News

Justin Thomas “hurt” after “unfortunate” Twitter spat with the USGA over the rules of golf; meeting pending

Published

5 years ago

Mar 4, 2019

Justin Thomas has not been shy this year when it comes to criticizing the new rules of golf and how the USGA has implemented those rules, and over the weekend while Thomas was in action at the Honda Classic, the relationship between the two appeared to come to breaking point.

Before the event at PGA National began, Thomas described the rule changes made from the USGA and R&A which came into effect on January 1st as “terrible” in a pre-tournament presser. While after he was unable to replace a club mid-round on Thursday which he bent after playing a shot from behind a tree, the 25-year-old stated that “You can just add that one to the list of rules that don’t make any sense.”

Thomas’ mood didn’t improve after finding out that fellow pro Adam Schenk was assessed a two-stroke penalty on Friday for violation of Rule 10.2b after Schenk’s caddie was judged to have been standing directly behind Schenk as he took his stance on the par-3 17th hole.

Clearly dismayed with the ruling, Thomas took to Twitter to re-ignite his feud with the USGA with a series of tweets criticizing the decision.

#growthegame @USGA https://t.co/jc5E0Y7TjP

— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) March 2, 2019

Exactly. A lot of times caddies just stand back there and talk. Whether it’s the yardage we have, etc. or maybe I ask him to assess my lie and that’s the most sensible place to look at it, from behind. I agree lining somebody up.. but if the caddie clearly isn’t, unnecessary

— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) March 2, 2019

What happened next is unprecedented, with the USGA’s Twitter PR account directly tweeting Thomas and asserting that the two need to talk, while claiming that Thomas had “cancelled every meeting we’ve planned with you.”

Justin, we need to talk. You’ve cancelled every meeting we’ve planned with you, but we are reaching out again. We were at the first 5 events, and tournaments last year, and your tour has had a seat at the table for 7 years. We’d love nothing more than to give you a seat. Call us.

— USGA PR (@USGA_PR) March 2, 2019

It’s unknown who exactly was behind the USGA’s tweet to Thomas, but after Sunday’s round at PGA National, Thomas described the incident as “unfortunate” and how he felt hurt, particularly with the organizations claim that he had cancelled every meeting with them, a claim which he stated was false, per Golf Channel.

“It really hurt me; it was upsetting to me because the information they put out there wasn’t accurate in terms of me cancelling meetings and that doesn’t make me look good.

That’s just when I got a little upset and we had communication with them (the USGA) because I know those guys, I’ve talked to them about the rules this year. We’re trying to communicate and get better relationships with them. All we’re looking (to do) is better the sport.”

A follow-up tweet from the USGA PR account confirmed that Thomas had been in contact offline and that a meeting between the two is in the offing. According to Thomas, however, no date has yet been set.

“We’ve tried to get on a couple calls, and I was in the middle of this three-week stretch, so I was like, look, I’m sorry, this time isn’t very good. But we’re definitely going to talk at some point, but we’ve had conversations this year multiple times with a couple different people.

“It’s not like it hasn’t happened. It’s just, it hasn’t the last three weeks because I’ve been at a tournament, and that’s my main focus.”

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Gianni Magliocco

Gianni is the Managing Editor at GolfWRX. He can be contacted at [email protected].

23 Comments

Tiger Noods

Mar 4, 2019 at 3:33 pm

OK, so let’s say JT didn’t make some meetings. Does that change anything? No, it doesn’t. The rule is still ambiguous.

If the USGA says, “We are still ready to meet with you; just find a time and we’re there,” Ok, no big deal. What was tweeted was a call out. It was “the boss” embarrassing that crap-talking employee. And under what circumstance now does anyone think this will be in good faith?

The USGA was wrong. They continue to be wrong. They have botched the rollout monumentally. And now they are tired of hearing how badly they’ve screwed this up. Of course, it’s not going to stop, and this needs to cost people their jobs at the USGA.

