“The Starter” recaps the week gone by in golf. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. This week, Elliott breaks down wins by Brian Harman and Madelene Sagstrom and looks ahead to Augusta.
In a week where Mother Nature showed her teeth, Brian Harman demonstrated the grit and determination that have defined his career, capturing the Valero Texas Open title on Sunday. Meanwhile, the women battled it out at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, and the golf world turns its collective gaze toward Augusta National as Masters Week officially begins.
Harman Holds Steady in Brutal Texas Conditions
Brian Harman may not be the longest hitter on the PGA TOUR, but the feisty left-hander from Georgia proved once again that heart and determination often trump raw power. Battling through windy, chilly conditions at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course, Harman captured his fourth PGA TOUR title on Sunday, holding off a field of challengers despite closing with a 3-over 75.
“Just so proud of how I handled these conditions,” Harman said after his victory. “This golf course gave me all I wanted today and happy to come out on top.”
The win marks Harman’s first victory since his breakthrough major championship at the 2023 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, where he similarly displayed his trademark resilience. Starting the final round with a three-shot advantage, Harman saw his lead dwindle but never disappear completely, as he made crucial birdies on the 12th and 14th holes to maintain breathing room.
What made Harman’s performance particularly impressive was his ability to navigate the treacherous conditions. The final round scoring average soared to 74.803, with several players, including Tommy Fleetwood, failing to break 80. Harman’s short game proved to be the difference-maker – he went a perfect 60-for-60 on putts inside seven feet throughout the tournament and never three-putted all week.
Andrew Novak, seeking his first PGA TOUR victory and a coveted spot in the Masters, applied pressure throughout the day but couldn’t capitalize on Harman’s mistakes. Novak’s putter betrayed him down the stretch as he bogeyed three of his final four holes to fall into a tie for third with Maverick McNealy at 5-under.
Ryan Gerard claimed solo second place at 6-under after a final-round 69, one of only seven rounds under par on Sunday. The performance was Gerard’s best career PGA TOUR finish, though, like Novak, he missed out on the last-minute Masters invitation that would have come with a victory.
In a touching moment during his victory interview, Harman revealed he was “playing with a heavy heart” for someone named “Ms. Cathy,” who he said was “not doing so good.” The emotional dedication added another layer to what was clearly a meaningful win for the 37-year-old.
The victory vaults Harman up the FedEx Cup standings, moving him 64 spots to 19th. It also adds $1.71 million to his bank account. More importantly, it gives him momentum heading into his Masters title bid this week at Augusta National.
Sagstrom Survives Shadow Creek in Match Play Thriller
While the men were battling the elements in Texas, the LPGA Tour’s best were engaged in their own high-stakes drama at the T-Mobile Match Play presented by MGM Rewards at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas.
The tournament featured a unique format, with three days of round-robin match play, narrowing the field to eight players for the weekend’s knockout rounds. Despite frigid temperatures in the high 40s and gusting winds early in the week, the competition heated up as the weekend progressed.
Ultimately, it was Madelene Sagstrom, the 67th-ranked player in the world, who overcame the loss of a four-hole lead midway through the final match and walked away the winner with a one-up win over Lauren Coughlin.
With the win, Sagstrom ended a five-year winless streak. Her last win came in 2020 at the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio.
Notably absent from the weekend was defending champion, World #1, and heavy favorite Nelly Korda, who was eliminated earlier in the event. Nelly was not the only top star to miss the weekend; Lydia Ko, Charley Hull, and Jin Young Ko were just a few of the early upsets.
The challenging conditions at Shadow Creek proved to be a great equalizer, with the Tom Fazio-designed course playing even more difficult than its already formidable reputation. The tournament once again showcased why match play provides some of golf’s most exciting and unpredictable moments.
All Eyes on Augusta: Traditions, Amateurs, and Title Hopes
While the professional golf world played its last competitive rounds before the season’s first major, the beauty of the game was on full display this weekend as Masters Week unofficially began with two of golf’s most inspiring amateur competitions at Augusta National Golf Club.
