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Charlotte Heath delivered a definitive statement of intent on the Ladies European Tour (LET) this week, securing a solo fourth-place finish on the Ladies European Tour at the Ford Women’s NSW Open. Competing at the historic Wollongong Golf Club in New South Wales, Australia, Heath carded a 13-under-par total to finish deep inside the top five, marking a significant milestone in her 2026 rookie campaign. This marks Heath’s sixth consecutive Top 10 Finish as a professional dating back to August of 2025. The performance serves as a testament to Charlotte’s rapid adaptation to the professional ranks.]

Throughout the week, Heath demonstrated the composure and scoring ability that made her one of the most decorated amateur players in recent years, navigating a challenging seaside layout and weather interruptions to remain in contention until the final holes.

A Commanding Start in Wollongong

The tournament began under volatile conditions, with heavy rain forcing a suspension of play during the opening round. Despite the disruptions, Heath remained unfazed. She initially seized the lead during the first day of play, holding a one-shot advantage at three-under par through 15 holes before the horn sounded to halt competition.

When play resumed, she completed an opening round of 70 (-2). While many players struggled to find their rhythm following the restart, Heath used the solid opening as a foundation. Her ability to manage the stop-start nature of the first 24 hours spoke volumes about her mental toughness: a trait that has become a hallmark of her game as she transitions from the collegiate and amateur levels to the professional circuit.

Photo credit: Ladies European Tour (LET)

Technical Precision and Weekend Surge

After the opening 70, Heath moved into another gear over the final two rounds. Wollongong Golf Club, a par-72 layout known for its coastal winds and demanding green complexes, required precise iron play and a hot putter. Heath provided both.

In the second round, she fired a five-under-par 67, characterized by aggressive approach shots and clinical finishing on the greens. This round vaulted her up the leaderboard, positioning her within striking distance of the lead heading into the final day.

Her final round was a mirror image of her Saturday performance. Carding another five-under-par 67, Heath surged to a total of 13-under par. While the eventual winner set a blistering pace, Heath’s back-to-back 67s were among the lowest closing 36-hole totals in the field. Her statistical profile for the week showed a high percentage of Greens in Regulation (GIR), a critical metric for success on the LET’s diverse array of courses.

Navigating the Rookie Transition

For many players, the transition from elite amateur golf to the Ladies European Tour involves a steep learning curve. The travel, the variety of course conditions, and the depth of the professional fields present unique challenges. However, Heath’s performance in Australia suggests she is ahead of the curve.

This top-5 finish follows a trend of strong performances by players associated with Fidelity Sports Group in the Australian region. Recently, Mirabel Ting staked her claim in Australia with a gritty 12th place finish, showcasing the high level of talent currently emerging from the professional and amateur ranks. Heath’s success adds further momentum to this group, highlighting the global reach and competitive standard of the modern women’s game.

Course Management at Wollongong

Wollongong Golf Club provided a stern test for the field. Situated right on the coast, the course is susceptible to sudden changes in wind direction and velocity. To finish 13-under par over 54 holes requires more than just ball-striking; it requires elite course management.

Heath’s strategy involved a disciplined approach to the par-5s, where she was able to utilize her length off the tee to create birdie opportunities. Equally important was her avoidance of the “big number.” By minimizing bogeys and staying patient during the more difficult stretches of the course, she ensured that her birdie runs were reflected directly in her climbing leaderboard position.

Photo credit: Ladies European Tour (LET)

Career Momentum and World Rankings

The fourth-place finish in a sanctioned LET event provides Heath with a substantial boost in both the Race to Costa del Sol (the LET’s season-long points race) and the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. For a rookie, accumulating high-finish points early in the season is vital for securing entry into major championships and high-purse co-sanctioned events later in the year.

Heath’s trajectory has been closely watched by industry analysts since her standout career at Florida State University and her success in the Curtis Cup. Her ability to translate that amateur pedigree into professional results so quickly is a primary indicator of a long-term stay at the top of the leaderboards.

The Ford Women’s NSW Open is a prestigious title with a history of identifying future stars of the game. By finishing T-4, Heath joins an elite group of players who have used the Australian swing to launch successful global careers. The confidence gained from competing: and excelling: against an international field in Wollongong will be invaluable as the tour moves back toward Europe and the Middle East.

The Fidelity Sports Group Perspective

At Fidelity Sports Group, we focus on the strategic development of athletes who possess both the physical talent and the mental fortitude to succeed at the highest levels of professional sport. Charlotte Heath’s performance this week is a perfect example of that synergy.

Her success on the Ladies European Tour reinforces the importance of a strong support structure during a player’s rookie season. From managing the little details of a career to ensuring brand partnerships align with on-course performance, the goal is to allow the athlete to focus entirely on their game, family and friendships.

As we have seen with other rising stars, such as Mirabel Ting turning professional, the bridge between collegiate dominance and professional success is built on consistency and professional preparation.

Looking Ahead

The Ladies European Tour continues its global schedule, and Heath is well-positioned to capitalize on her current form. With the “Australian Swing” providing a stern test of coastal golf, she has proven she can handle diverse conditions and elite competition.

Fans and sponsors alike are taking note of Heath’s aggressive yet controlled style of play. As she continues her rookie season, the focus will remain on maintaining this level of consistency. If her performance at Wollongong is any indication, a maiden professional victory may be on the horizon sooner rather than later.

The 2026 season is shaping up to be a landmark year for women’s professional golf, with increased purses, greater television coverage, and a new generation of stars taking center stage. Charlotte Heath is undoubtedly at the forefront of this movement, representing the future of the game with every 67 she cards.

Final Results: Ford Women’s NSW Open

• Venue: Wollongong Golf Club
• Total Score: 204 (-13)
• Rounds: 70, 67, 67
• Position: 4th Place
• Tour: Ladies European Tour (LET)

This fourth-place finish is a massive building block for Heath. As the tour heads into its next phase, the momentum gathered in the seaside air of New South Wales will be a powerful asset in her pursuit of excellence on the world stage. We look forward to following her progress as she continues to challenge the best in the world.

For Lebioda, a player known for his professional preparation and technical proficiency, the first 36 holes have served as a masterclass in navigating the “Bear Trap” and maintaining composure when the margins for error are razor-thin. Seeing Hank’s process translate into a top-6 position on Friday at a venue this difficult is a testament to his trajectory.

A Disciplined Start in the Florida Wind

PGA National is not a course that yields low scores easily. Between the heavy Atlantic breezes and the abundance of water hazards, the Champion Course requires a level of respect that often forces players into a defensive shell. Lebioda, however, found the perfect balance between aggression and caution during his opening rounds.

Starting his tournament on Thursday with a 3-under par 68, Lebioda set the tone early. His ball-striking was the catalyst, finding fairways with surgical precision and giving himself looks at birdie on greens that were already beginning to firm up. By the time he signed his card on Friday afternoon, having added a 2-under 69, he had moved to 5-under par for the tournament.

The consistency of his performance is highlighted by his scoring breakdown. In an era of “bomb and gouge” golf, Lebioda’s success this week has been built on the traditional virtues of the game: hitting the correct side of the fairway and choosing the right tiers on the greens.

Masterclass in the Bear Trap

No discussion of the Cognizant Classic is complete without addressing holes 15, 16, and 17. Named the “Bear Trap” in honor of designer Jack Nicklaus, this three-hole stretch is statistically among the hardest in professional golf. It is where leads go to disappear and where the mental fortitude of a contender is truly tested.

Through two rounds, Lebioda has navigated this stretch with a veteran’s poise. While many in the field saw their Friday rounds derailed by the par-3 15th or the daunting approach over water on 16, Hank remained steady. His ability to commit to a line and trust his ball flight through the crosswinds was evident.

“The Bear Trap doesn’t care who you are or how well you’re playing,” one commentator noted during the Friday broadcast. “It requires total commitment.” Lebioda showed exactly that, playing the stretch in even par over the first two days: a result that essentially gains strokes on the rest of the field given the average score on those holes.

Ball-Striking and Technical Precision

The statistics from Friday’s round tell a compelling story of a player in total control of his equipment. Lebioda ranked inside the top 10 in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green during his second round. On a course where missing the green often leads to a mandatory bogey (or worse, a double-bogey thanks to the surrounding water), his iron play has been his greatest asset.

His approach shots into the par-4s were particularly impressive. By consistently leaving himself uphill putts and avoiding the short-sided misses that plague so many at PGA National, he was able to maintain a stress-free scorecard for much of the afternoon. This level of focus is what defines his current run.

The Fidelity Sports Group Perspective: Professionalism Personified

As an athlete representation and marketing agency, Fidelity Sports Group looks for more than just raw talent; we look for the “professional approach.” Hank Lebioda embodies this. His ascent into the top of the leaderboard this week isn’t a fluke of hot putting; it is the culmination of a rigorous off-season and a focused mental game.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the way Hank is handling the pressure this week,” says the team at Fidelity Sports Group. “The Cognizant Classic is an endurance test. Seeing him in solo sixth heading into the weekend is a reflection of the work he puts in behind the scenes. His maturity on the course and his ability to stick to a game plan, even when the Bear Trap is staring him down, is exactly why he is a premier talent in our portfolio.”

Our agency’s commitment to our athletes involves supporting them through the highs and lows of their difficult career as a professional golfer.

The transition from a decorated amateur career to the professional ranks is often described as one of the steepest climbs in sports. For Charlotte Heath, however, the ascent has looked more like a calculated progression. As the 2026 Ladies European Tour (LET) season officially gets underway, the English standout finds herself exactly where many expected her to be: at the top of the leaderboard and ready to cement her status among the world’s elite.

Currently competing in Australia at the Ford Women’s New South Wales Open, Heath has wasted no time making her presence felt. On a challenging layout at Wollongong Golf Club, she opened the tournament with a statement round that placed her at the summit of the standings. It is a fitting start for a player whose trajectory has been defined by consistency, high-level competition, and an innate ability to perform when the lights are brightest.

The Foundation: A Historic Amateur Resume

To understand the momentum Heath carries into 2026, one must look back at one of the most comprehensive amateur resumes in recent memory. Heath didn’t just participate in the amateur circuit; she dominated its most prestigious events across multiple continents.

Before even arriving at Florida State University (FSU), Heath proved her game traveled well. In 2020, she captured the Australian Amateur Championship, a victory that served as a harbinger of her current success on Australian soil. That win demonstrated a level of maturity and adaptability that would become her trademark.

Her tenure at Florida State further refined her game. Competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), one of the most competitive environments in collegiate golf, Heath emerged as a leader. Her accolades in Tallahassee include being named a 1st Team All-American, a testament to her standing as one of the premier collegiate players in the United States. Her time at FSU wasn’t just about individual glory; it was about preparing for the rigors of a professional schedule, balancing high-stakes competition with the demands of an elite athletic program.

Dominating the International Stage

Heath’s excellence wasn’t confined to the collegiate ranks. Her amateur career was punctuated by frequent appearances on the global stage, representing England and the United Kingdom with distinction.

She earned the rare honor of being invited to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) four times. Competing on the hollowed grounds of Augusta National is a dream for any golfer, but to be invited four consecutive times requires a sustained level of excellence that few can match. During her amateur peak, Heath reached as high as 7th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), confirming her status as a top-ten talent globally.

Her team experience was equally impressive. Heath was a two-time Curtis Cup player (2021, 2022), representing Great Britain and Ireland against the United States. She also played a pivotal role in European golf, helping lead England to victory in the European Ladies’ Team Championship twice. These performances underscored her ability to thrive in match-play environments and high-pressure team dynamics.

Perhaps the crowning jewel of her amateur career came in 2023 at the AIG Women’s Open. Competing against the best professionals in the world at Walton Heath, she claimed the Smyth Salver award as the tournament’s leading amateur. Winning the low amateur honors at a Major championship is often the final box a player needs to tick before turning professional, and Heath did so with characteristic poise.

The Bridge to the LET: 2025 Rookie of the Year

The leap to professional golf can be jarring, but Heath navigated the transition through the LET Access Series (LETAS) in 2025. This “pathway” tour is designed to test a player’s resolve, featuring a grueling schedule and a field of hungry competitors fighting for a spot on the main tour.

Heath didn’t just survive the 2025 LETAS season; she flourished. She finished 6th in the Order of Merit, a result that secured her full playing privileges on the Ladies European Tour for 2026. Her season was highlighted by a string of remarkable finishes, including a runner-up performance at the Madaef Golfs Ladies Open and a second-place finish at the Rose Ladies Open.

Her consistency: recording multiple top-10 finishes, including a T3 at the Lavaux Ladies Open: earned her the title of 2025 LET Access Series Rookie of the Year. It was a clear signal to the professional golf world that her amateur success was no fluke; her game was built to last at the professional level.

Strategy and Representation: The Fidelity Sports Group Partnership

At Fidelity Sports Group, our mission is to provide the strategic advisory and marketing support necessary for athletes to focus entirely on their performance. For a player like Charlotte Heath, who possesses an immense ceiling and a global brand appeal, the partnership is built on maximizing her professional trajectory.

As she enters the 2026 LET season, the business of “Charlotte Heath” is as robust as her golf swing. Navigating the complexities of international travel, sponsorship management, and media relations is a full-time job. By handling the commercial and advisory aspects of her career, we ensure that Heath can focus on the technical details of her game: the yardages, the green reading, and the competitive mindset required to win at this level.

Her success in 2025 on the LETAS proved she has the mental toughness to compete. Our role at Fidelity Sports Group is to provide the infrastructure that turns that toughness into long-term career sustainability. Whether it’s managing her brand image or identifying the right commercial partners that align with her values, we are proud to be a part of her journey.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Campaign

The 2026 season represents a new frontier. Moving from the Access Series to the main Ladies European Tour brings larger purses, tougher courses, and deeper fields. However, Heath is uniquely prepared for this jump. Unlike many rookies, she has already competed in Major championships and played on some of the world’s most iconic courses under immense pressure.

Her start in Australia this week is a perfect example of her readiness. By taking the lead early in the Ford Women’s New South Wales Open, she is proving that she belongs in the conversation for the tour’s top honors. The LET schedule in 2026 is expansive, taking players across Europe, Asia, and beyond, and Heath’s experience at FSU and as an international amateur has prepared her for the logistical challenges of a global tour.

Fans of the game should keep a close eye on Heath’s progression this year. Her game is built on a foundation of elite ball-striking and a calm demeanor that belies her age. As we have seen with other FSU standouts like Mirabel Ting, the pipeline from top-tier collegiate golf to professional success is stronger than ever.

A Star in the Making

Charlotte Heath’s journey to the 2026 Ladies European Tour is a masterclass in how to build a professional career. She didn’t rush the process; she dominated every level before moving to the next. From winning the Australian Amateur at 18 to earning Rookie of the Year honors on the LETAS, every step has been deliberate.

As she navigates the fairways of the LET this season, she carries the support of Fidelity Sports Group and a growing legion of fans who recognize her as the future of English golf. The “next chapter” isn’t just about competing; it’s about winning. And if her performance this week in New South Wales is any indication, those wins are coming sooner rather than later.