Reply Report comment
Im A Unicorn

Mar 4, 2019 at 2:27 pm

seems like he can dish out the smack… but can’t take it when it comes back round his way

Reply Report comment
Early Extender

Mar 4, 2019 at 2:25 pm

I don’t know many fans or players, if any, who would argue that the new rules are an improvement. And I’m a JT fan. That being said, saying you were “hurt” after being confronted by a body you’ve repeatedly criticized lately is a total millennial snowflake move. Man up, set them straight if need be. But don’t act like a victim, even if what they said wasn’t accurate.

Reply Report comment
- James
  
  Mar 4, 2019 at 2:45 pm
  
  Agreed that “hurt” was a pretty b*tchy word to use. However, it doesn’t mean his argument is unfounded. Personally, I like RF’s approach: mock the insanity.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Belacyrf
  
  Mar 5, 2019 at 7:38 am
  
  I say the rules are an improvement and think these PGA children need to learn to adapt to CHANGE like the rest of us do in the real world. Stop whining and taking to the internet like spoiled children and reach out to have an adult conversation with adults who are trying to do what they can to make the rules simpler.
  
  I’ve found most of the people out in social media don’t even know the reasoning behind the rules. It’s insane to think that brand new rules might not need some tweaking, but to cry as if their lives are wreck because they need to adapt to change… typical spoiled brat behavior.
  
  Reply Report comment
Dennis

Mar 4, 2019 at 2:10 pm

I don’t care. Which shirt is he wearing in the picture?

Reply Report comment
Mower

Mar 4, 2019 at 1:29 pm

Just like in the movies when you’re not expected to show up in a closed meeting. “Sir! You’re not allowed in here!” Exclaims the secretary.

Justin swings open the door to the great room. “I’m here bi**hes!”

Reply Report comment
Travis

Mar 4, 2019 at 12:23 pm

Don’t poke the dog and get upset when it bites you. The USGA rules have been controversial, but JT’s conduct in addressing the USGA has been confrontational and childish.

Reply Report comment
- James
  
  Mar 4, 2019 at 2:41 pm
  
  Calling a spade a spade is not confrontational, except to parasites. Brutal honesty is necessary in a free and just society and the USGA is nothing. Who appointed these armwaving children as the gods of golf?
  
  Reply Report comment
- Tiger Noods
  
  Mar 4, 2019 at 3:28 pm
  
  Has it? Before you reconsider, think presidentially…
  
  Reply Report comment
Terry Dixon

Mar 4, 2019 at 12:10 pm

What we need is USGA-A, United States Golf Association for Amateurs and our own set of simple rules

Reply Report comment
Jack

Mar 4, 2019 at 11:50 am

The USGA is hurting themselves once (how ’bout many dozen times) again. The USGA needs a lesson in communications themselves. It is the USGA that will be damaged by their tactics, not the tour pros.

Reply Report comment
EA

Mar 4, 2019 at 11:40 am

JT – if your schedule was so busy and your main focus was on golf, why setup multiple meetings or calls in the first place? You state that golf is your main focus but you have no problem with scheduling and then cancelling calls due to “golf tourney just popped up” had to cancel. You have plenty of time to tweet and bitch but when someone says let’s talk, all of the sudden you’re busy.

Reply Report comment
dat

Mar 4, 2019 at 10:41 am

More corporate decision making to keep those fat cats in a job when it actually harms the game. Pathetic.

Reply Report comment
James

Mar 4, 2019 at 10:33 am

CYA USGA! Nice ring. There were no meetings scheduled and you lied about them to discredit Justin. “Call us” does not mean a meeting is scheduled. Just because you write them down doesn’t mean they are mutually agreed to. Now get a job instead of being a bunch of overpaid blueblood talkers and armwavers.

Reply Report comment
Brian McGranahan

Mar 4, 2019 at 10:24 am

What a snowflake. Boooohoooo, I don’t like a rule and want it changed.

Reply Report comment
Dave

Mar 4, 2019 at 10:14 am

I’m tired of the USGA always being the story. Some of these changes have missed the mark. Why is an Ob ball penalized different from a ball hit into a water hazard? Isn’t the water hazard ball by definition ob? The drop rule is bad. Why penalize a player if he/she drops from higher than knee height? I get what the USGA is trying to do, but I think some if these changes have missed.