Saturday featured the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, where Spain’s Carla Bernat Escuder captured the title with a record-setting performance. The 21-year-old Kansas State University senior finished at 12-under par, breaking the tournament scoring record by two strokes. Her victory adds to Spain’s rich history of success at Augusta National, joining countrymen Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal, Sergio Garcia, and Jon Rahm, who have all claimed Masters titles.
Sunday brought the 11th Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, a youth golf development initiative that has become one of the most heartwarming traditions of Masters Week. Eight champions were crowned across four age divisions for both boys and girls, with competitors ranging from 7 to 15 years old.
I’ve been fortunate enough to attend all but two of the DCP Finals, including this year’s edition. It truly is a magical event! Watching these young golfers compete on Augusta National’s 18th green, with many of them sinking putts on the same putting surface where Masters champions have been crowned, never fails to inspire. The pure joy on their faces as they compete, regardless of the outcome, reminds us all why we fell in love with this game in the first place.
Augusta Bound: Inside a PGA Pro’s Annual Journey
I just got settled in a few hours ago at the bungalow I’m crashing at for the week, just north of Augusta in Aiken, SC. It’s a fabulous little garage apartment on land owned by the parents of two of my students. They plan to build their retirement home here once their kids graduate from high school. The hospitality of the people in this region during Masters Week is unmatched, and I’m grateful for their generosity.
This week marks my 14th Masters, having missed only two years since becoming a PGA Member. This is by far my favorite week of the year as I make the pilgrimage north from Orlando, FL, to the Augusta area for this magical experience. The fact that this is a bucket list item for most golf fans is not lost on me at all. I am truly humbled that I get to walk the hallowed grounds of Augusta National each year.
There’s simply nothing like Augusta National during Masters Week. From the moment you walk through the gates, you’re transported to a golf paradise that exceeds even the most vivid imagination. The perfectly manicured fairways are somehow greener than green, the white sand bunkers practically glow, and the azaleas – if timed right with the weather – create splashes of color that no television broadcast can truly capture.
My routine has become somewhat sacred over the years. I love spending time at the practice facilities and watching the world’s best players fine-tune their games. The merchandise pavilion is always dangerous for my credit card – I inevitably spend far too much at the Golf Shop, but those items emblazoned with the Masters logo make for perfect gifts (and yes, plenty for myself, too).
Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest remains one of my favorite traditions, watching players relax with family members as caddies before the intensity of competition begins. Then Thursday morning arrives with the ceremonial first tee shots from Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson – a moment that never fails to give me goosebumps as these legends officially open the tournament.
This year, the weather looks to be a factor, with Monday’s practice round potentially being washed out altogether due to heavy rain and storms. The forecast calls for cooler weather from Tuesday onward, with another chance of rain on Friday. Augusta National plays differently in various conditions, so this could add another layer of intrigue to an already compelling tournament.
As for contenders, it’s hard to look past Scottie Scheffler, given his dominant form this season. Rory McIlroy’s annual quest to complete the career Grand Slam always makes him a sentimental favorite of mine. Bryson DeChambeau’s length could be a significant advantage, especially if the course plays soft from the rain. I’m also keeping a close eye on Ludvig Aberg, who continues to impress in his young career, Shane Lowry, who seems to be rounding into form at the right time, and even Sergio Garcia, who knows what it takes to win here and has been playing solid golf on the LIV circuit.
But perhaps the most beautiful thing about the Masters is its unpredictability. The course demands precision, courage, and creativity in equal measure. Augusta National has a way of identifying not just the best golfer, but the most complete player – one who can execute every shot in the bag while managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with competing for a green jacket.
As I settle in for the week ahead, I’m reminded once again how fortunate I am to experience this tournament year after year. The sights, sounds, and even smells of Augusta National during Masters Week create memories that last a lifetime. From the pimento cheese sandwiches to the roars that echo through the pines, there’s simply nothing else like it in golf – or perhaps in all of sports.
Let the 2025 Masters begin!
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