Stay tuned to our tour coverage for regular updates on Charlotte’s progress and insights into the professional golf world. The 2026 season is just getting started, and for Charlotte Heath, the best is yet to come.

In a week where scoring conditions at Tiburón’s Black Course rewarded steady ball-striking and smart course management, Petrovic put together a great start to the 2026 season on the PGA TOUR Champions.

The 59-year-old posted rounds of 68-72-70, culminating in a 6-under-par total over three days. That was enough to secure T11 in a deep senior field headlined by David Toms, who emerged victorious at 13 under to claim the title on Sunday.

Petrovic’s opening 68 set a confident tone, giving him early momentum as the Black Course proved firm and fast with tricky greens that punished even slight misreads. A tidy second round kept him firmly in the mix, and a final-round 70 — under subtly shifting wind conditions — ensured he stayed within striking distance of the event’s top finishers.

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Veteran Savvy on Display

What stood out most about Petrovic’s performance was his trademark consistency: he avoided big numbers, limited mistakes, and capitalized on birdie opportunities when they presented themselves. That approach kept him ahead of many fellow Champions Tour stalwarts, even as leaders surged and faltered around him.

It’s a reminder that, more than three decades into his professional career, Petrovic’s game remains competitive — particularly in events like the Chubb Classic where thoughtful course management pays dividends.

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Looking Ahead

While the victory in Naples went to Toms, Petrovic’s T11 finish not only adds a solid paycheck to his early-season resume but also builds positive momentum as the tour heads into its next stretch of events. With his experience and ball-striking ability, a top-10 or better isn’t out of reach when the course fits his game.

At the Castle Hill Country Club in Sydney, where the rugged fairways and tricky greens have become a proving ground for rising stars, Malaysian professional Mirabel Ting, playing on a sponsor invite, delivered a strong performance in the mixed-field Webex Players Series Sydney hosted by Peter O’Malley, finishing 12th in a deep and competitive field that blended PGA Tour of Australasia pros with WPGA Tour competitors.

While the spotlight ultimately shone on Declan O’Donovan, who dominated with a five-stroke victory to capture his first professional title, Ting’s week was one of measured progress and promise. In an event where men and women compete side by side — albeit from different tees — consistency over four rounds is often the key to success, and the 20-year-old showcased composure from the outset, carding solid scores that kept her inside the top tier of the leaderboard throughout the final two days.

For Ting, affectionately known to many as one of Asia’s brightest young talents, the 12th position marked a valuable addition to an already noteworthy early professional résumé. After a decorated amateur and collegiate career — including capturing the prestigious ANNIKA Award and rising as high as No. 2 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking — she has steadily transitioned to life as a professional, balancing appearances on multiple tours.

Her performance in Sydney adds to a pattern of competitive showings in mixed fields. While she has already recorded career highlights such as an impressive top-15 finish on the LPGA Tour as an amateur and solid results across international stops, this Australian outing proves she can handle varied course conditions and the unique demands of mixed tournaments.

What makes this result particularly noteworthy is the calibre of the competition: Castle Hill assembled a strong contingent of Australasian pros and emerging stars, pushing Ting to draw on every ounce of precision from tee to green. Her ball-striking remained steady under pressure, and on a course where par-saves were at a premium, she generally found enough fairways and greens to stay in contention.

While a maiden professional title may still be on the horizon, this outing in Sydney will do much to bolster Ting’s confidence. In the ever-evolving landscape of global women’s golf, performances like this send a clear message: Mirabel Ting is not just participating — she’s contending.

On Thursday at the Farmers Insurance Open, Lower’s second consecutive start, there were more emotions, but this time it was following a 9-under 63 on the North Course that lifted him into second place.

“Honestly, if I’m being really truthful with everyone, my mind’s not really here. My wife [Janise] is 34 weeks pregnant with twins and I’m just trying to get home on Monday, honestly, to try to help everything out as much as I can,” Lower said. “Luckily, we have family close and everything. Yeah, she’s going through it right now. Life’s about to get real, if it wasn’t real already.”

"Honestly … my mind's not really here right now."

Justin Lower's wife Janise is 34 weeks pregnant with twins, and Lower can't wait to get home to Ohio on Monday.

In the meantime, he opened @FarmersInsOpen in 9-under 63 and looks to return home with his first PGA TOUR title. pic.twitter.com/by7OoGqADn

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 29, 2026

Lower had two eagles and six birdies Thursday and trails Justin Rose by a shot. After finishing outside the top 100 last year, he has limited status this season (he missed the cut last week at the American Express). A solid week at Torrey Pines would improve that status, but he admitted his focus is understandably on his family and what promises to be an eventful few months.

“It’s just a lot. We have a 3-year-old right now as well. Life’s coming at us really quick,” he said. “Then obviously, like on my side, first year in a while without full status. I would say, a little uncertainty there. Yeah, it’s just kind of the way it is. Just trying to take it one day at a time.”

Story written by Rex Hoggard for GOLF Channel

As the PGA Tour officially begins its 2026 campaign at the Sony Open in Hawaii, two players — Davis Chatfield and Hank Lebioda — are setting the stage for what they hope will be breakout years on golf’s biggest stage. The Sony Open, played this week at the iconic Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, runs January 15–18 and marks the season’s first full-field event where FedExCup points are up for grabs.

Davis Chatfield: Rookie on the Rise

For Davis Chatfield, this week’s Sony Open is more than just a tournament — it’s the start of his first official PGA Tour season. The 26-year-old from Attleboro, Massachusetts, earned his Tour card thanks to a strong 2025 season on the Korn Ferry Tour, finishing inside the top 20 on the season-long points list with six top-10 finishes. Chatfield’s steady performance throughout last year — including runner-up showings at the Astara Chile Classic and the UNC Health Championship — earned him full PGA Tour status for 2026. Tonight, at 5:57 p.m. ET, he’s slated to tee off from the 10th tee for his first round alongside Adrien Dumont de Chassart and Sudarshan Yellamaraju. The former Notre Dame golfer and Rhode Island Amateur champion brings a game built on precision and consistency. Though he lacks the flashiest long ball, his accuracy and short-game acumen helped him earn promotion and now give him a solid foundation as he begins life on golf’s biggest tour.

Hank Lebioda: A Season of Redemption

Hank Lebioda’s path back to the PGA Tour has been one of resilience and hard-fought success. The 32-year-old Floridian was a PGA Tour member from 2018 to 2023 before returning to the Korn Ferry Tour. In 2025, Lebioda claimed his first Korn Ferry victory at The Bahamas Golf Classic, along with multiple top-10 finishes, propelling him back into PGA Tour eligibility for the 2026 season. Lebioda, a Florida State University alum who battled Crohn’s disease earlier in his career, now begins this week’s Sony Open with confidence and experience. His first round — alongside Lee Hodges and Tom Hoge — comes in the afternoon wave from the 1st tee at around 4:40 p.m. ET.

Season Stakes & Storylines

The Sony Open field is a mix of seasoned stars and hungry newcomers. While marquee names like Russell Henley, Hideki Matsuyama, and Jordan Spieth headline the event, players like Chatfield and Lebioda represent the next tier of competitors looking to make a statement early in the season. For Chatfield, a strong showing could validate his transition to the PGA Tour — and lay the foundation for a campaign aimed at retaining his card and earning elevated starts later in the year. Lebioda, meanwhile, will be focused on building momentum from his Korn Ferry Tour success and translating it into consistent results against the deeper competition found in full-field events.

When all was said and done at the PGA TOUR’s 2025 Bank of Utah Championship, Justin Lower walked off the scenic Black Desert Resort with more than just a share of third place — he left with momentum, confidence, and renewed visibility on the tour.

The Big Picture

Lower finished tied for third at –16 through the week, joining a high-quality group just behind champion Michael Brennan (-22) and runner-up Rico Hoey (-18). His final-round 67 (4 under-par) sealed the deal. The tournament was contested over 7,421 yards, par 71, at the Black Desert layout in Ivins, Utah. 

What He Did Well

• Strong start: Lower opened with a 66 in round one (-5) and followed with a 67 (-4) in round two, positioning himself firmly in contention. 
• Steady finish: His closing 68 (-3) in round three kept him among the leaders. 
• Cooling off the field’s pressure: With many of his peers under intense scrutiny, Lower’s composed performance allowed him to rise with relative consistency rather than a late-explosion approach.
• Seasonal uptick: Given his statistics coming into the week, the PGA Tour result signals a meaningful upward trajectory as Lower looks to finish his season strong. He had Top 5 finishes last year at the upcoming events in Mexico and Bermuda.

The Bigger Picture for Lower

Lower’s game has had flashes of brilliance, but this week suggests he’s stepping into a more consistently competitive phase. A tie for third at a meaningful event like this does more than add a good result to the ledger; it sets a tone. The question now: can he build on this and convert more frequent contention into victories?

What He’ll Be Watching

• Approach-shot refinement: His approach play has been a weaker suit historically. If that improves, another level opens.
• Putting under pressure: As fields tighten, clutch putting makes a difference — Lower will want to keep that steady.
• Swing sustainability: Was this week just a peak, or a new baseline? Maintaining this form will be key.
• Mental consistency & momentum carry: This result can become a catalyst—but only if he leverages it.

Final Take

Justin Lower’s T-3 finish at the Bank of Utah Championship doesn’t just belong in the “good week” folder. It belongs in the “turning-point” folder. He backed up strong opening rounds with poise down the stretch, signalled readiness to compete at a higher level, and opened the door to what could be a season of further advancement on the PGA Tour.

England’s Charlotte Heath was the only rookie to earn her LET card this season and comfortably secured the prestigious Rookie of the Year title.

This marks the first time since 2021 that the Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year honours have gone to different players.

Heath made an immediate impact at the start of the season, narrowly missing out on victory in a playoff at the Madaef Golfs Ladies Open to fellow Englishwoman Thalia Martin.

Despite being sidelined for much of last season with a back injury, Heath bounced back impressively, going on to post nine further top 10 finishes, including an outstanding run of five consecutive top 10s to close out the season.

• Rookie of the Year winner.
• 10 top 10 finishes. (The most this season).

“It means so much. I knew I needed a good week. I didn’t think it would literally come down to the last second, but I’m just very glad I have it now.

“I have a cross Atlantic flight tomorrow morning, so it’s probably going to be a little celebration tonight.

“I want to say a big thank you to my team.  I don’t necessarily think they probably get as much credit as they should deserve, so I just want to thank them a lot.”

LPGA Qualifying Series’ Qualifying Stage had another day of sunny skies and perfect temperatures for the final round. The field of 194 athletes was spread throughout the Panther and Bobcat Courses at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla. Saturday evening marked the conclusion of the Qualifying Stage, and the top 45 and ties are officially eligible to advance to the Final Qualifying Stage of LPGA Q-Series in Mobile, AL, come December 4th, 2025.

2025 marked Zoe Campos first foray in professional golf, and her rookie season on the Epson Tour which was highlighted by a 6th place finish at the Dream First Bank Charity Classic in August. Zoe returned to LPGA Qualifying in Venice where she also advanced in 2024. Zoe posted rounds of 74-68-69-71 to finished tied for 22nd and comfortably advance the Final Qualifying in December. Notably, Zoe’s final round included a clutch bogey-free back-nine score of 2-under 34 which allowed her to advance three shots clear of the cut line.

A total of 50 athletes, the top 45 and ties, are officially eligible to advance to the Final Qualifying Stage of LPGA Q-Series to take place in Mobile, AL, which is set to begin on December 4th, 2025.

LPGA Qualifying Series’ Qualifying Stage had another day of sunny skies and perfect temperatures for the final round. The field of 194 athletes was spread throughout the Panther and Bobcat Courses at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla. Saturday evening marked the conclusion of the Qualifying Stage, and the top 45 and ties are officially eligible to advance to the Final Qualifying Stage of LPGA Q-Series in Mobile, AL, come December 4th, 2025.

Mirabel Ting, coming off a steady, even par 72 in round three, found her groove again on the Bobcat Course. The former Florida State University stand-out and 2025 Annika Award Winner, began with a bogey on her second hole, but started dropping putts, sinking back-to-back birdies on holes four and five. Ting continued her birdie stretch with two consecutive birdies on the par-4 7th and 8th holes, to round the turn 3-under par.

“I wasn’t hitting my irons well yesterday and did hit a couple of range shots right after the round, and I actually feel pretty good knowing what’s going on at the range. So kind of had a quick fix and then just continued my round today and just stayed calm,” said Ting.

The Malaysian hit a bump with a bogey on 11, but yet again bounced right back, draining birdies on holes 13 and 16 to finish the day with a 4-under 68, bumping herself from T2 into T1, advancing herself to the Final Qualifying Stage of LPGA Q-Series. Ting found success this week, with a familiar face on the bag, her older sister, and this dynamic duo definitely made their late father proud, making Ting’s dreams of becoming an LPGA star one step closer to becoming a reality.

Ting expressed, “I think the first word would be he’s actually really proud. But at the same time, he would be saying to me, ‘Keep working hard, and the journey is still really far ahead, so keep your head high and continue doing what you’re doing, and you’ll be fine.”

A total of 50 athletes, the top 45 and ties, are officially eligible to advance to the Final Qualifying Stage of LPGA Q-Series to take place in Mobile, AL, which is set to begin on December 4th, 2025.

Article Originally Written by and for LPGA.com

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Davis Chatfield is headed to the PGA TOUR in 2026 thanks to a break-out season on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2025 where he finished 10th on the season long Points List.

Chatfield’s 2025 season was highlighted by six top-10s in 25 starts this season, highlighted by runner-up finishes at the Astara Chile Classic presented by Scotiabank in March and the UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH in June. The Attleboro, Massachusetts, native also recorded a podium finish at the NV5 Invitational, where he finished T3.

In two previous seasons on the Korn Ferry Tour, Chatfield finished No. 44 on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour Points List and No. 62 on the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour Points List. Chatfield earned membership for the 2023 season with a T39 finish at Final Stage of the 2022 Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament (now known as PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry); he was one of eight players who advanced through each stage of 2022 Q-School, beginning with pre-qualifying.

Prior to turning professional in 2022, Chatfield played five seasons at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a 2022 All-Atlantic Coast Conference Team selection as a fifth-year senior. Other amateur and junior highlights for Chatfield included wins at the 2015 Rhode Island Junior Amateur Championship and 2016 Rhode Island Amateur Championship, and he reached the quarterfinals of the 2021 U.S. Amateur Championship at Oakmont Country Club.

In a season defined by resilience and breakthrough performances, Hank Lebioda has punched his ticket back to the PGA Tour, securing full membership for the 2026 season through a commanding run on the Korn Ferry Tour. The 31-year-old left-hander, who previously competed on the big stage from 2019 to 2023, clinched one of the coveted 20 available cards by finishing sixth on the final 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List, amassing 1,445 points across 20 starts.