Reply Report comment
Eastpointe CC

Mar 4, 2019 at 9:36 am

All of the rule changes this year and ridiculous FOR THE PROS. For us hacks they are beneficial. There needs to be 2 sets of rules. Also if they really want to speed up play all they need to do is allow range finders. There is so much guess work that it doesn’t really change anything except speed up play.

I may be i the minority but I LOVE the fact that the USGA called him out. AND I fully believe that he canceled these meetings with them.

Reply Report comment
iutodd

Mar 4, 2019 at 8:20 am

What BS from the USGA. Calling a professional golfer out on Twitter like that makes your PR department look like they don’t know what they’re doing and that the USGA has a bad relationship with the players.

And it’s hugely unprofessional on the part of whoever runs that Twitter account. Grow the game?

Reply Report comment
JD

Mar 4, 2019 at 8:13 am

This is turning into the NFL, ambiguous rules that make no sense. All it is going to take to ascend into full chaos is someone with a one stroke lead in a major being assessed a two stroke penalty that costs him a trophy.

Like NFL refs, they are going to put these rules officials in the position of making judgement calls dependent on the circumstance. Imagine having to give Tiger a penalty after failing to drop the ball correctly after hitting one in the water on 12 at Augusta. That guy would be clubbed in the parking lot.

Reply Report comment
- scooter
  
  Mar 4, 2019 at 3:17 pm
  
  Funny you mention Tiger and Augusta … but the incorrect drop after hitting the flagstick and going in the water already happened years ago and the hole was #15 … and he was penalized without any bloodshed (although a lot of hand wringing about dis-qualification). Lets face it, guys have lost majors for rules infractions … see DJ.
  
  Reply Report comment
Ryan Barry

Mar 4, 2019 at 7:58 am

He’s a child and has acted like one for years. If the average golfer breaks a club he doesn’t leave his buddies and go home to get a replacement, etc. Play without it, you’re a pro. If the rule is your Caddie can’t be behind you in stance, then make sure your Caddie isn’t there. What’s the big deal? If they warn him and two guys make less money for his strokes, how is that fair to those players losing purse?

Reply Report comment
Erik Morden

Mar 4, 2019 at 7:47 am

Why do they want to talk to him are they upset that he is actually calling them out for being stupid. I also want to know why the USGA is so focused on this one rule. Why dont they talk to players that are playing slow instead of having what seems like solo focus on the caddy issue.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Published

8 hours ago

Apr 23, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.

As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.

Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

See what GolfWRXers are saying about our photos from the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in the forums.

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News

Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board

Published

9 hours ago

Apr 23, 2024

Ben Alberstadt

By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as the PGA Tour heads to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic.

1. 15-year-old finishes top 20 on KFT

Jay Coffin for Golf Digest…”During a week when most eyes were on Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, the 15-year-old lefty finished off an incredible week with a five-under 66 in the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood Ranch in Florida.”

“After opening with 68-66-70, Russell finished at 14-under-par total to tie for 20th place. The finish in which he jumped 28 positions on the leaderboard on the final day, gives him an exemption into next week’s Veritex Bank Championship at Rangers Park in Arlington, Texas. He’s the youngest player to finish inside the top 20 on the PGA of Korn Ferry tours, according to records that go back to 1983.”

Full piece.

2. Understandably, Nelly WDs

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Nelly Korda’s bid for a record-setting sixth consecutive win will have to wait a few weeks.”

“A day after capturing the Chevron Championship during a marathon final round in Houston, Korda announced on social media that she was withdrawing from this week’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”

“It was not an easy decision,” she wrote. “After the unbelievable week at the Chevron and grinding through the mental and physical challenges of four events in the past five weeks, I am definitely feeling exhausted. With so much still to come throughout 2024, I feel I need to listen to my body and get some rest, so I can be ready for the remainder of the season.”

Full piece.

3. Scheffler’s impressive No. 1 feat

Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine…”After Scheffler’s victory Monday morning at the RBC Heritage, Scheffler upped his points average to 15.016 and increased his advantage in the Official World Golf Ranking over No. 2 Rory McIlroy to more than double McIlroy’s 7.365 average, meaning Scheffler is ranked further ahead of No. 2 than No. 2 is ahead of the last-ranked player.”

