Collin Morikawa, Tiger Woods, Viktor Hovland, and Max Homa (clockwise from top left).
Welcome back to the Monday Finish as we dive into the latest news in the golfing world. Let’s take a look at some highlights from the past week in the PGA Tour.
Charley Hoffman’s Shortcut at Waialae Country Club
One of the most visually appealing holes on the PGA Tour calendar is the 18th hole at Waialae Country Club, which is a dogleg-left par-5. Charley Hoffman took a unique approach by aiming far left all week, which allowed him to play much shorter yardages for his second shots. While the traditional route left pros hitting approaches from 190-250 yards, Hoffman’s shortcut left him with a wedge for his second shots. This strategy paid off as he made three birdies in four days. However, not all players had success with this route, with some tee shots falling short and leading to challenging approach shots.
Nick Taylor’s Victory at the Sony Open
Nick Taylor secured a victory at the Sony Open in dramatic fashion, finishing with an eagle on his 72nd hole and making birdie on the first two playoff holes to outlast Nico Echavarria. Taylor now has five PGA Tour wins to his name, including the 2023 RBC Canadian Open and the 2024 WM Phoenix Open. He has also shown impressive performance in playoffs, boasting a 3-0 record.
Notable Performances
While Taylor claimed the victory, other players also showcased strong performances at the Sony Open. Nico Echavarria finished as the runner-up, marking his third top-two finish in six starts. Keegan Bradley finished T6, adding to his impressive resume. Gary Woodland finished T16, marking his third top-20 finish in five starts as he continues to recover from a brain tumor.
Player Moves
Several player moves caught the attention of fans and pundits in the golfing world. Viktor Hovland was spotted working with swing coach TJ Yeaton after confirming a split with Joe Mayo. Webb Simpson sought guidance from Joe Mayo after struggling with his form. Harry Hall began working with legendary swing coach Butch Harmon, leading to improved confidence in his game. Rickie Fowler made a switch from TaylorMade’s golf ball to Titleist as a free agent.
LIV’s Young Stars
Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra’s decision to pursue a PGA Tour card after leaving LIV raised questions about the tour’s ability to develop young stars. Chacarra expressed dissatisfaction with his experience on LIV, highlighting the focus on established figures like Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson. While LIV has talented young players, including Yubin Jang, there are doubts about the tour’s ability to elevate them to stardom.
One Swing Thought
PGA Tour’s best putter, Denny McCarthy, switched putters to address a lingering issue with his stroke. The move paid off as McCarthy delivered an impressive putting performance at the Sony Open, finishing T16 with 5.5 strokes gained putting.
A Look into TGL
Our Sean Zak and Claire Rogers provided insights into the launch of the TGL, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on the inaugural event. The TGL’s debut generated excitement among fans and players, setting the stage for a new era in golf.
In conclusion, the past week in the PGA Tour was eventful with notable victories, player moves, and intriguing developments in the golfing world. As the season progresses, we look forward to more exciting moments on the course and keep an eye on emerging talents and seasoned veterans making their mark in the sport. Subscribe to the Monday Finish for the latest updates and insights in the world of golf.