Lebioda’s journey back to the PGA Tour was marked by his first career victory on the developmental circuit at The Bahamas Golf Classic in January, a highlight that set the tone for a year of consistency. He followed that triumph with five additional top-10 finishes, including four top-fives, showcasing the ball-striking prowess and mental fortitude that first earned him attention as an amateur standout from Ohio State University. “This feels like a full-circle moment,” Lebioda said in a post-season interview. “I’ve been grinding on the Korn Ferry Tour, learning from the ups and downs, and to cap it off with a win and these results—it’s validation for all the hard work.”

The announcement came on the heels of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship at French Lick Resort in Indiana, where the top 20 players on the points list earned promotion—a reduction from the previous year’s 30 cards, intensifying the competition. Lebioda entered the week comfortably inside the bubble and maintained his position with a steady performance, finishing 6th place at the season-ending event.

This marks Lebioda’s second stint on the PGA Tour. He initially earned his card in 2018 by finishing 25th on the Korn Ferry Tour regular-season money list. Over five seasons on the main circuit, Lebioda logged five Top 10 finishes and four Top 5 finishes.

Championship Sunday at Indian Wells Golf Resort – Celebrity Course gave athletes one last chance to finalize their positions in the Race for the Card, a paid-for invitation to Final Qualifying or guarantee full Epson Tour status for the 2026 season.

And after a thrilling five-hole playoff on Sunday evening at Indian Wells Golf Resort, it was Duke University alum Anne Chen who walked away with the trophy, winning the Epson Tour Championship at Indian Wells and securing an LPGA Tour card for the 2026 season.

Chen carded rounds of 68, 64 and 69 over the first three days in California to sit alone in third heading into the final round at the Celebrity Course, two shots back of 54-hole leader Yana Wilson. Wilson faltered on day four, ultimately finishing with a 1-over 73 to tie for ninth, and both Chen and Sophia Schubert capitalized on the 19-year-old’s stumbles, moving up the leaderboard with rounds of 65 and 66, respectively, to finish in a tie for first at 22-under overall.

The pair then needed five extra holes to decide a winner in one of the most dramatic playoffs of the entire Epson Tour season. After matching pars on the first and second holes, Chen recovered from a poor bunker shot on the third hole by burying a lengthy par putt from off the green to keep the playoff going

Then, on the fourth extra hole, Chen found the green on the par-5 13th hole in two and two-putted for birdie, while Schubert got up-and-down for birdie to send the duo to a fifth playoff hole. And when Schubert missed the green with her approach shot and failed to get up and down, a two-putt handed Chen her first career Epson Tour victory and locked her into the 11th position in the season-long Race for the Card, earning the 24-year-old LPGA Tour membership for the 2026 season.

“I had a great day. It was a lot of fun. I really wasn’t trying to think about winning this tournament. I was just trying to have a great time. I played with Annabelle Pancake-Webb, and she was so much fun, such a joy to play with,” said Chen. “She definitely made me feel less stressed on the golf course, and I made a putt on 17 that I wasn’t expecting to make. I just parred out on 18, and I didn’t realize that I was tied for the lead, and then we had a playoff. Sophia (Schubert) is such a great competitor. It was so fun to play against her, and I’m super excited to win today.”

Schubert, who had already clinched her card after the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout, recorded her sixth top-10 result of the 2025 season with her solo second performance at the Epson Tour Championship. She finished fourth in the Race for the Card after play wrapped at Indian Wells Golf Resort and will return to the LPGA in a full-time capacity next year.

Isabella Fierro and Agathe Laisne tied for third at 19-under overall, finishing two shots out of the playoff. Both athletes posted 7-under 65s in the final round, with Laisne making one bogey and eight birdies and Fierro going bogey-free, putting five birdies and an eagle on the par-4 3rd hole on her scorecard. Fierro finished inside the top 15 in the Race for the Card and will also be returning to the LPGA in 2026, news the Mexico native was delighted to celebrate as the sun began to set in Indian Wells, Calif.

“It was such a long season, and the Epson Tour is getting so competitive every single day,” said Fierro with a smile on her face. “Even today, I just played with no expectations, and I knew that I was going to be up there. It was gonna be close, but I had a blast today on the course. I just played my game, and it paid off. I’m really excited to be back and to be teeing off with the best players in the world. It’s honestly a dream.”

Annabelle Pancake-Webb and Megan Schofill rounded out the top five, tying for fifth at 18-under overall. Fifteen players secured 2026 LPGA Tour membership via the 2025 Race for the Card, including Melanie Green, who earned both Player of the Year and Gaelle Truet Rookie of the Year honors with her T7 showing in the desert. She is the first athlete since two-time LPGA Tour winner Madelene Sagstrom in 2016 to win both awards simultaneously, history the 24-year-old New Yorker was excited to make in her debut season on the Official Qualifying Tour of the LPGA.

“It’s really exciting about the history behind it,” said Green. “Obviously, I have to go make my own, but just overall exciting. I’m really looking forward to the journey and everything that comes with it.”

Other notable athletes to secure 2026 LPGA Tour status include Nevada native Yana Wilson, Texas A&M University alum Hailee Cooper and Japan’s Erika Hara. In addition to Chen, former Duke University Blue Devils Gina Kim and Laetitia Beck also finished in the top 15 of the Race for the Card. Chen’s victory at the Epson Tour Championship was the second consecutive win for a Blue Devil on the Epson Tour, as Erica Shepherd triumphed at the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout.

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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Headlined by three-time winner Michael Brennan, the top four players in the Fortinet Cup standings have mathematically secured their spot in “The 10” and earned Korn Ferry Tour membership for the 2026 season, PGA TOUR Americas officials announced Wednesday. Through their play in the first 15 events on PGA TOUR Americas this season, Brennan, Davis Lamb, David Perkins and Brett White secured their Korn Ferry Tour cards and will finish in the top 10 of the Fortinet Cup when the season concludes Sunday, Sept. 28.

Six Korn Ferry Tour cards are still available as a field of 115 players compete at this week’s season-ending Fortinet Cup Championship at Morgan Creek Golf Course in Surrey, British Columbia. The 72-hole season finale will award 600 points to the winner – compared to 500 points in the regular season – and the field will be cut to the low 60 players and ties after 36 holes.

Carson Bacha currently holds the 10th and final position in “The 10” with 817 points.

By finishing in “The 10,” players will secure two opportunities to earn a PGA TOUR card – first, at Final Stage of 2025 PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry (Dec. 11-14); and next season as members of the Korn Ferry Tour. A player’s finish in “The 10” also determines his share of the $100,000 bonus pool, courtesy of Fortinet, with the No. 1 player earning $25,000.

Beyond “The 10,” players finishing Nos. 11-25 in the final Fortinet Cup standings will be exempt into Second Stage of 2025 PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry, while PGA TOUR Americas members finishing No. 26 and beyond will be exempt into First Stage. Additionally, players finishing Nos. 11-80 in the Fortinet Cup will retain PGA TOUR Americas membership in 2026.

Mathematically assured to finish in ‘The 10’

1. Michael Brennan

In 15 starts on PGA TOUR Americas this season, Brennan has three wins and 11 top 10s, with those performances catapulting him to No. 114 in the Official World Golf Ranking. The 23-year-old from Leesburg, Virginia, has held the No. 1 position since his breakthrough victory at the BioSteel Championship in August. Two starts later, he won the CRMC Championship presented by Northern Pacific Center in a playoff, and he won the very next week at the ATB Classic to clinch his Korn Ferry Tour card via Three-Victory Promotion. Brennan earned PGA TOUR Americas membership last season after finishing No. 12 in the PGA TOUR University Class of 2024, which he followed with a No. 18 finish in the 2024 Fortinet Cup as a rookie.

Michael Brennan won three times leading up to the Fortinet Cup Championship, with his second victory coming at the CRMC Championship presented by Northern Pacific Center.

2. Davis Lamb

Lamb has recorded five top-five finishes this season, including an unofficial victory at the weather-shortened Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship in May, and has been no lower than No. 2 in the Fortinet Cup since the final event of the Latin America Swing. The 28-year-old from Bethesda, Maryland, will finish among the top 10 in the Fortinet Cup for the second time, having previously finished No. 3 for the 2023 PGA TOUR Canada season to earn Korn Ferry Tour membership.

Davis Lamb finished at the top of the leaderboard at the Inter Rapidísimo Golf Championship after carding an opening-round 11-under 61 in Colombia.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Hank Lebioda is the fifth Korn Ferry Tour member to achieve #TOURBound status and secure PGA TOUR membership for the 2026 season, as announced Tuesday by the Korn Ferry Tour.

Lebioda, who previously graduated from the Korn Ferry Tour following the 2018 season, earned his first Korn Ferry Tour title at the season-opening The Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island in January. The Orlando, Florida, native also earned top-three finishes at the Astara Chile Classic presented by Scotiabank (T3) in March and LECOM Suncoast Classic (solo third) in April, as well as a runner-up finish at the UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH in June.

In total, Lebioda has six top 10s in 20 starts this season, with his finishes amounting to 1,445 points, effectively securing one of the 20 PGA TOUR cards available through the final Korn Ferry Tour Points List.

Lebioda turned professional in 2016 after four seasons at Florida State University, where he was a four-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection and the 2016 ACC Player of the Year. After two seasons on PGA TOUR Canada, highlighted by a victory at the 2017 Mackenzie Investments Open, Lebioda earned Korn Ferry Tour membership via a T30 finish at Final Stage of the 2017 Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament (now known as PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry).

As a Korn Ferry Tour rookie in 2018, Lebioda logged four top-10 finishes and secured the final PGA TOUR card available with a No. 25 finish in the standings. Lebioda played five consecutive seasons on the PGA TOUR (2018-23), with the highlights being a T3 finish at the 2019 Butterfield Bermuda Championship and a 2021 FedExCup Playoffs appearance.

Lebioda returned to the Korn Ferry Tour in 2024, finishing No. 75 on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour Points List, the final spot in the standings, which awarded fully exempt membership for the 2025 season. This season, in addition to his on-course success, Lebioda has served as the chairman for the Korn Ferry Tour Player Advisory Council (PAC), advising and consulting with Korn Ferry Tour leadership on issues pertaining to the Tour.

The 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season continues this week with the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, the 24th of 26 scheduled events and the second of four season-ending Korn Ferry Tour Finals events.

While the top 20 players on the final 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List will earn PGA TOUR membership for the 2026 season, the player who finishes No. 1 earns exemptions for the 2026 PLAYERS Championship and 2026 U.S. Open. Johnny Keefer currently stands No. 1 on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List with 2,207 points and holds a 362-point lead over No. 2 Austin Smotherman.

The finalization of the points list and awarding of the 20 PGA TOUR cards will take place upon conclusion of the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by United Leasing & Finance, scheduled for Oct. 9-12 at French Lick Golf Resort in French Lick, Indiana.

KUALA LUMPUR: Golfer Mirabel Ting made an instant impact in the professional ranks by romping to a commanding nine-shot victory at the PGM Royal Pahang Championship — barely a month into her pro career.

The 19-year-old Sarawakian was in complete control throughout the 54-hole tournament at the Pahang Royal Golf Club, closing with a steady two-under 70 on Thursday for a winning total of 14-under 202.

Mirabel, who turned professional earlier this month after leaving Florida State University with a year of eligibility left, had set the pace early with rounds of 67 and a brilliant 65 on Wednesday to build a five-shot cushion heading into the final round.

She was the only player in the women’s field to shoot under par across all three rounds.

It was Mirabel’s second victory on PGM Tour, after having won the Fortuner Cup in June last year.

Aretha Pan took runner-up honours on five-under 211 (68-69-74), followed by Zulaikah Nasser in third at even-par 216 (73-72-71).

The former world No. 2 amateur paid tribute to her late grandfather Ng Siaw Pheng — the person who first introduced her to golf.

“He always hoped I’d turn pro and compete at the highest level. He was always there for me and Malcolm (her brother) whenever we returned to Miri,” said Mirabel, who cashed in RM10,000 in prize money.

“I’m thrilled to be playing at home and alongside my brother. This win means a lot.”

Her professional debut came at the Amundi Evian Championship in France earlier this month, where she missed the cut in the LPGA major. Meanwhile, the men’s event saw Edven Ting prevail in a dramatic sudden-death showdown to end a two-year title drought. Edven, Ben Leong and amateur Nateeshvar Ganesh all finished regulation play tied at 14-under 202, forcing a three-way play-off. The deadlock was only broken on the fifth extra hole, where Edven calmly rolled in a winning putt as Ben faltered. It was Edven’s first victory since capturing the Toyota Tour title at Templer Park in 2023.

Davis Lamb, the 27-year-old golfer from Bethesda, Maryland, has solidified his status as the frontrunner on the PGA TOUR Americas in 2025, claiming the No. 1 position in the Fortinet Cup points list with a dominant performance throughout the season. His commanding victory at the weather-shortened Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship in Bogotá, Colombia, set the stage for his rise to the top. The 36-hole event, where Lamb posted a bogey-free 15-under-par total with rounds of 11-under 61 and 68, earned him 500 points and conditional Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026. Since then, Lamb’s consistency has propelled him past John Marshall Butler to lead the Fortinet Cup standings as the North America Swing begins.

Lamb’s standout performance in Bogotá highlighted his precision and composure, with three eagles and six birdies in his opening round of 61 securing a one-stroke victory over Abel Gallegos. Though considered unofficial due to the tournament’s shortened format, the win vaulted him from No. 24 to No. 2 in the points standings, and subsequent strong play has cemented his position at the top. His earlier top-10 finish at the Diners Club Peru Open (9th) showcased his adaptability across diverse courses, further bolstering his campaign for exempt Korn Ferry Tour membership in 2026.

This summer, Lamb continued his impressive form during the opening events of the North America Swing in Canada, starting with the Explore NB Open in Fredericton, New Brunswick (July 3-6). Competing on the challenging Mactaquac Golf Course, Lamb delivered a series of steady rounds, finishing in the top five and adding crucial points to his Fortinet Cup tally. His ability to navigate the tight fairways and demanding greens of the Canadian venues, combined with his experience from winning back-to-back titles on PGA TOUR Canada in 2023 (ATB Classic and Bromont Open), underscored his comfort and confidence in the region. Lamb’s performance in Canada this summer has kept him ahead of the pack, reinforcing his status as the player to beat.

A University of Notre Dame alumnus who turned professional in 2021, Lamb’s experience on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2024, where he made 25 starts with a best finish of T11 at the Astara Chile Classic, has sharpened his competitive edge. The 2025 PGA TOUR Americas season, comprising 16 tournaments across Latin America, Canada, and the United States, offers a clear path to the Korn Ferry Tour for the top 10 Fortinet Cup finishers. With Lamb leading the points race, his exempt membership for the North America Swing and potential for early Korn Ferry Tour status in 2025 are well within reach.