“The last time a No. 1 player had a greater points average was Woods, who was at 15.4564 on Dec. 6, 2009. But Woods was less than seven average points ahead of No. 2 Phil Mickelson at the time. Earlier that year, Woods was 7.735 ahead of Mickelson, which is the last time the gap between Nos. 1 and 2 was greater than Scheffler’s current 7.651 advantage.”

Full piece.

4. Zurich field notes

PGATour.com’s Adam Stanley…”Rory McIlroy will make his tournament debut alongside good pal, Ryder Cup teammate, and Irishman Shane Lowry – a duo that was firmed up during a celebratory lunch after the Ryder Cup last fall… Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele will try to reprise their 2022 win here. Cantlay and Schauffele have both the Foursomes and Four-ball scoring records at this event… Davis Riley and Nick Hardy will defend their 2023 title. No team has gone back-to-back… Three sets of brothers (and two sets of twins!) will play together with twins Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard and Parker and Pierceson Coody in the field along with Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick. Alex Fitzpatrick and Rasmus Højgaard are sponsor invites…”

“Billy Horschel, who won last week at the Corales Puntacana Championship, will be without his previous partner Sam Burns, as Burns and his wife are expecting their first child any day. Horschel will instead be paired with fellow University of Florida alum Tyson Alexander. Horschel has won the Zurich Classic when it was both an individual and team event… Other notable pairings include Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, and Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. The Canadian duo finished runner-up a year ago and would like nothing more than to show Presidents Cup International Team captain Mike Weir how well they play together… Steve Stricker will play his second TOUR event this season (after earning his way into THE PLAYERS Championship), teaming up with Matt Kuchar.”

Full piece.

5. Tiger’s teammates

Field Level Media report…”Tiger Woods announced Monday that Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner have joined his Jupiter Links GC TGL team.”

“The virtual golf league headed by Woods and Rory McIlroy will begin its inaugural season next January. Woods also unveiled the team’s logo.”

“I have already shared my excitement and optimism for TGL as a league and product,” said Woods. “Now that we have finalized our roster with a team of world-class golfers, I am even more confident that this group will proudly represent the Jupiter (Fla.) area and connect with our fans for years to come.”

Full piece.

6. Woosnam questions Cantlay’s decision

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, who’s ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.”

“On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.”

“Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and chip and putt on Monday morning.”

“Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision making.”

“Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 am Monday morning.”

Full piece.

7. JT on Scheffler’s “weird” equipment choice

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After Justin Thomas’ third round of the RBC Heritage, the two-time major champion went in the broadcast booth alongside the CBS crew.”

“While Thomas was watching Scottie Scheffler play on the back nine of his third round, he wondered aloud why Scottie uses high-numbered golf balls.”

“Does anybody else think it’s weird that Scottie uses high numbers? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen an elite player use high-numbered golf balls.”

“Amanda Balionis who was on the grounds chimed in, reporting that analyst Dottie Pepper had wondered the same thing earlier that day.”

“I’ve been going about this wrong my whole life,” Thomas jokingly said.

Full piece.

8. Rory to rejoin PGA Tour policy board

Mark Schlabach for ESPN…”Four-time major championship winner Rory McIlroy is poised to return to the PGA Tour’s policy board, pending a vote by the board, which could come as early as this week, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.”

“One of the PGA Tour’s most vocal supporters during its three-year battle with LIV Golf, McIlroy abruptly resigned as a player director on the tour’s influential policy board in November.”

“He is expected to replace policy board player director Webb Simpson, who intends to step away before his two-year term expires in 2025.”

Full piece.

9. Weir names Presidents Cup assistants

PGA Tour report…”International Team Captain Mike Weir announced Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas as captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which will be played at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Canada, Sept. 24-29.

Full piece.

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News

Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters

Published

1 day ago

Apr 22, 2024

Ronald Montesano

Brazil and Texas were kindred souls this week, at least when it came to weather. Both regions experienced torrential delays, and three tournaments were held up. The LPGA, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour Champions were compelled to reduce play or work extra holes into Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina and the PGA Tour fell victim to nature’s wrath, with lightning postponing the conclusion of the event to Monday.

