"The Starter" recaps the week gone by in golf. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment, Elliott breaks down Sepp Straka’s win at The American Express, Tyrrell Hatton making history in Dubai, and a preview of Tuesday’s third-week match-up in TGL.
Straka Claims 3rd PGA TOUR Title at The American Express
Sepp Straka stole the show on Sunday at The American Express, clinching his third PGA TOUR title with an impressive final round at PGA WEST on the Pete Dye Stadium Course. The Austrian golfer played exceptionally, finishing the tournament at 25-under 263. His closing round was, while not the show he put on throughout the first 54 holes, his 2-under par 70 was enough to capture the title. His four-shot cushion coming into Sunday meant he just needed to stay steady and have the field go to him if they wanted a chance. Straka's consistent performance all week was a blueprint for winning on the PGA TOUR. Anytime a player can finish in the top 10 statistically in Fairways, Greens, and Putts Per GIR, they will be hard to beat. Straka finished the week tied for ninth in Fairways, hit at 73.21% (41/56), tied for first in Greens at 83.33% (60/72), and ninth in Putts Per GIR at 1.58, making an astounding 181' of putts on the week, which ranked second.
This victory cements his status as a force to be reckoned with on TOUR, and it's easy to see how his confidence is set to skyrocket. With each event he competes in, he's solidifying his reputation as a top player to watch.
JT Continues to Refine Form, Finishes Two Back and Solo Second
Justin Thomas continues to show a resurgence in his game after his performance last week, finishing just two strokes behind the leader, Straka, with an impressive score of 23-under 265. Throughout the week, he was remarkably consistent, ranking near the top in almost every statistical category. His putting and iron play really stood out, and his short game is an area that he has always excelled in. The one area where JT still lacks a bit is his accuracy off the tee. He finished the week tied for 58th in Fairways, clocking in at 57.14% (32/56).
Thomas closed out the week well with his final round 6-under par 66, tied for the second-best round of the day on the sometimes tricky Dye Stadium Course at PGA WEST. JT's performance at The American Express and several other recent strong finishes clearly indicate that he is making a comeback. He is reminding everyone that he remains a major contender on the PGA TOUR, and his recent form will soon lead to his return to the winner's circle.
The Best of the Rest: Day and Lower T-3, Cantlay, Hoffman T-5
Jason Day and Justin Lower put on impressive performances, finishing tied for third at 22-under 266. Day, a former World No. 1, showed some real flashes of his old brilliance throughout the tournament. Like Justin Thomas, Day is clearly looking to regain the same prominence he once had in golf. Finishing tied for third with Day was the 35-year-old Akron, OH native Justin Lower. Looking back to late last season and into last week's Sony Open, Justin has had a T2 at the World Wide Technology Championship, a T5 at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, and a T37 last week. As Lower works to establish himself on the PGA TOUR, weeks like this will undoubtedly help continue to boost his confidence. Patrick Cantlay and Charley Hoffman also had strong showings, tying for fifth at 20-under 268.
DP World Tour: Hatton Holds Off Hillier in Dubai For Victory
Tyrrell Hatton emerged victorious at the Dubai Desert Classic, achieving a record-tying fifth Rolex Series win and delivering an exciting final-round performance for the fans. On the 18th hole, with the tournament on the line, Hatton showcased remarkable poise, a quality that has not always been his strong suit, as he faced a strong challenge from New Zealand's Daniel Hillier.
After Hillier made a birdie on the last hole while Hatton watched, the pressure mounted for Hatton as he prepared for his own crucial putt—a seven-footer for par and the win. With the title at stake, the Englishman sank the putt, finishing with a 15-under par 273 total, just one stroke ahead of Hillier. This victory marks Hatton's second win in Dubai, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor in the desert.
Rory's Bid For 3 Straight Falls Short
Rory McIlroy's quest for a historic third consecutive title at the Dubai Desert Classic came up just short, as the beloved Northern Irishman finished three strokes behind Hatton. With high hopes as he entered the final round, McIlroy struggled a bit with his consistency, and a few frustrating mistakes on the greens ultimately cost him. Despite not having the finish he desired, he managed to rally after a shaky start earlier in the week, showing flashes of his usual brilliance that fans have come to expect. McIlroy remains optimistic about his game, keeping his sights set firmly on making 2025 a year to remember for the 35-year-old 41-time worldwide tournament winner. Hard to believe it's been 18 years since McIlroy turned pro.
TGL Week 3 Preview
As the newness starts to wear a bit, week three of the new upstart TGL League will pit the New York Golf Club against the Atlanta Drive Golf Club. This will be New York's second match in three weeks, losing their first 9-2 versus The Bay Golf Club.
If Atlanta’s Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay can stay on the same form they showed at The American Express, that will bode well for their chances at the SoFi Center tomorrow night.
The action starts on ESPN and streaming on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET.
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.