As the North America Swing continues, Lamb is set to compete in upcoming events like the Québec Open, facing a strong field of PGA TOUR University graduates and Q-School qualifiers. His bogey-free brilliance in Bogotá and consistent play in Canada have positioned him as the favorite to secure a top-10 Fortinet Cup finish. “I’m just trying to keep the momentum going,” Lamb said after his Explore NB Open performance. “Playing well in Canada feels familiar, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.” With the Fortinet Cup Championship in September looming, Davis Lamb’s blend of skill, experience, and determination makes him the standout star of the 2025 PGA TOUR Americas season, with his sights set on the Korn Ferry Tour and beyond.

Will Make First Professional Start at the 2025 Evian Championship and Signs With Fidelity Sports Group

Amateur golf star Mirabel Ting has officially announced her decision to turn professional, with her debut coming on one of the sport’s most prestigious stages — The Amundi Evian Championship, one of the five major championships in women’s golf.

The 19-year-old Malaysian sensation, known for her remarkable amateur career and dynamic presence on the course, is the #2 ranked amateur in the world and recipient of the 2025 Annika Award. Ting has won eleven of her last twenty-five amateur tournaments around the world as an individual.

“Turning professional at the Evian Championship is a dream come true,” said Ting. “I’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and I’m excited to take the next step in my journey as a professional. Partnering with Fidelity Sports Group gives me a team that understands my goals on and off the course. I’m looking forward to building a great future together and to having a successful career around the world.”

Ting’s amateur resume includes multiple international victories, consistently dominant performances in collegiate golf as a member of the Florida State Women’s Golf Team, and representing Malaysia on the global stage. As the recipient of the 2025 Annika Award, Mirabel was recognized for a truly dominant season as the #1 player in NCAA Women’s golf. Her season included a scoring average of 67.1, five individual wins, eight Top 3 finishes and a runner-up finish at the NCAA National Championship. All told, Mirabel faced a total of 786 competitors during her 2024-2025 schedule at Florida State University and had an overall record of 770 wins, 10 loses and 6 ties.

“Mirabel has had an incredible amateur career and truly embodies what the ANNIKA Award presented by Stifel stands for — excellence, determination, and sportsmanship” said Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam, “watching her dominate at the collegiate level and now take a new leap into the professional ranks is exciting. I wish her the best.”

Ting has signed with Fidelity Sports Group for exclusive representation and career management for her global professional career. Fidelity Sports Group will manage Ting’s career across competition, endorsements, media, and business development. Mirabel will be co-represented and managed by FSG’s CEO David Moorman and President Drew Carr.

“We are honored to welcome Mirabel to the Fidelity Sports Group family,” said Drew Carr, President at Fidelity Sports Group. “She’s an exceptional talent with unlimited potential, and most importantly a wonderful person. Our team is thrilled to guide her throughout what will be an incredible career across the LPGA Tour, the Olympics and all over the world.”

Veteran golfer Tim Petrovic has once again proven his competitive edge on the PGA TOUR Champions, securing top-10 finishes at both the 2025 U.S. Senior Open and the Kaulig Companies Championship. The 58-year-old Massachusetts native showcased his skill and resilience, earning praise for his performance in these prestigious senior major events.At the 45th U.S. Senior Open, held at The Broadmoor’s East Course in Colorado Springs from June 26-29, Petrovic finished tied for ninth, highlighted by a rare hole-in-one on the par-3 8th hole. Using a pitching wedge from 178 yards, Petrovic aced the challenging hole, joining an elite group of players with a hole-in-one during the championship. His steady play on the tricky, heavily sloping Broadmoor layout resulted in a notable finish alongside Jason Caron, Dicky Pride, and Cameron Percy. The tournament saw Padraig Harrington claim his second U.S. Senior Open title with a one-shot victory over Stewart Cink, but Petrovic’s performance, including his memorable ace, was a standout moment.

Just weeks earlier, Petrovic made waves at the Kaulig Companies Championship, the third major of the 2025 PGA TOUR Champions season, held at Firestone Country Club’s South Course in Akron, Ohio, from June 17-22. Petrovic surged into contention with a second-round 4-under 66, tying for the lead with Steven Alker and Ricardo Gonzalez at 5-under 135. His round featured seven birdies, capped by a birdie putt on the par-4 ninth, showcasing his ability to navigate the demanding Firestone layout. Despite a third-round 71, Petrovic finished tied for sixth at 4-under, maintaining his strong form in a field stacked with golf’s legends, including Miguel Angel Jiménez and Ángel Cabrera.

Petrovic, who turned professional in 1988 and won the 2005 Zurich Classic of New Orleans on the PGA TOUR, has been a consistent contender on the PGA TOUR Champions since joining in 2016. Although he has yet to claim a victory on the senior circuit, his 11 runner-up finishes, including three in senior majors, underscore his competitiveness. His recent performances have boosted his Charles Schwab Cup standing, moving him from 38th to a stronger position as he eyes a spot in the season-ending championship.

Reflecting on his Kaulig Companies Championship performance, Petrovic noted, “I’ve been hitting it well the last few weeks and I just haven’t had much to show for it because I haven’t really had many putts. Then made a couple long putts early, I’m like, ‘Oh, wait a second, maybe we’ve got something going here.’” His ability to capitalize on key moments, like the birdie on the ninth at Firestone and the ace at The Broadmoor, highlights his enduring skill and mental toughness.

Petrovic’s top-10 finishes in these majors add to his impressive resume, which includes a tie for second at the U.S. Senior Open in 2018 at The Broadmoor, where he finished one stroke behind champion David Toms. His familiarity with the East Course, combined with his recent form, made his latest performance there particularly significant.

As Petrovic continues his 2025 campaign, his recent results signal he remains a force to be reckoned with on the PGA TOUR Champions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Hartford alum can convert his strong showings into a long-awaited first senior tour victory. With the ISPS HANDA Senior Open on the horizon, Petrov ic is poised to keep his momentum going and continue challenging the best in senior golf.

Justin Lower etched his name into the 2025 U.S. Open field with a stellar performance at Final Qualifying on June 2, 2025, at the Ohio State University Golf Club in Columbus. The Malone University graduate’s 7-under-par 137 (68-69) over 36 holes secured a tie for second place at the Canoe Brook Country Club site, earning him a spot in his second U.S. Open, set for June 12-15 at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. Lower’s qualification is not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal triumph, as he aims to honor his late father on Father’s Day during the championship week.

Lower’s path to Oakmont was marked by determination and emotional resonance. Competing in his home state, where he won the Ohio high school state championship, Lower leaned on familiar surroundings and a decade of incremental progress on the professional circuit. His performance at the Columbus qualifier placed him alongside qualifiers like Erik van Rooyen (-13), Bud Cauley (-7), Lanto Griffin (-7), Harrison Ott (-6), and Cameron Young (-5). Lower’s steady play, highlighted by a 69 in the second round, showcased his ability to thrive under pressure, a skill honed through years on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours.

Raleigh, NC – The 2025 UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH, held at Raleigh Country Club from May 29 to June 1, showcased thrilling performances on the Korn Ferry Tour, with Hank Lebioda and Davis Chatfield emerging as standout contenders. Both golfers finished in a three-way tie for second place, posting an impressive 16-under par (264) for the tournament, alongside PGA Tour veteran Martin Laird. The event, won by Trace Crowe at 21-under par, highlighted the depth of talent on the Korn Ferry Tour and solidified Lebioda and Chatfield’s strong starts to the 2025 season.

Hank Lebioda, a Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida resident, delivered a remarkable final round, carding a 61 to surge up the leaderboard. His performance underscored his consistency and ability to compete at a high level, building on an already strong season that included a playoff win at The Bahamas Golf Classic earlier in 2025. Lebioda’s runner-up finish earned him 208.333 points on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, further cementing his position among the tour’s top players and boosting his case for a return to the PGA Tour.

Davis Chatfield, an Attleboro, Massachusetts native, also shone brightly, closing with a final-round 68. This marked his second career runner-up finish on the Korn Ferry Tour, a significant achievement that is projected to elevate him to No. 4 on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List. Chatfield’s steady play throughout the week, including a strong second round where he teed off alongside Lebioda, demonstrated his growing prowess and potential to compete for a PGA Tour card. His performance earned him the same 208.333 points as Lebioda and Laird, along with a share of the $54,000 prize money allocated for the second-place tie.

The UNC Health Championship, a key stop on the Korn Ferry Tour, featured a competitive field and a total purse of $1,000,000. Trace Crowe’s dominant five-stroke victory was the headline, but Lebioda and Chatfield’s performances were equally noteworthy. Crowe’s final score of 259 (-21) set a high bar, but the 16-under par posted by the second-place trio showcased their ability to navigate the challenging Raleigh Country Club course.

For Lebioda, the result adds to a resurgent 2025 campaign, with his early-season success and consistent play signaling a strong bid for PGA Tour promotion. Chatfield, meanwhile, continues to build momentum, with his latest result affirming his status as one of the tour’s rising stars. Both players were praised for their contributions to an exciting tournament, with their performances resonating with fans and analysts alike.

As the Korn Ferry Tour season progresses, Lebioda and Chatfield’s runner-up finishes at the UNC Health Championship position them well for the race to secure PGA Tour cards, awarded to the top 20 players on the Points List at season’s end. Their performances in Raleigh serve as a testament to their skill, resilience, and determination to reach the next level of professional golf.

BOGOTÁ, Colombia – Davis Lamb finished on top of the leaderboard at the Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship after two rounds, fending off Abel Gallegos by one stroke.

After a blistering 11-under 61 that included three eagles and no bogeys in the first round, Lamb carded a second straight mistake-free scorecard. In 36 holes of tournament play, Lamb carded three eagles, nine birdies and no bogeys. Lamb moves from No. 24 to No. 2 in the Fortinet Cup after his week at Club El Rincón de Cajicá.

Lamb officially secured the No. 2 spot in the Fortinet Cup through the Latin America Swing, which earns him conditional Korn Ferry Tour membership in 2026. After the conclusion of the final round in Colombia, the top 60 players in the Fortinet Cup will earn exempt status for the North America Swing. In total, six players who started the week outside of the top 60 moved inside that threshold.

After earning Korn Ferry Tour membership by virtue of his third-place finish in the 2023 Fortinet Cup points list on PGA TOUR Canada, Lamb has now put himself in a strong position heading into the North America Swing. Lamb only trails current Fortinet Cup No. 1 John Marshall Butler by 51 points.

In addition to the top-60 players in the Fortinet Cup retaining membership for the remainder of the 2025 season, players 61-80 from the Latin America swing will hold conditional membership for the North America Swing. Additionally, the top-11 players from each of the five PGA TOUR Americas Mid-Season Q-School sites, and finishers 11-25 in the PGA TOUR University Class of 2025, will earn exempt membership for the North America Swing.

Lamb is expected to be in the field at the first event of the North America Swing, the Explore NB Open in Fredericton, New Brunswick, which will run from July 3-6 at Mactaquac Golf Course.

Charting the champion

Name	Davis Lamb
2025 Fortinet Cup Standings	No. 2
Age/Birthplace	27/Bethesda, Maryland
Residence	Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
College	Notre Dame
Turned Pro	2021

About Davis Lamb (first/15-under)

• With win, Lamb moves into the No. 2 spot in the Fortinet Cup, securing conditional Korn Ferry Tour membership in 2026
• Won twice on PGA TOUR Canada in back-to-back weeks at the 2023 ATB Classic and Bromont Open; went on to finish No. 3 in the Fortinet Cup and earn Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2024
• Making his fifth career start on PGA TOUR Americas at the Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship; best finish this season came at the Diners Club Peru Open (9th)
• Made 25 starts on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2024, with his best finish coming at the 2024 Astara Chile Classic presented by Scotiabank (T11)

Competition notes 

• Course setup: Par 72 / 7,646 yards; R2 average: 71.408
• Weather: Cloudy with a high of 66. Wind from the southeast at 3-5 mph with gusts up to 13 mph.
• Davis Lamb won the Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship at 15-under after 36 bogey-free holes on Friday and Saturday.
• Six players who began the week outside of the top 60 moved inside to secure exempt membership for the North America Swing.
• Abel Gallegos finished as the low Latin after a runner-up finish in Colombia and finished the week at 14-under.
• A.J. Ewart finished as the low Canadian after finishing at 10-under.
• Hole No. 16 – the 183-yard par 3, is playing as the toughest hole midway through the second round (+0.485).

Article Written by and for PGATOUR.Com

DALLAS (May 08, 2025) — Arcis Golf—a premier operator of 70 private, resort, and daily-fee golf and country clubs in the United States—has partnered with Zoe Campos as its newest brand ambassador. While playing for the UCLA Bruins, Campos, 22, was a two-time first-team All-American as named by both the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) and Golfweek.

Campos, who recently turned professional and plays on the Epson Tour, joins Lilia Vu, currently No. 4 in the Women’s World Golf Rankings, and Maisie Filler, University of Florida alumna and All-American Golfer, as Arcis Golf ambassadors.

A California native, Campos amassed six collegiate tournament victories as an individual and helped lead the Bruins to an NCAA Championship showdown last spring against Stanford; she won her match, but watched as UCLA fall just short, 3-2. Campos finished in 10^th place in the stroke play (individual) portion of the 2024 NCAA National Championship.

Before turning professional, Campos was the top-ranked American and fourth-ranked female golfer globally in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Campos participated in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur three times, including in its inaugural year of 2019 when the 16-year-old had a headline-grabbing performance, sharing the first-round lead after firing a 4-under 68. Remarkably, she went on to finish 1-under, tying for fifth place. She also competed again at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2021 and 2024. Champions Retreat Golf Club, an Arcis Golf property, serves as the host site for the first two rounds of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Campos has represented the United States in the 2019 Junior Solheim Cup, 2023 and 2024 Palmer Cup, and 2024 Curtis Cup. As an amateur, Campos qualified for the 156-player field at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open held at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Campos said the ambassadorship with Arcis Golf holds special meaning.

“Growing up at Valencia Country Club has played a significant role in my development as a golfer and person. It has allowed me to hone my on-course skills and receive tremendous support from the entirety of the club,” Campos said. “Valencia holds such a special place in my journey, and I have been extremely fortunate to be able to practice and play at a club of this caliber. I am excited to continue my career as a golf professional and Arcis Golf brand ambassador, representing the company and the club I will always call home.”  Arcis Golf owns and operates Valencia Country Club and its sister property, The Oaks at Valencia, both located in the Santa Clarita Valley.

As part of her new role, Campos will feature the Arcis Golf logo on her golf bag and will make special appearances at member and community events, participate in social media content creation, and support Arcis’ inclusion and accessibility initiatives.

“As a young girl, Zoe showed a tremendous passion for the game and quickly began to realize she possessed the natural talent, competitive drive, resilience, and commitment to pursue a career playing golf,” said Blake Walker, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Arcis Golf. “We know it won’t be long before she begins to make a name for herself on the LPGA Tour just as she did in high school, and at UCLA. Arcis Golf is thrilled to partner with Zoe as our newest brand ambassador, joining Lilia and Maisie.”