The year’s first women’s major championship was celebrated in Texas. The Chevron is gaining a bit of tradition in its second year after relocation. This year’s event culminated in the continued coronation of the game’s current best. The Korn Ferry Tour saw a top-twenty performance from a 15-year old amateur, while the second event of the week on the big tour found a winner in the Dominican Republic. Six events is more than a handful, so let’s get right to it, with this week’s (delayed) Tour Rundown.

LPGA @ Chevron Championship: Korda corrals second major title

The winter of 2022-2023 seems so distant for current Nelly Korda. A mysterious ailment sapped all of her energy, just as the world appeared to have finally emerged from the pandemic. We never quite secured the complete information that we desired, but no one can say that any of us deserved to know more than Nelly wished to share. One thing is for certain: Nelly Korda has returned to top form, and the world number one golfer is at least one level above anyone else on tour.

Korda began her 2024 campaign with a January victory in the Drive One Championship. In her next start, in March, she continued her assault on the record books, with a win at the Se Ri Pak. She won again the following week, at the Ford, then defeated Leona Maguire in the final match at the T-Mobile Match Play, for a fourth consecutive victory. Would the increased hype around a major championship have an impact on her game? Well, no.

Korda began play at the Chevron Championship with a score of 68. She trailed Lauren Coughlin by two after 18 holes, but caught her with a second-round 69. Coughlin would ultimately tie for third spot with Brooke Henderson. Henderson played with Korda on day four, but the middle third of the round was her undoing. Making a late move was Maja Stark. House Stark closed with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach 11 under par. Both Korda and Strak played the final three days in identical numbers: 69 each day.

Korda held a firm hand on the tournament over the course of the final day. She stood minus-four for the round through ten holes, before a bit of sloppy play made things competitive again. Bogeys at 11 and 15 opened the door a wee bit for Stark. Korda was equal to the test, however, and closed stylishly with birdie at 18.

Safely around the green on the 72nd hole

Watch @NellyKorda‘s historic finish now on NBC! pic.twitter.com/1zaAYtbaCz

— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2024

PGA Tour 1 @ RBC: Scottie, so hottie!

Nelly isn’t the only golfer on fire, although Scottie Scheffler still has a ways to go to match her. Scheffler proved this week that he has a game for all courses. After winning comfortably at lengthy Augusta National, Scheffler shifted gears and game to the wee Sea Pines course, and won again. That’s two weeks in a row for the man from New Jersey/Texas, so let’s learn how he did it.

Scheffler totaled 69 on day one, and found himself six shots behind leader J.T. Poston. Scheffler revealed that his teacher, Randy Smith, would tell him that he didn’t need to be the best 15 year-old; just the best 25 year-old. It was easy, then, to play the long game and consider all 72 holes, instead of just 18. Scheffler improved to 65 on Friday, and then went even lower on Saturday. His 63 moved him to the top of the board, and caused the golfverse to wonder if Scheffler would win for a second consecutive week.

Sunday saw all the chasers fall away. Scores between 70 and 72 from Patrick Rodgers, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka meant that others would need to seize the day, if Scheffler were to do more than coast. Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas each moved inside the top five with fourth-round 65s, but no one ever got close enough to the world number one. The win was Scheffler’s 10th on tour, and made him the betting favorite for next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

Scottie Scheffler can save par from just about anywhere.

Including the water ?

(Presented by @CDWCorp) pic.twitter.com/RUqL2sBrr9

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 22, 2024

PGA Tour 2 @ Corales Puntacana: Baton Boy claims 8th Tour triumph

If you’ve ever seen Billy Horschel toss a club, you know that he doesn’t do so in anger. More likely is a calculated, soaring arc, paired with a look of fractured disbelief, followed by a quick catch of the cudgel. Ergo, Baton Boy. This week on the island of Hispaniola, the native of Grant, Florida, outworked and outhustled everyone else on Sunday. Horschel gathered seven birdies and an eagle, on the way to a 63 and a 23-under par total.

The former Florida Gator zipped past the four golfers in front of him, and left the remaining field in the rear-view mirror. Horschel’s round was two shots better than anyone else, and moved him two shots ahead of third-round leader Wesley Bryan. One of the famed Bryan Brothers, Wes closed with birdie at the last to post a 68 that would have won the week on any other day.

