Michael Thorbjornsen, a 23-year-old Stanford product, was forced to delay the start of his PGA Tour season due to a battle with tonsillitis. He withdrew from the Sony Open in Hawaii but made a strong comeback at the American Express tournament, shooting a seven-under-par 65 in the first round. Thorbjornsen described his illness as incredibly painful, confining him to bed for three days upon his arrival. Despite the setback, he recovered in time for the American Express and felt back to normal.
The antibiotics prescribed for his tonsillitis proved to be effective, sparing Thorbjornsen from needing surgery to remove his tonsils. Following his strong start at the American Express, he continued to perform well in the second round with a 4-under-par 68 at the Nicklaus Tournament Course. Thorbjornsen is still seeking his first PGA Tour victory, having achieved three top-10 finishes, including a runner-up placement at the John Deere Classic in the previous year.
With his health issues behind him, Thorbjornsen feels optimistic about his current form and prospects for success on the PGA Tour. He expressed satisfaction that his tonsils are no longer inflamed and causing discomfort, allowing him to focus on his game. Thorbjornsen’s journey from battling illness to competing at a high level exemplifies his resilience and determination to succeed in professional golf. As a promising young talent on the PGA Tour, he is poised to make a breakthrough and secure his first career victory in the near future.
Thorbjornsen’s experience at the American Express serves as a testament to his ability to overcome challenges and setbacks in pursuit of his goals. Despite the initial disappointment of missing the Sony Open, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and made a strong comeback in the following tournament. His performance under pressure and ability to bounce back from adversity highlight his potential as a rising star in professional golf.
As a graduate of the PGA Tour University and former standout at Stanford, Thorbjornsen has the skills and determination to compete at the highest level of professional golf. His strong showing at the American Express reaffirms his talent and potential to achieve success on the PGA Tour. With his health issues behind him and his game in good form, Thorbjornsen is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the upcoming season and beyond.
In conclusion, Michael Thorbjornsen’s remarkable comeback at the American Express showcases his resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Overcoming a painful illness, he demonstrated his strength of character and ability to perform at a high level on the PGA Tour. As he continues to pursue his first career victory, Thorbjornsen’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring golfers and fans alike. With his talent and dedication, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of professional golf.