Growing and diversifying the sport is a key focus area of Arcis Golf, highlighted by its unwavering support of the women’s game. In addition to Champions Retreat serving as host venue for two rounds of the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Arcis Golf is: 

• An Official Marketing Partner of the LPGA, providing LPGA athletes with complimentary access to select clubs within the Arcis Golf network and creating additional opportunities for the golfers to train and compete at the highest level.
• The three-time Presenting Sponsor of the Women In Golf Foundation’s National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship. This year’s event was held at The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch, an Arcis Golf facility in Katy, Texas.
• The title sponsor of the annual Arcis-HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Golf Championship at The Club at Weston Hills, an Arcis facility in Weston, Florida. The event showcased 17 HBCU men’s and women’s golf teams, as well as a career expo and concurrent learning and networking opportunities for all participants.
• Owner of the host venue for the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G, an LPGA Tour event set for Sept. 8-14. TPC River’s Bend in Maineville, Ohio, is located 25 miles northeast of Cincinnati and has hosted numerous championships since its 2001 debut.

An industry leader in providing inventive programming and unrivaled lifestyle amenities that complement exceptional golf offerings, Arcis Golf has invested more than $150 million in the past four years in property upgrades and new amenities to create extraordinary lifestyle experiences and forge and foster relationships with members and guests.

To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit www.arcisgolf.com.

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ABOUT ARCIS GOLF

Arcis Golf is a premier owner and operator of 70 private, resort, and daily fee clubs in the United States. An industry leader, Arcis Golf continues to transform its portfolio of clubs into inclusive, lifestyle hubs with dynamic programming and unrivaled amenities. Golf and country clubs are elevated to levels of excellence designed to exceed the needs and expectations of families, friends, members, and guests of all ages. The company is also known for innovative management, with a best-in-class leadership team that is committed to enhancing service levels and to reinventing the modern club experience. Headquarters: 8343 Douglas Avenue, Ste. 200, Dallas, TX 75225. Phone: (214) 722-6000. Website: arcisgolf.com.

Hank Lebioda is off to a historic start in the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season, setting a blistering pace on the points list that has positioned him as a frontrunner for a return to the PGA TOUR. The 31-year-old Orlando native has surged to No. 1 after securing his first Korn Ferry Tour victory at the Bahamas Golf Classic in January and backing it up with two third place finishes, a 5th and a 7th in the first eight events of the 2025 season.

In his 62nd career start, Lebioda clinched the title with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff against S.H. Kim, finishing with a tournament-record 18-under 262. His final-round 66 erased a four-stroke deficit, showcasing his resilience and skill. The victory not only marked a personal milestone but also propelled him to the top of the season-long points standings, a position he has maintained through the season’s early events.​

Lebioda’s remarkable turnaround is underscored by his rapid ascent from a conditional status to start 2024 to the current leader in the points race. His consistent performance, including multiple top-10 finishes, has solidified his status as a dominant force on the tour. With the top 20 players on the points list earning PGA TOUR cards at the end of the season, Lebioda’s early success has placed him in a strong position to secure his return to the premier circuit.​ If Lebioda holds on to the #1 spot on the Points List at the end of the season, he will earn Full Status on the PGA TOUR in 2026, as well as invitations to 2026 The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass and the 2026 US OPEN at Shinnecock Hills. Lebioda is also leading the Korn Ferry Tour in Scoring Average, and is 5th in Par 4 scoring average.

Lebioda played five consecutive seasons on the PGA TOUR from 2018 through 2023. Hank’s best finishes on the PGA TOUR included at 3rd place finish at the Bermuda Championship, a 4th place at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and 5th at the Travelers Championship.

March 20, 2025 – The Road to the PGA Tour is Heating Up

The 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season is off to a thrilling start, and two players making waves early on are Hank Lebioda and Davis Chatfield. Both golfers have turned in impressive performances through the opening events, positioning themselves as top contenders for PGA Tour cards in 2026.

Lebioda, a seasoned pro with five seasons of PGA Tour experience, has been dominant in the early stretch of the season. The Florida State alum has already notched four top-10 finishes in the first six events of the season, including a win at the Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island. His consistency off the tee and refined short game have been key factors in his resurgence, and he’s currently sitting #1 on the Points List. At the end of the 2025 season, the #1 player on the Korn Ferry Tour points list will have full-status on the PGA TOUR including starts at the 2026 Players Championship and 2026 US OPEN.

“I’m feeling really confident in my game right now,” Lebioda said recently. “The work I’ve put in during the offseason is paying off, and my goal is to secure my spot back on the PGA Tour for 2026.”

Meanwhile, Davis Chatfield, a rising talent from Rhode Island, has been a revelation in his third full season on the Korn Ferry Tour. The former Notre Dame standout has made an immediate impact, recording three Top 10 finishes and showing flashes of brilliance with his iron play and putting. His career-best finish came at the Astara Chile Classic presented by ScotiaBank, where he posted a solo second place finish.”

“This is the level I’ve always wanted to compete at, and I feel like my game is in a great place,” Chatfield said. “The goal is to keep improving every week and put myself in position to earn that PGA Tour card.”

As the season progresses, both Lebioda and Chatfield will look to maintain their momentum and finish inside the coveted top 20 on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, which guarantees PGA Tour status for 2026. With strong starts under their belts, the future is looking bright for these two rising stars.

The road to the PGA Tour is never easy, but if their early-season form is any indication, Lebioda and Chatfield are well on their way to making a lasting impact at golf’s highest level.

As the 2025 PGA Tour season unfolds, Justin Lower is establishing himself as a household name on the PGA TOUR. The 35-year-old from Akron, Ohio, achieved a remarkable milestone this weekend, securing a third-place finish at the prestigious American Express in La Quinta, California. Lower’s stellar performance at the tournament signals not just a personal triumph but also a clear indication of his rising status in the game of golf. The finish marks Lower’s third Top 5 finish on the PGA TOUR in his last five events. Lower ranks 18th in the 2025 Fed Ex Cup Standings, 74th in the Official World Golf Rankings and 52nd in the DataGolf World Rankings.

A Breakthrough Performance

Justin Lower’s third-place finish at the American Express came in the face of fierce competition from some of the best players in the world. The tournament, which traditionally attracts a strong field, saw Lower finish just behind the winner and runner-up, demonstrating his consistent form and maturity under pressure.

Over the course of the event, Lower showcased an all-around game that blended steady ball striking with an increasingly confident putting stroke. His final round was marked by crucial birdies on the back nine that helped him secure a spot near the top of the leaderboard. Despite not capturing the title, his performance in a star-studded field has many pundits and fans alike touting him as a player to watch in 2025.

A Journey of Perseverance

Lower’s journey to prominence has not been a traditional one. He turned pro in 2011 but spent years grinding through the mini-tours, including the Korn Ferry Tour, before earning his PGA Tour card in 2021. His resilience and determination have been key to his rise. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Lower’s career has been more about steady progression than immediate stardom, which has helped him develop a well-rounded game built on patience and preparation.

In 2021, Lower secured his PGA Tour card by finishing inside the top 25 at the Korn Ferry Tour Finals, but it wasn’t until 2023 that he started to make a noticeable impact on the Tour. A string of top-10 finishes last season helped solidify his place among the Tour’s rising stars, and the 2025 season now seems like the breakout year he’s been working towards.

What’s Behind Lower’s Success?

Several factors have contributed to Justin Lower’s surge up the leaderboard. First and foremost is his mental toughness. Golf at the highest level requires not only physical skill but a strong, focused mindset, and Lower has displayed an ability to remain composed in the most challenging situations. His calm demeanor has been key to his ability to stay in contention, even when the pressure ramps up in big events like the American Express.

Another aspect of Lower’s game that has come to the forefront is his short game. Known for his solid wedge play and exceptional putting, Lower has been able to navigate difficult course conditions and capitalize on scoring opportunities, even when the rest of the field is faltering.

Additionally, his off-course work ethic is often cited by coaches and analysts as one of the main reasons for his continued improvement. Lower spends hours on the practice range and in the gym, focusing on his physical fitness and mental preparation. This commitment has allowed him to withstand the grueling demands of the PGA Tour and continually evolve his game.

The Future Looks Bright

While this third-place finish at the American Express marks a high point in Lower’s career so far, the expectation is that it’s only the beginning. Lower’s game continues to evolve, and with his newfound confidence and experience, many believe a win on the PGA Tour is not far off. He has the consistency, discipline, and mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level, and with each strong finish, his reputation grows.

Moreover, Lower’s performance at the American Express has earned him respect from his peers. Players often talk about the difficulty of breaking through on the PGA Tour, and to see someone like Lower—who has worked his way up from relative obscurity—achieve such a high finish is inspiring for many.

As the 2025 season progresses, Lower is poised to continue making noise on the PGA Tour. Whether it’s at upcoming events like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am or The Players Championship, Lower is positioning himself as a legitimate contender, one whose name will likely become synonymous with success in the coming years.

Hank Lebioda earned his first Korn Ferry Tour title Wednesday at The Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island, outlasting S.H. Kim with a birdie on the first playoff hole at The Ocean Course at Atlantis in the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season opener.

Lebioda, 31, earned his first Korn Ferry Tour title in his 62nd start. The Florida State alum played the PGA TOUR full-time from 2019 to 2023; he made 120 starts before losing his card and returning to the Korn Ferry Tour, from which he first graduated in 2018.

Lebioda carded a four-round total of 18-under 262 in the Bahamas, including a final-round, 4-under 66 to overcome a four-stroke deficit to 54-hole leader John VanDerLaan, who closed in 6-over 76 for a T9 finish. Kim, who played the last two seasons on the PGA TOUR, shot a final-round 63 to make up a seven-stroke deficit and earn his spot in the playoff. Lebioda stuffed a pitching wedge to a foot for a kick-in winning birdie on the first playoff hole, the 483-yard, par-4 18th, while Kim missed a 30-foot birdie try from the green’s back-right portion.

Hank Lebioda’s interview after winning The Bahamas Golf Classic

Last season, Lebioda finished No. 75 on the season-long Korn Ferry Tour Points List to narrowly retain full status for this season. He won’t have to sweat that bubble in 2025; he can turn his attention to a PGA TOUR return via the top 20 on the season-long standings (down from 30 cards a year ago).

“It’s exciting,” said an emotional Lebioda afterward. “It will sink in in a couple days, but happy to talk to my family.”

Lebioda, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease as a college freshman in 2012, has always demonstrated a fighting spirit in his professional golf pursuits. He did the same in the Bahamas.

Charting the champion (stats updated through tournament)

Category	Hank Lebioda
Age	31 years, 0 months, 1 day
2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List	No. 1
Starts – wins – top-10s on Korn Ferry Tour in 2025	1-1-1
Starts – wins – top-10s in Korn Ferry Tour career	62-1-6
2024 Korn Ferry Tour Points List	No. 75
Starts – wins – top-10s on Korn Ferry Tour in 2024	24-0-1
Starts – wins – top-10s at The Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island	3-1-2

Hank Lebioda (first/-18)

• Claims his first Korn Ferry Tour victory in what was his 62nd career start on Tour
• Entered the final round four strokes behind 54-hole leader John VanDerLaan, closes in 4-under 66 to overcome the deficit and defeat S.H. Kim with a birdie on the first hole in a sudden-death playoff (par-4 18th)
• Matches the best come-from-behind win at The Bahamas Golf Classic (four strokes/Chandler Phillips/2023)
• At 18-under 262, breaks the 72-hole tournament scoring record previously established by Zecheng Dou (270/2019)
• Marks his second top-10 in three career appearances at The Bahamas Golf Classic (T9/2018)
• Matched his career-low round on Tour with an 8-under 62 in the second round (previous: 2018 UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH/Round 2)
• Finished No. 75 on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour Points List to earn fully exempt membership for the 2025 season; he played the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour season with conditional status from his Nos. 151-200 finish (No. 182) in the 2023 FedExCup Fall standings
• Previously maintained PGA TOUR membership from the 2018-19 season through the end of the 2022-23 season, and qualified for the 2021 FedExCup Playoffs
• Secured his PGA TOUR card for the 2018-19 season via the 2018 Korn Ferry Tour standings
• Winner of the 2017 Quebec Open powered by Videotron Business on PGA TOUR Canada
• Played collegiately at Florida State University (2012-16), where he was a four-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection, 2013 ACC Freshman of the Year and 2016 ACC Player of the Year

Story written and published by PGATOUR.com

Justin Lower: 2025 PGA Tour Season Preview

As we look ahead to the 2025 PGA Tour season, one golfer who will be under the spotlight is Justin Lower, the Ohio native who has steadily built a reputation for his consistency and resilience in the world of professional golf. After a breakout 2023 season and a career best season in 2024, Lower has established himself as a reliable contender on the PGA Tour. Now, as he enters his fourth full season, expectations are higher than ever Lower and many are curious to see how he will continue to evolve as a golfer in 2025.

A Recap of Justin Lower’s Rise on the PGA Tour

Before diving into what 2025 holds for Lower, it’s important to understand how he got to this point. Born in 1989 in Akron, Ohio, Justin Lower’s journey to the PGA Tour wasn’t one of instant success. He played collegiately at Malone University, a small school in Ohio, before embarking on a professional career that would take him through the Web.com Tour (now the Korn Ferry Tour) and ultimately to the PGA Tour.

Lower’s rise has been marked by steady improvement. After earning his PGA Tour card through a successful stint on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he secured multiple top-10 finishes, Lower made his debut on the PGA Tour in 2022. However, it was during the 2023 season that he truly made his mark, earning his first top-10 finish in a PGA Tour event and showing flashes of brilliance in various tournaments. He built on that momentum throughout 2024, showing that he was no fluke and that his game was capable of holding up on the big stage.

Key Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Heading into 2025, Lower’s game has evolved into a blend of consistency and reliability. A few key aspects of his game stand out:

• Ball Striking: Lower’s iron play is one of his standout attributes. His approach game is solid, consistently placing him in contention by giving himself chances to attack flags and make birdies.
• Short Game: One area of improvement Lower has focused on over the past few years is his short game, particularly around the greens. His putting has improved, and he’s shown that he can be clutch when it matters most.
• Mental Toughness: Lower’s ability to stay focused and manage the mental aspects of the game has been a hallmark of his ascent. He doesn’t seem rattled by pressure, which has enabled him to perform well under tournament conditions.