Walking it in with a fist pump ?@BillyHo_Golf is 9-under on the day and leads by two @CoralesChamp. pic.twitter.com/N6rjL1GGGA

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 21, 2024

Korn Ferry Tour @ LeCom Suncoast: It’s Widing in extra holes

Miles Russell probably won’t have to serve detention for ditching class on Thursday and Friday. The high school freshman made his KFT debut, survived the 36-hole cut, and toyed with a top-ten finish. He ultimately tied for 20th at 14-under par, six shots behind the three co-leaders. My guess is that Epstein’s Mom will write him a note, and he’ll get a pass. By finishing top-25, Russell earned a spot in next week’s event. Yikes!

Back to the top of the board. Patrick Cover, Steven Fisk, and Tim Widing all found their way to the magic number of -20. Fisk made birdie at the last, after bogeys at 16 and 17. Cover had three bogeys on the back nine, but a birdie at 14 was enough to get him to overtime. Widing was plus-one on the day through four, but played interstellar golf over the final 14. Six birdies moved him from Russell-ville to extra time.

The trio scurried to the 18th tee, where Cover drove into a fairway bunker. He was unable to reach the green with his approach, made bogey, and exited the overtime session. Widing and Fisk returned to the final deck once more, and matters were resolved. Fisk was unable to convert a long par putt, and Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) tapped in for his first KFT title.

The feeling of relief when you know you won. ???

Tim Widing is now a champion on the #KornFerryTour. pic.twitter.com/K0vgiZ21UG

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) April 21, 2024

PGA Tour Americas @ Brasil Open: Mr. Anderson finds a way

Golf is a funny game. Matthew Anderson held a lead with one round to play. He made six pars on Sunday, and sprinkled the rest of his card with birdies and bogeys. In complete contrast, Ollie Osborne played consistently on the day, posting four birdies and zero bogeys. Connor Godsey was not far off Osborne’s pace, with seven birdies and but two bogeys on the scorecard. So, of course, Matthew Anderson won by a stroke over Osborne and Godsey.

Not how, but how many, is another one of those platitudes that we all learn early on. Despite five bogeys through his first 14 holes, Anderson summoned the defiant grit to make birdie at the 71st and 72nd holes. After making deuce at the penultimat hole, Anderson’s swerving effort at the last looked as if it should miss low, but it had enough pace to stay inside the hole and fall for a closing four at the par-five finisher.

Birdie-birdie finish to secure the ?

Mississauga-native Matthew Anderson is your 69th ECP Brazil Open Champion. pic.twitter.com/ONE8hIUjeS

— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) April 21, 2024

PGA Tour Champions @ Invited Celebrity: Broadhurst stands tall

What do you call a tournament that begins on Friday, takes Saturday off, and finishes on Sunday? Fortunate is one adjective to use. A weather system moved through Texas this weekend, and made a mess of things in Irving. After Thomas Bjorn signed for 64 on day one, rain and all things counter-productive moved through the Las Colinas resort, ensuring that Saturday would be nothing more than a rest day. When Sunday arrived, conditions had improved, and the game was on. Bjorn was unable to preserve his Friday magic, although he did record a 70 for -8. He finished in a third-place tie with Y.E. Yang.

David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship victor, presented Sunday’s low round, and moved to 10-under par. Toms made one mistake on the day. He lived in the rough on the 9th hole, ultimately making bogey. The rest of the day was immaculate, as seven birdies came his way, resulting in a six-under par 65. Only one golfer was able to surpass Toms, and that was Paul Broadhurst.

Broadhurst nearly matched Toms for daily honors. His mistake came early, with bogey at the second. He bounced back with eagle at the third, and added three more birdies for 66 and 11-under par. Over his first three seasons on the Tour Champions, Broadhurst won five times, including two major titles. His fifth win came in 2018, making this win his first in six years. A long time coming, for sure, but well earned.

Looking at the hole is working for @PBroadhurstGolf ?

He leads by one after a clutch birdie on 15 @InvitedCC. pic.twitter.com/S0rhcVwaeE

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 21, 2024

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