
“I feel good. You know, I fell short, but I played well,” Schauffele said. “(Thorbjornsen) just played … he played incredible. If you look at his stretch for the last 12 holes, he played incredible golf.”
Riley, who was unable to recover from his front nine performance, completed the all-American top-three finishing on 15 under thanks to a final-round 70.
What is the next event?
The next event on the PGA TOUR schedule is the Wyndham Championship taking place between 6-9 August at Sedgefield Country Club in North Carolina.