What to Expect in the 2025 PGA Tour Season

As Lower enters the 2025 season, several key factors will shape his performance:

1. Increased Confidence and Expectations: After a promising start to his PGA Tour career, Lower will be looking to continue progressing and build on his 2024 performances. With more eyes on him, he’ll likely face greater expectations, but the steady progress he’s made suggests he can handle the pressure.
2. Major Tournament Performance: In 2025, Lower will no doubt target improved performances in the majors—the Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship, and PGA Championship. While he has yet to make a deep run in one of these events, he has the talent to break through if he continues to improve his overall game. The mental toughness he’s shown in regular tour events could help him rise to the occasion in these prestigious tournaments.
3. Consistency in Regular PGA Tour Events: Lower’s focus will likely be on maintaining consistent finishes in weekly tournaments. He will need to refine his ability to contend on difficult courses, particularly during the tougher stretches of the season. If he can sustain his form throughout the year, it will help him secure a spot in the FedEx Cup Playoffs and perhaps make a run at earning a place in the Top 30 in the standings.
4. Incorporating New Technology: Like many modern professionals, Lower may look to improve his game with the latest technology, whether it’s advancements in equipment, biomechanics, or data analytics. If he can use these tools to his advantage, it could give him an edge over the competition.

Key Tournaments to Watch in 2025

A few tournaments stand out as ones that could be pivotal for Justin Lower in the 2025 season:

• The Players Championship: As one of the most coveted titles in golf, winning or even contending at The Players Championship could be a major milestone for Lower. His solid ball striking could give him an advantage on the TPC Sawgrass course.
• U.S. Open: Lower has the game to perform well in major championship settings, and the U.S. Open’s demanding conditions could suit his style. His consistency off the tee and improving short game will be key here.
• The Memorial Tournament: Hosted at Muirfield Village in Ohio, this tournament has a special place for Lower, given his Ohio roots. Performing well in front of a home crowd could provide the boost he needs for a standout season.
• FedEx Cup Playoffs: Making a deep run in the playoffs is a key goal for Lower in 2025. A strong performance here would not only elevate his status but also bring with it significant rewards in terms of sponsorships and career momentum.

Looking Ahead

If 2024 was any indication, Justin Lower’s trajectory is one of steady growth. As he enters his third full season on the PGA Tour in 2025, it’s clear that he has the talent and mental fortitude to compete at the highest level. Whether he can break through with a win or a top finish in a major remains to be seen, but his consistency and determination suggest that the best is yet to come.

As fans and analysts look forward to the 2025 season, Justin Lower’s name will surely be on their radar, as he looks to solidify his place among the game’s rising stars.

Amanda Doherty recently earned back her LPGA Tour status for the 2025 season after a standout performance on the Epson Tour, which is the LPGA’s developmental tour. Her comeback story is inspiring, as she had previously lost her LPGA card had to regain her status by finishing strong on the second-tier circuit.

In 2024, Doherty showed significant improvement in her game, particularly with her consistency and ability to close out tournaments. She took part in the LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament (Q-School) and finished among the top players, securing a spot on the Tour for 2025. This is a huge achievement for her, as it demonstrates her resilience and determination to return to the highest level of professional golf.

Doherty’s journey reflects the challenges and opportunities in professional golf, where players must continuously prove themselves. Earning her LPGA card back is not only a personal triumph for her but also a testament to her skill and hard work, making her a player to watch in the upcoming season.

Arcis Golf — the second largest and fastest-growing owner and operator of private, resort, and daily fee clubs in the United States — has announced that Maisie Filler, a recent graduate of University of Florida where she enjoyed a stellar collegiate career, has become an Arcis Golf Ambassador.

While at Florida, Filler, 23, was a second team All-American, an All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection, and four-time SEC Golfer of the Week. In addition, the Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, resident captured three stroke-play tournaments, including the Tar Heel Invitational, where she fired a season- and team-best round of 64. Earlier this year, she won the 91st Jones/Doherty Women’s Amateur, one of the country’s longest running and most storied tournaments for up-and-coming female golfers. Filler was member of Team USA at the 2024 Arnold Palmer Cup.

Filler qualified for her first U.S. Women’s Open in June, advanced to the Round of 16 at the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Southern Hills Country Club in August and reached 34th in the World Amateur Women’s Golf Rankings. She is pursuing her dream of playing professional golf by competing in tournaments and practicing for LPGA 2025 qualifying events.

“Maisie embodies everything we admire about the game of golf,” said Blake Walker, Founder and CEO of Arcis Golf. “At her young age, Maisie has a wonderful grasp of how hard work and discipline translate into success on and off the course.”

In her Arcis Golf Ambassador role, Filler will sport the company’s logo on headwear and make special appearances at member and community events, participate in social media content creation, support Arcis’ inclusion and accessibility initiatives, as well as help mentor junior members or programs that engage youth and beginner golfers.

Arcis Golf is committed to diversifying and providing access to the game, highlighted by its wide-ranging initiatives:

• TPC River’s Bend, an Arcis Golf course near Cincinnati, Ohio, recently hosted the LPGA’s Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G, on Sept. 19-22.
• Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans, Ga. hosts the first two rounds of the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), where Filler has participated twice. At the 2024 event, she shot an opening-round 68 en route to a T8 finish.
• The company is the presenting sponsor of the Women In Golf Foundation, Inc. (WIGF) and its National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship. The 2024 edition was held in April at The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch, an Arcis Golf facility in Katy, Texas.
• Earlier this year, the inaugural Arcis HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Collegiate Golf Championship was held at The Club at Weston Hills, an Arcis Golf facility in Weston, Florida. The event showcased 16 HBCU men’s and women’s golf teams in three rounds of competition. Arcis also provides ongoing access for HBCU golfers to practice and hone their skills at nearly 70 clubs across the country.

“After meeting Mr. Walker at this year’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur, I was very inspired by Arcis Golf’s vision and commitment,” Filler said. “Partnering with a company that not only supports women’s golf but also actively works to expand opportunities and access for women in sports is truly gratifying.” She added, “As I embark on my professional career, I am incredibly thankful for the support of Arcis, which will undoubtedly play a crucial role in helping me achieve my goals and realize my full potential in the game.”

Filler maintains an active social media presence via her Instagram account. She joins Arcis Golf Ambassador, LPGA professional Lilia Vu, currently No. 2 in the Women’s World Golf Rankings.

An industry leader in providing inventive programming and unrivaled lifestyle amenities that complement exceptional golf offerings, Arcis Golf has invested more than $100 million in the past four years on property upgrades, new amenities, personnel, training, and systems to create extraordinary experiences and forge emotional connections with members and guests.

To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit arcisgolf.com.

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About Arcis Golf

Arcis Golf is the premier operator of approximately 70 public and private golf clubs in the United States and an industry leader, providing dynamic direction and unrivaled amenities that complement diverse playing experiences. Arcis Golf properties enhance the golf and country club lifestyle to a level of excellence designed to exceed the needs and expectations of family, friends, co-workers, and guests of all ages.

Arcis Golf is also known for innovative management, with a best-in-class leadership team that is reinventing the modern club experience, making it more relevant to the lifestyles of today’s consumers. The company is committed to enhancing service levels, amenities, and programming to broaden the appeal for members and guests at all its properties. Headquarters: 8343 Douglas Ave, Suite 200, Dallas, Texas 75225. Phone: (214) 722-6000. Website: arcisgolf.com

Davis Chatfield caught fire in the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour’s NV5 Invitational on Sunday, carding a final round 64 to finish in a tie for third place. The former Rhode Island Amateur champ finished the tournament at 22-under par, three shots behind winner Thomas Rosenmueller. 

The top three finish has Chatfield projected to go from 40th to 33rd on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List. 

The top 30 at the end of the season get PGA Tour Cards. 

Starting the final round inside the top 20, Chatfield lit up the front side to give himself a chance. He opened with a birdie on the par-5 first hole by draining an 11 footer. Chatfield dropped a nine-footer for birdie on the third hole to get to two under par on the round. On the par-5 fifth hole, Chatfield stuck his third shot right next to the flag and had a tap in birdie putt to move him to three-under on the day. The former Notre Dame star would add birdies on the seventh and ninth holes to turn at a bogey-free five-under par. Chatfield made his first and only bogey of the day on the par-3 11th hole when he put his tee shot in the bunker on the left. 

However, he bounced back. 

On the 13th, Chatfield put his second shot to two-feet and tapped in for birdie.  After a clutch par save on 14, Chatfield’s putter was hot again on 15 where he knocked in a 21 footer for birdie to get to six-under for the day.  

He made par on both the 16th and 17th holes, taking him to the par-5 18th hole where an eagle would have tied him for the lead – at least temporarily.  Chatfield put his tee shot in the right rough and had to lay up on the left side of the fairway, not wanting to take on the water. 

He his his third shot to 11 feet and made the putt for birdie to get to 22-under par. 

Story written by and for GolfNewsRI.com

Davis Chatfield has been the epitome of consistency during the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour season, only missing 2 cuts out of the 13 tournaments he has played in.  

In the 11 tournaments that Chatfield had made the cut in, his best finish was tied for 11^th at the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic held in January. That all changed this past week as Chatfield fired rounds of 66-65-66-68 to finish at 15 under par, good enough for a T6 finish. Last week’s tournament was the highest finish of Chatfield’s KFT career.  

Due to his high finish, Chatfield moved from 70^th to 47^th on the season long Korn Ferry Tour Points List. If Chatfield was to finish within the Top 30 on the points list, he would receive his PGA Tour card for the 2025 season.  

This is Chatfield’s second season on KFT. He turned professional in 2022 following a standout career at Notre Dame University where he was a constant figure in their lineup during his 5 years. Additionally, Chatfield excelled in back-to-back years at the United States Amateur Championship. In 2020, Chatfield advanced to the Round of 16 at the famous Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. The following year, Chatfield improved on his finish by making it to the Quarterfinals at the infamously challenging Oakmont Country Club. 

Justin Lower is defined more by triumph than tragedy, but Father’s Day brings the void into the conscious mind. His life’s emotional extremes intersected at this week’s U.S. Open – he’d wish for nothing more than his late dad and brother to be here, but he’s here with his wife and daughter, and he fulfilled a dream of playing a Sunday in a major.

Lower, 35, has seen emotional extremes in his golf career as well; he once missed a TOUR card by a shot before getting his card with zero shots to spare. It’s heavy stuff but the Ohioan sees the big picture, living in the moment but allowing past experiences to fuel him. Those traits led him to fulfill a dream Sunday at the U.S. Open, where he carded a final-round 70 at Pinehurst No. 2 in his first career major start, a meaningful effort after grinding to make the cut on the number (5-over) and a bounce-back from a third-round 74. He won’t contend for the title, but the leaderboard is back-of-mind. No, this week was about validation and pride.

Lower does, though, wish his dad and brother were still here. Fathers and sons are at the core of golf, and of the U.S. Open, its final round occurring on Father’s Day. Lower’s dad Tim and brother Chris died in a 2005 car crash, when Lower was 15 years old, striving to play professional golf but knowing it was far from a sure thing. He worked tirelessly to find extra edges and improve bit by bit, playing collegiately at Malone University (winning 2010 NAIA Player of the Year) and spending a decade across mini-tours and the Korn Ferry Tour before dramatically earning his first TOUR card in 2021. He made it, and now he made it here.

“It’s been cool,” Lower said afterward. “Today was obviously cool, just being Father’s Day … With my past and with my life now, being a dad, it’s just really cool to play on this day for sure.

“I think (my dad) would have been happy the way I handled myself this week. I usually get pretty fired up throughout the week if I make mistakes and whatnot, but I told myself this week, it’s obviously going to be hard … just accept it and move on. I wish I could be like that every week; I think I’d be in a lot better shape. I think (my dad) would be happy, for sure.”

Lower wore a bracelet Sunday inscribed with his daughter’s name, Ariana Lynn. She’s 18 months old now, and Lower’s motivations at this stage of life are multiple – being a good husband to wife Janise, a good dad and a good professional golfer. He wants to fulfill his career dreams but not at the expense of those around him, a delicate balance that he keeps top-of-mind through the game’s inevitable ups and downs.

Lower has often spoken of golf’s fine line, which he epitomized in his path to the PGA TOUR – missing an 8-foot birdie that would have secured his card via the 2018 Korn Ferry Tour Finals, then getting up and down on the final hole of the 2021 Korn Ferry Tour Championship to finally earn his card. His first U.S. Open experience followed the same patterns – he earned his spot at Final Qualifying in Columbus, Ohio, one stroke clear of a playoff, then made the cut on the number (5-over) with rounds of 72-73 at Pinehurst No. 2.

After a third-round 74, he stood T58 into Sunday’s final round in the Carolina Sandhills. It’s not always easy to get fired up for an early final-round start, from well back in the pack, but this day was different. Lower was motivated to post a good score to conclude his first major – these opportunities are fickle, he knew. (He rarely attempted U.S. Open qualifying as a Korn Ferry Tour member, as he didn’t want to surrender points toward a TOUR card – the Korn Ferry Tour has since added a provision for equivalent FedExCup points earned at the U.S. Open to cross over to the Korn Ferry Tour Points List.) He doesn’t take TOUR life for granted; he has seen one of his closest friends on TOUR, Jim Knous, recently depart from the pro game to take a full-time “normal” job with PING. He misses Knous out here, he said this week. He knows nothing is given in the cutthroat world of professional golf, with hundreds of players separated by fractional margins.

Hence it’s important to contextualize the achievements. A pro career builds toward memories like a U.S. Open Sunday, and Lower punctuated it with a 45-foot birdie at the long par-4 16th and two solid closing pars.

“The first round, the first tee shot, I got a little bit emotional, just thinking about it all, and then the first tee shot today,” Lower said. “First Sunday tee shot at the U.S. Open, yeah, it’s pretty cool. I just wish my dad and my brother as well, that they were here to see it.

“It’s in the past, but it still would be nice to have them here.”

Ariana Lynn Lower isn’t yet ready to walk the course – TOUR daycare is a nice perk – but she’ll hear the stories of this Sunday at Pinehurst where her dad carded one of the day’s low scores in a major championship that was a lifetime in the making. It was for her, and it was for her late grandpa.

Original Story Written and Posted by Kevin Prise on the PGA TOUR Website HERE

Cole Anderson, a Camden, ME native, has signed with Fidelity Sports Group for exclusive representation as he embarks on his professional golf career. Anderson will make his professional debut from June 10-14 at PGA TOUR Americas Qualifying School in Courtenay, BC, Canada.  

Anderson enjoyed a stellar amateur career at Florida State University and beyond where he was a constant fixture in their line-up all 5 years. Anderson was named an All-American, All-ACC, and PING All-Region in 2023 due to his career year which saw his lowest scoring average as a Seminole (70.62). Anderson was ranked as high as 37^th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) due to his stellar play during his 4^th year of school. Outside of golf, Anderson was a four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member 

In 2022, as a redshirt sophomore, Anderson received a sponsor’s invitation to play in a Korn Ferry Tour Event in his home state of Maine. In his first professional rounds, Anderson shot back-to-back 67’s to firmly place himself within the cutline. During the third round, Anderson shot a bogey-free 64 to go into the final round tied for the lead. After solid play on Sunday, Anderson finished tied for 3^rd as an amateur in his first professional tournament.

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As a Maine Native, Anderson quickly became a household name in the golf world up north. In 2019, Anderson won the 100^th Maine Amateur joining an exclusive list of players. However, the following year, Anderson further added to his list of accomplishments by winning the 101st Maine Amateur becoming one of a select few players to win multiple Maine Amateur Championships.

