"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, Thitikul’s stunning finish at CME Group Tour Championship; McNealy breaks through at RSM.
LPGA Tour: A Stunning Finish at the CME Group Tour Championship
What an incredible battle in Naples on Sunday. Jeeno Thitikul and Angel Yin separated themselves from a steller field as they turned to the back nine of Tiburón's Gold Course. As the pair battled, Thitikul executed to near perfection over the final two holes with an eagle-birdie finish to claim the one-stroke victory at the CME Group Tour Championship. The triumph not only secured her the win but also earned her a staggering $4 million—the largest prize in women's golf history.
The Winning Moment
The pivotal moment of the tournament arrived when Thitikul faced a crucial 25-foot eagle putt on the 17th hole. With nerves of steel, she sunk the putt, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Her clutch eagle was soon followed by a masterfully struck 6-iron on the 18th, landing just feet from the pin and a short birdie conversion to edge past Yin by stroke. Earlier in the week, Thitikul had also clinched the Aon Risk Reward Challenge, adding another $1 million to her earnings, which brought her total for the week to an astounding $5 million—a feat that held a great deal of significance in the history of women's competitive golf.
Beyond the Financial Prize
While the financial rewards of her victory are undoubtedly impressive, Thitikul emphasized that the true significance of her accomplishments lies beyond monetary gains. As she stood on the 18th tee, soaking in the moment, she reflected, "We're here for, like, growing the game of golf." Her inspiring journey, highlighted by her recent battle with a painful left thumb injury, showcases her resilience and determination to keep grinding. Thitikul's experiences not only reveal her determination to succeed but also spotlight her commitment to expanding the reach and popularity of women's golf, a sentiment that resonates deeply in the evolving landscape of the sport.
Thitikul Setting More Records
In addition to securing the CME Group Tour Championship title, Thitikul also shattered the single-season earnings record with a remarkable total of nearly $6.1 million, surpassing Lorena Ochoa's long-standing mark. Thitikul's achievements this year highlight her exceptional talent and set a new benchmark within the LPGA Tour, paving the way for future generations of female golfers to aspire to similar heights.
Celebrating History and Legacy
The CME Group Tour Championship also featured strong performances from other renowned players, such as Nelly Korda, who finished strongly, and Lydia Ko, who concluded her season with an impressive solo third-place finish. Ko's emotionally charged final round 9-under 63 was complemented by heartfelt farewells from veteran players Lexi Thompson, Ally Ewing, and Marina Alex, each sharing reflections on their significant contributions throughout their decade-long careers.
The 2024 CME Group Tour Championship capped off an LPGA season that symbolizes the shifting dynamics in women's golf. New stars like Thitikul rise to prominence while seasoned veterans leave a lasting legacy on the sport's rich history.
PGA TOUR: McNealy Breaks Through With RSM Victory
Maverick McNealy finally broke through and snagged his first win after five years on the PGA TOUR at this week's RSM Classic, the last tournament of the 2024 season. With a 6-iron hit just a shade over 5 feet from the pin on the 18th hole at Sea Island Golf Club's Seaside Course, McNealy finished with a birdie and a solid 2-under 68, clinching the victory by a single shot over Daniel Berger, Nico Echavarria, and amateur sensation Luke Clanton.
A Tense Final Stretch
Talk about timing! McNealy ended a stretch of nine holes without a birdie with his clutch approach and tap-in birdie on 18, just when he needed it the most. Several players, including Berger, Echavarria, and Clanton, were racking up birdies on the back nine, creating a once four-way tie for the lead late in the round. This win was a massive moment for McNealy, coming in his 134th professional start. It also means he'll be heading to Maui to kick off the new year at The Sentry, and, for the first time in his career, he's off to Augusta for the Masters in April.
Close Finishes for Others
Daniel Berger had a shot at tying it up but missed a 20-foot birdie attempt on the 18th, right before McNealy made his winning putt. He tied for second with Nico Echavarria and Florida State sophomore Luke Clanton. Sadly, both Echavarria and Clanton missed par putts inside 8 feet on the final hole, which led to that four-way tie.
Joel Dahmen's Emotional Finish
For fan favorite Joel Dahmen, it was all about holding his spot this week at the RSM. Sitting at No. 124 going into the week, Dahmen needed a 5-foot par putt on Friday to make the cut and play on the weekend. However, merely making the cut may not have been enough by itself to secure his card. He needed to play well on Saturday and Sunday. In what may have been one of the most important final rounds in his career, Dahmen stepped up big time, closing his week with a 6-under par 64, jumping up 26 spots and finishing in a tie for 35th. When the dust settled, Dahmen held his spot at 124th in the FedEx standings and retained his card.
"Two of the biggest pressure moments of my career, I showed up, and I can take that going forward," Dahmen said to the press after his round.
Clanton's Near Miss
Luke Clanton almost joined Nick Dunlap as an amateur winner on the PGA TOUR in 2024. With seven of eight cuts made this year, including four top 10s and two runner-ups, Clanton has proven he can compete at this level. Settling for a runner-up after a brutal miss on the 18th for bogey, Clanton shared his thoughts with the press, "It's going to be a tough one to take, for sure, but I think it's proven to me that out here I can win, so I'll be training for that."
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.