Maisie Filler has recently signed with FSG for exclusive and worldwide representation as she readies to turn professional. Filler will remain an amateur this summer and compete in the most premier tournaments on the Amateur circuit, including the Arnold Palmer Cup, the US Amateur, and hopefully the Curtis Cup. Filler also succesfully qualified for the 2024 US Women’s Open. 

During her senior season in 2024. Filler reached the Number 1 ranking in the NCAA for Women’s golf.  Filler dominated her collegiate schedule winning 3 straight stroke play tournaments becoming just the 8^th Florida Gator to win 3 or more tournaments in a season. Due to these impressive results during her final year, Filler would be named First Team All-SEC and a WGCA Second Team All-American.

Formerly the 7^th ranked amateur in the world, Heath has signed with Fidelity Sports Group for exclusive representation as she embarks on her professional golf journey. To help start her career, FSG has lined up a partnership with Cobra/Puma for all her clubs/apparel on the course. 

Charlotte Heath is set to start her professional career on the Epson Tour at the Firekeepers Casino Hotel Championship in Battle Creek, Michigan. This will start a stretch of 4 weeks on the road for Charlotte as she begins a new chapter of her golf career. 

During her storied amateur and collegiate career, Charlotte enjoyed great success on and off the course. In addition to reaching the top 10 in World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), Charlotte was a 4 time All-American at Florida State University. She also finished inside the Top 5 in career scoring average (72.32) by a Florida State women’s golfer. Heath played in the 2023 Women’s British Open, where she received the Smyth Salver Award for finishing as the low amateur in the major championship. Additionally, Heath won the Australian Women’s Amateur in 2020, and played on two Curtis Cup Teams (2021 & 2022). Off the course, Heath was a standout student where she was named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll in 2023.

Justin Lower keeps grinding, and now it’s getting him somewhere.

Lower, Stark County’s rooting interest on the PGA Tour, is among a handful of players to have played five events and made all five cuts in 2024.

On Sunday, the former Northwest High School and Malone University golfer who lives in Green logged his first top-three finish on the Tour.

Playing in the Mexican Open on a resort course near the Pacific Ocean, Lower shot 14-under par to tie for third place, trailing only Jake Knapp of the United States (19-under) and Sami Valamaki of Finland (17-under).

On No. 18 Sunday in Nuevo Vallarta, Lower came close to having an eagle putt that could have put him at 16-under. His 247-yard second shot rolled past the flag and into the rough. He chipped to 8 feet and putted to within 9 inches, tapping in for par.

A birdie would have left Lower alone in third place for a $558,900 payout. Tying Stephan Jaeger and C.T. Pan for third dropped his winnings to $429,300, but that’s life on Tour.

He wouldn’t have finished so high without such moments as a 52-foot birdie putt on a water hole on the second day of the tournament. He birdied No. 14 and No. 15 in his last round to set up the third-place tie.

The 34-year-old Lower’s best previous Tour finish was a tie for fourth at the Fortinet Championship in mid-September 2022. This is his third season on Tour after a long battle to get there.

He didn’t even play in the 2023 Mexican Open, two months after his wife, Janise, gave birth to their first child.

The 2024 trip to Mexico proved fortuitous, especially after he finished his third-round pairing with Tony Finau. He shot 5-under 66 to Finau’s 69 and finished the tournament three shots ahead of Finau, who won the event in 2023 in a duel with Jon Rahm.

Making a cut can be a limited satisfaction.

In the Hawaiian Open in January, for example, Lower made the cut with no room to spare. He then was so-so in the final two rounds and finished in a tie for 74th place at 1-under par, leaving Honolulu with a check for $16,019. Grayson Murray won the tournament at 17-under and walked away with $1.5 million.

In his next three tournaments, Lower tied for 39th ($34,020), tied for 43rd ($28,530), and tied for 53rd ($20,529).

Continuing to make cuts keeps a guy in the hunt for real money.

In four events since the Hawaiian Open, Lower has made all four cuts and earned $512,379. Hawaiian champion Murray has missed three of four cuts and won $35,313.

Lower pushed himself with a busy schedule last year and is at it again. He played tournaments in Hawaii, California (two), Phoenix and Mexico within the last seven weeks. He is back at it this week at a tournament in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, headlined by Rory McIlroy.

Packing the schedule equates to survival, chasing the FedEx Cup points necessary to stay on Tour. Lower is in his third season since earning a Tour card.

He was running on fumes last July when he missed a cut in an event at Tahoe Mountain Country Club in California.

“I probably should have skipped that one, in hindsight,” he told The Repository late last year. “I wasn’t really listening to my body. I needed some rest.”

Lower caught some rest late in the year and finished strong, ending the 2022-23 season at No. 100 in the rankings used to determine Tour eligibility.

The revised PGA Tour format has the current season confined to calendar year 2024. Lower’s third place in Mexico vaulted him to No. 57 in the rankings.

Making the cut is a big deal to golfers fighting to establish turf. In the Mexican Open, 65 players made the cut; 67 did not. Tying for third place from that crowd stands as a milestone in Lower’s career thus far.

Lower has spoken of bigger goals than just making cuts, including winning reaching The Masters and other major tournaments.

Original Story Written and Posted By Canton Rep Here

The third annual NEPA Invitational, hosted by PGA Tour player Brandon Matthews, unfolded at the picturesque Country Club of Scranton. This charity pro-am golf event attracted current and former PGA Tour pros, amateurs, and supporters, all united by a shared mission: to raise funds for the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, and Jack Nicklaus’ Play Yellow Campaign benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network. Signature partners for the event included Equitrans Midstream, Diaz Companies and Rutter’s.

The festivities began Friday evening for Dinner with the Pros, graced by the presence of pediatric patient ambassadors from the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and Foundation.. It was a heartwarming occasion, setting the tone for a weekend filled with camaraderie and compassion.

One of the highlights of this exceptional evening was the Live Auction, where guests had the opportunity to bid on exclusive items, with all proceeds benefiting the hospital. The NEPA Invitational proudly announced a remarkable donation of $200,000 to the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, raised through sponsors, tournament participants, live auction, and donations, a testament to the event’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the communities of Northeast Pennsylvania

The NEPA Invitational proudly supported the “Play Yellow” program, a noble initiative of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, founded by the legendary Jack and Barbara Nicklaus. This program aligns perfectly with the event’s core values of giving back and making a difference in the lives of children facing health challenges.

“Expanding this event and witnessing its transformative impact on the children of Janet Weis Children’s Hospital has been an incredible privilege. We’re profoundly grateful for the opportunity to make a difference” said event host and PGA TOUR player Brandon Matthews, “On behalf of the entire NEPA Invitational board, my wife and I, and the Country Club of Scranton, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to the growth and success of this event year after year. Looking ahead, we’re excited to further expand our contributions, nurture the growth of this event, and continue to showcase the remarkable spirit of North East Pennsylvania as a community. Together, we’ll make a lasting impact and ensure that this region remains a beacon of hope and support.”

The event attracted a stellar lineup of golfing talent, with current and former PGA Tour pros including Brandon Matthews, Ben Griffin, Tano Goya, Eric Barnes, Ted Tryba, Fran Quinn, Andrew Novak, Brad Adamonis, and Rick Lamb. Their participation not only showcased their exceptional skills but also their dedication to the cause.

While the  relentless Tropical Storm Ophelia, brought torrential downpours and unrelenting winds to the region, the pros and supporting amateurs persevered for the two day tournament at Country Club of Scranton.. Their determination mirrored the spirit of the event itself – undeterred by adversity, resolute in their mission to support the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.

Congratulations to Andrew Novak for winning the Lowro honors and Michael Miller and Michael Vassil for winning the Pro-Am Format..

This remarkable event marked the third annual NEPA Invitational, solidifying its place as a beloved tradition that unites the community in support of a noble cause. In total, the NEPA Invitational has donated $350,000 in three years in partnership with the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

The NEPA Invitational is a celebration of resilience, generosity, and the enduring spirit of the community. It reaffirms the power of coming together to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

PGA Tour player and proud native of North East Pennsylvania, Brandon Matthews, continues to be deeply honored to host this event annually and give back to his community.

When Davis Lamb was hot this year, he was real hot.

Lamb, a Notre Dame alum, won the ATB Classic after getting into the field as a Monday Qualifier. He also captured the Quebec Open powered by Videotron Business the very next week, becoming the first golfer on PGA TOUR Canada to win back-to-back events since Tyler McCumber in 2018.

Lamb fired a sizzing Sunday 64 at the Fortinet Cup Championship for his sixth top-25 finish in eight events this season.

By virtue of finishing third on the Fortinet Cup standings, Lamb’s conditional status on the Korn Ferry Tour next season is elevated to the first conditional category (subject to the first reshuffle). He is also exempt into the Final Stage of PGA TOUR Qualifying School.

The day after he turned 57, Tim Petrovic turned around his 2023 season.

He said there was no panic when he arrived in Calgary earlier in August for the PGA TOUR Champions Shaw Charity Classic. No, his results so far this year hadn’t been great, but he never felt like he was hitting it poorly. He felt like he was hitting it in practice sessions as well as he maybe ever had. It just hadn’t translated to the course.

Petrovic already had made a call to a sports psychologist two weeks before the Shaw Charity Classic. He’d had only one top-25 finish on the season to date – a tie for fourth at the Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines, Iowa, at the beginning of June.

He said the psychologist told him something he never expected to hear.

“He told me a couple of things that clicked and took a little weight off my back,” Petrovic said Tuesday while driving his RV to St. Louis, Missouri, for next week’s Ascension Charity Classic. “He told me I was trying to be too perfect. He just told me you have to give yourself permission to play badly.

“That’s not what I thought he was gonna tell me,” added Petrovic, who’s planning to drop his RV in St. Louis, fly home to Austin, Texas, and fly back to St. Louis next week. “He was just saying, ‘Don’t try to control the whole situation. You’re a good player. It’s gonna work itself out. You’ll play your way through it.’”

Petrovic celebrated his birthday, which is Aug. 16, the day before the Shaw Charity Classic began and promptly went out and shot his lowest round of the year by three strokes, posting an 8-under 62. It gave him the first-round lead, and it was a lead he wouldn’t relinquish until late on Sunday.

Petrovic, who has yet to win in 145 Champions Tour starts, admits he didn’t finish the Shaw Charity Classic like he intended. He ended up in a tie for second behind eventual champion Ken Duke, who picked up his first Champions Tour win in 100 starts. Still, it was Petrovic’s best finish since the 2022 Chubb Classic, and it gave him a huge boost of confidence. He carried the belief over to last week at The Ally Challenge outside Detroit.

Petrovic fired a final-round 66 at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club to move from off the pace into a tie for third. It meant that since the beginning of June, he now had three top-five finishes and had rocketed from 70th in the Charles Schwab Cup Money standings to a tidy 32nd. The top 36 in the standings advance to play in the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix, which Petrovic hasn’t missed since 2017.

“Petro,” as he’s commonly known by his Champions Tour peers, has never had a season like 2023. He’s usually more consistent. He had managed at least a top-25 finish in half of his tournaments from 2018 through 2022. This year, his three top-five finishes are his only top-25s through 19 events.

Petrovic mostly blames a “tennis elbow” for his woes. He said it started before the U.S. Senior Open and that he aggravated it at The Senior Open Championship because of the high, thick rough. He labeled it the only serious injury he’s had to deal with since turning 50.

He’s been on the mend since. He also picked up a new caddie before the Boeing Classic outside Seattle, which was the tournament right before the Shaw Charity Classic. Kyle Kolenda is a veteran caddie who’s worked for several pros on the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.

“Sometimes a new caddie, a new dynamic, can change things around,” Petrovic said. “I was bouncing around among a few caddies, but I think I have a guy I’m gonna keep for the rest of the year.

“I said I’d give him two or three events and we’ll go from there. He’s learning me and I’m learning him. He got to see some good golf. He said he enjoyed staying out of the way and just watching the show. It’s important for a caddie to know when to say something and when not to say something. That’s been a big part of it.”

Petrovic isn’t sure what it will take to win, only that he’s eager to get one under his belt. But he said he still was happy for Duke.

“We’re good friends,” Petrovic said. “We had a lot of fun chit-chatting during the round, but nobody said anything the last two holes. That was business time, and we knew one of us was gonna win it.

“It came down to a layup (on the par-5 18th). I laid it up in the rough and left myself in a tough spot. There was a 1-in-50 chance to get it close. I played it left just to give myself a chance. Thirty feet is better than not having a chance at it or hitting it in the water or the bunker.”

Petrovic said it came down to execution. He didn’t do what he needed to do, while Duke laid up perfectly and hit a wedge below the hole to 6 feet. When Petrovic missed his long birdie putt, Duke knew his putt was for the win.

0:52

Ken Duke’s emotion-filled closing birdie to win at Shaw Charity

“What I was thinking, … I told him after. … I really like the guy,” Petrovic said. “If he makes the putt, I’m gonna be happy for him. If we have a playoff, great. If he makes it, great. I gave him a big hug, and I was really happy for him.”

Petrovic isn’t quite sure what it will take for him to get his first win, only that he’ll keep trying and believing it will happen.

“I feel really settled,” Petrovic said. “A buddy of mine said that the announcers said during the telecast (at the Shaw) that I looked really comfortable over the putter. That was a good observation.

“I wasn’t backing off shots. I backed off maybe only one or two the past two weeks. You’re not hearing the baby cry or the Port-a-Potty door slam or whatever. If you can just stay calm and you have a game plan, it’s just gonna happen.”

BROMONT, Québec— Three weeks ago Davis Lamb had to fight his way into the field. Now, after winning back-to-back events on PGA TOUR Canada, he’s one win away from automatic membership on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Lamb handled the bad weather that temporarily beset Golf Château Bromont on Sunday to shoot a 7-under 63 and win the Québec Open powered by Videotron Business. Lamb finished at 22-under 258, one shot ahead of David Kim, who fired a closing round of 62.

It’s been only two weeks since Lamb became the first Monday qualifier to win a PGA TOUR Canada event, which earned him exempt status for the rest of the season. This week, after the TOUR took a week off, he became the first back-to-back winner since Tyler McCumber in 2018. A third win this season means an instant promotion to the Korn Ferry Tour.

“I’ve just been trusting my game,” Lamb said. “I think both these courses (where he’s won) have suited me very well. It’s a premium hitting the fairway and controlling my spin into the greens. I didn’t overcomplicate things. I kind of took advantage when I had the opportunity and just made pars when I had to.”

Lamb, of Bethesda, Maryland, also took over first place in the Fortinet Cup standings. The winner of that season-long points race receives a $25,000 bonus and full status on the Korn Ferry Tour for 2024. He leads Canada’s Étienne Papineau by 407 points.

Lamb offset two bogeys on the front nine with five birdies and made the turn in 32. He added four more birdies on the finishing nine and two-putted for par on 18 for the victory.

“Foot on the gas all day,” Lamb said. “I knew nobody was going to stop chasing, so it was a matter of making as many birdies as I possibly could, waiting out the rain delay and coming out and making more birdies. It was a full sprint with a little stop in the middle, but it was a lot of fun.”

Kim, of Los Angeles, carded the fourth 62 on PGA TOUR Canada this season. He shot 32 on the front and finished with a 30 on the back, which included an eagle at the drivable par-4 15th hole and a birdie at 18.

Lamb was playing in the group behind Kim but was never sure of where he stood.

“I had no idea,” Lamb said. “I figured I was in the lead by at least one, and I thought it might be two, but I guess David birdied 18. I had 25 feet and two putts to win, and I thank God I did it because I wasn’t sure where I stood.”

Lamb is trying to remain focused on the task at hand, even though he is close to Korn Ferry Tour status.

“I don’t expect anything,” he said “I’m just going to go out there and keep playing my game, and if it happens, it happens. If you would have told me that I’m standing here after two wins under my belt and three weeks before I didn’t really have any status and any guaranteed starts, I would be shocked. It’s given me a tremendous amount of confidence, and I’m just excited to keep it rolling. We’ve got a long season ahead.”

Brian Richey of Lakeland, Florida, closed with a 65 and finished third, at 15-under 261. Carr Vernon of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, finished with a 63 and moved up three spots to finish four, at 17-under 263.

The low Canadian was Chris R. Wilson of Toronto. He closed with a 69 and took solo fifth (16-under 264).

Tied for sixth were Australian Jason Hong, Sam Choi of Malibu, California, and Derek Hitchner of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Key Information

Thirty Canadians entered this week’s Québec Open powered by Videotron Business, with 11 making the cut. Chris R. Wilson led the way with his fifth-place finish. Here are how all the Canadians fared, who completed 72 holes.

Tyler McCumber, son of 10-time PGA TOUR champion Mark McCumber, was the last back-to-back PGA TOUR Canada winner. He won the 2018 Osprey Valley Open by one stroke over Michael Gellerman and then, after the TOUR observed an off week, he won the Syncrude Oil Country Championship by two shots ahead of Ian Holt.

Anyone who wins three tournaments in a season earns an automatic promotion to the Korn Ferry Tour. The last player to do so was TylerMcCumber, in 2018. Dan McCarthy won four times in 2016. Those joining DavisLamb with two wins in a season are JoelDahmen (2014), C.T. Pan (2015), AaronWise (2016), PatrickNewcomb and KramerHickok (2017), JakeKnapp, PaulBarjon and TaylorPendrith (2019) and NoahGoodwin and WilBateman (2022).

Canadian Étienne Papineau, who has led the Fortinet Cup standings all season since his opening-week victory at the Royal Beach Victoria Open, shot a 63 Sunday and vaulted 18 spots to tie for 16th. Papineau, of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, dropped to second in the points standings.

Michael Blair and Brandon Lacasse, both of Quebec, made their sponsor’s exemptions pay off. Lacasse finished with a 67 and Blair closed with a 69, leaving the duo tied for 36th.

Because of a threatening weather forecast, officials pushed the starting times for the final rounds to earlier in the morning. Despite a one-hour, 40-minute suspension because of rain and lightning danger, the round resumed and ended with no further issue.

Quotable

“This is kind of like the grass I grew up putting on, which is a huge advantage at any golf course. I had a couple of great reads that I just kind of stood over and was confident and made a good stroke.” – Davis Lamb on his putting round

“It hadn’t been my best six, eight months leading up to these two events. (I) struggled a little bit with some swing stuff over the winter and, unfortunately, that led right into Q-school, where I played good enough to get a card but not good enough to guarantee any starts. But you know, I never quit.” – Davis Lamb

“It was kind of a relentless effort from my coaches to get my swing back to where it needed to be. And we’ve been building off momentum for a while now, although the results haven’t shown. I’m just glad it’s paying off now in a big way.” – Davis Lamb

Final-Round Weather: Mostly cloudy and warm. High of 27. Wind S at 5-7 kph. There was a one-hour, 40-minute rain and weather delay in the middle of the round.

Article originally written by and posted by PGATOUR.com

Justin Lower’s was in contention all week at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

The PGA TOUR event is hosted at famed Detroit Golf Club, and Lower fired rounds of 68-65-67-69 to finish 8th place. It was his third Top 10 finish of the 2022-2023 season but his first of calendar year 2023.

After his second round 65, Justin met with the media

As he entered the final round inside the Top 10, Lower sported the DraftKings logo on the front of his hat for the final round’s television coverage and anticipation of large exposure.

SHERWOOD PARK, Alberta—Davis Lamb had to Monday qualify just to get into the field for this week’s ATB Classic. He had no idea that he was about to make history.

Lamb, of Bethesda, Maryland, shot a 2-under 70 Sunday to finish at 18-under 270 at Northern Bear Golf Course and become the first Monday qualifier to win on PGA TOUR Canada. After his first PGA TOUR-sanctioned win, Lamb is now exempt for the remainder of the season.

“It’s kind of surreal to be standing here right now,” Lamb said. “My game was in a good spot. I was ready to come up here and compete. But to start Monday morning, teeing off with kind of a play-well-or-go-home scenario, and to make it all the way to Sunday and be standing here … It’s pretty surreal.”

The Notre Dame graduate overcame two double bogeys on the front nine during a cool, windy day to beat Eric McCardle of Oak Harbor, Washington—another Monday qualifier—by two shots and Nicolo Galletti of Berkeley, California, by three.

“Today is about the hardest I’ve ever had to work on the golf course, so for it to pay off the way it did, it feels amazing,” Lamb said.

Lamb also moved into a tie for second place on the Fortinet Cup points list, 42 points behind leader Étienne Papineau.

Lamb shared the 54-hole lead with Eric Lilleboe after players completed the delayed third round Sunday morning. Dangerous weather conditions forced suspension of play Saturday and the fourth round’s weather didn’t really improve.

Lamb stumbled with his first double bogey of the day, on the par-5 sixth hole, and took another double on the par-4 ninth hole. But he somehow regained his momentum with an eagle at No. 10, a 540-yard par-5, and added three more birdies, the last coming on the par-3 17th that gave him a three-shot lead entering the 72nd hole.

“I doubled my sixth hole, hitting the ball in the trees, which you just can’t do out here, and then doubled No. 9 again,” Lamb said. “At that point I’m just hanging on for dear life. Luckily, I hit a good drive on 10, and I just told my caddie, ‘It’s time to hit a golf shot right now.’ And we did from 235 (yards) to about three feet, made eagle and from there we just played great coming in.”

Lamb said it was “easily the best golf shot I’ve hit in my entire life and to do it in that situation was amazing.”

The long birdie putt on the 17th hole certainly made it an easier finish for Lamb, who punctuated his win with an emphatic fist pump when the final putt dropped.

“It’s never done. I was still working hard,” Lamb said. “But to take a three-shot lead going into 18 was, in my mind, a can’t-lose scenario. I knew I was driving. I knew I could hit the green. So, to give myself a chance to win with a five-putt, it’s comfortable for me.”

McCardle had three birdies on the back nine but never got closer than a stroke. He shot 69 and finished at 15-under 273. Galletti also found himself in contention late in the round, recording his fifth birdie on No. 15, but a bogey on the 17th hole would see him finish with a 4-under 68 and in third.

Sudarshan Yellamarajuwas the low Canadian. He shot 66, the best round of the day, and finished fourth, at 13-under 275. He moved up 26 spots on the leaderboard the final day.

“I’m happy with the way I played today, especially under these conditions. I wouldn’t say anything clicked. I just feel like I did my job,” Yellamaraju said.

There was a four-way tie for fifth place, at 12-under 276—Canadian Noah Steele, Sam Choi of Malibu, California, Chase Sienkiewicz of Sacramento, California, and Australian Jack Trent.

Key Information

Fortinet Cup Standings
(Through ATB Classic)

Pos.	Player	Points
1	Étienne Papineau (Canada)	542
T2	John Pak (United States)	500
T2	Davis Lamb (United States)	500
4	Chris Korte (United States)	490
5	Connor Howe (United States)	339
6	Sam Choi (United States)	328
7	George Kneiser (United States)	302
8	Eric McCardle (United States)	300
9	Nicolo Galletti (United States)	248
10	Chase Sienkiewicz (United States)	176

Twenty-eight Canadians started this week at the ATB Classic. Ten made the cut, with Sudarshan Yellamaraju the low performer. Noah Steele was the only other player with a top-10 finish, a tie for fifth. Here are all the players’ results from those who played 72 holes:

Pos.	Player	Score
4	Sudarshan Yellamaraju	275 (13-under)
T5	Noah Steele	276 (12-under)
T13	Matthew Anderson	278 (10-under)
T16	A.J. Ewart	279 (9-under)
T30	Étienne Papineau	282 (6-under)
T40	Chris Crisologo	284 (4-under)
T47	Jared du Toit	286 (2-under)
T50	Aidan Goodfellow	287 (1-under)
T56	Jimmy Jones	289 (1-over)
62	Chris Wilson	294 (6-over)

Davis Lamb’s victory means he is exempt on PGA TOUR Canada for the rest of the 2023 season and for the first six events of the 2024 PGA TOUR Americas season. Lamb said he had received more than 100 congratulatory texts shortly after his win. “It’s going to be a while to get through all of those. I’ve a got an incredible support system behind me,” he said.

Canadian Sudarshan Yellamaraju, who lives in Toronto, finished with his third top 10 in 11 PGA TOUR Canada starts. He had missed the cut in the first two events.

Fortinet Cup points leader Etienne Papineau closed with a 2-over 74 and tied for 30th. Papineau remains in first place in the race for the $25,000 bonus prize that goes to the overall winner. The Quebec resident won the season-opening Royal Beach Victoria Open and has made the cut in each of the last two tournaments. John Pak missed the cut this week and is tied for second with DavisLamb.

Eric Lilleboe was tied for the fourth-round lead but skied to a 77 and wound up tied for ninth at 11-under. His triple bogey on the 13th hole, a 200-yard par-3, combined with Davis Lamb’s birdie, was a four-shot swing that gave Lamb the lead for keeps.

PGA TOUR Canada does not have a tournament next week. The circuit moves east on July 13-16 for the Quebec Open powered by Videotron Business.

Quotable

“I’ve never been in a position in a tournament like this to win. I’d say I proved to myself that I can make the shots I need to. But this week there was different kind of pressure.” – Davis Lamb

“There were times I found myself getting ahead of myself, whether in a good way or bad way. Coming down those last four or five holes, I was thinking about what it’s going to be like to win and all that. I had to snap myself back into it. But once that ball hit the green (at 18), I gave my caddie a huge fist bump. And it was just a lot of exhaling on the way up there.” – Davis Lamb

“I’ve played in 40 to 50-kilometer wind like this, even colder than this. Experience helps a little bit, but it’s not something that’s new. At the end of the day, you’ve got to play the shot in front of you no matter what the conditions are. Even if you’ve played it before or not, you’ve just got to do it.” – Sudarshan Yellamaraju

Final-Round Weather: Mostly cloudy and cool. High of 15. Wind variable at 35-45 kph, with gusts to 51 kph.

Story Originally Written and Posted by PGATOUR.com

I held the solo lead after two rounds of the 2016 Henan Open in China. I didn’t know much about one of the guys who was chasing me, but then I heard the sound of the ball coming off Charlie Saxon’s driver and saw the soaring trajectory of his tee shots. 

‍I might be in trouble today.

Riding high from a T-12 the week before at a South Korean major, the Maekyung Open, I dissected menacingly narrow St. Andrews Golf Club during the first two rounds of the opening event of the PGA Tour China season. As the wind blew in a hazy drizzle on this early Saturday afternoon, I saw Saxon’s towering driver flight. Each shot was an unwavering, tight fade. I knew it would be a different day. 

I went backwards almost immediately, and Saxon took the lead within a few holes. I wish I could blame it on the weather or the golf course, but the truth was that I was intimidated. 

Saxon confidently strode the fairways looking bulletproof: wide shoulders, arms that few shirts could contain, a barrel chest, and a solid base. When he stepped on the course, his boyish face with the endearing smile hardened and became intense. He would remove his glove between shots, lugging it in his mouth like a tigress carrying her cub. He seemed hungry to devour the field.  

 I thought I was a bomber until I faced golf’s Incredible Hulk. Saxon’s golf game took him to China and back and fueled a promising rise, which would be hindered time and again by injury. 

I first met Saxon at PGA Tour China Qualifying School months earlier. After being the co-medalist, he hustled to the airport to catch a flight, crossing dozens of time zones to get to Buenos Aires for PGA Tour Latinoamerica Q school. Kunming to Beijing, Beijing to Chicago, Chicago to Dallas, Dallas to Buenos Aires. The trip took about 46 hours, and after an understandably disoriented nine-hole practice round, he played well enough to earn status.

Saxon’s professional golf career was off and running. His well-traveled mother, Jan, tagged along to visit China for the first time, perhaps in part to soften the culture shock for a kid who had grown up in Oklahoma and attended college there. Like most of us at the start of our careers, Saxon was enthusiastic, naive, and aloof, but once his name was called on the first tee, he looked unstoppable. 

When he thinks back to those early days, he can only laugh. He’s 30 now, and these days, a short flight and car ride to a tournament ages him. Back then, crossing a dozen time zones between qualifiers was nothing. 

“It sounded fun,” he says. “It’s like we’re living the dream playing professional golf. “If there’s an opportunity, let’s go do it and make the most of each and every opportunity.” 

Saxon grew up in Tulsa with Southern Hills Country Club as his backyard. Beyond the backyard gate, his world changed. On weekends and in the summers, he would swing that gate open early in the mornings and close it late at night. He became obsessed with the game. 

In 2001, the U.S. Open came to Southern Hills, and that meant the best player in the world, Tiger Woods, would be playing in Charlie’s backyard. He was 8 years old, and he and his three younger siblings excitedly held onto the ropes as Tiger stood in front of them on the 10th tee. 

“Tiger hit a shot off 10 tee and Charlie yelled out after he hit in a little baby voice, good shot Tiger!” Jan recalls. “Tiger turned to him and I was like, oh my gosh, is he gonna be mad? And Tiger flashes this big toothy smile. Charlie never forgot it.”

At Oklahoma, Saxon was a teammate who could be counted on, though rarely a tournament contender. He was an early recruit of Coach Ryan Hybl, and under Hybl’s tutelage, he steadily improved each year until an injury derailed the beginning of his senior year. His career in Norman ended leaving little doubt his game needed refinement before he could even think about playing on the PGA Tour. So he chose to play the development circuits in China and Latin America. 

For Saxon, chipping and pitching have always been his nemeses. The scale of his chipping challenges ranged from problematic to the full-blown yips. He wasn’t averse to putting from the high grass or hitting a flop shot when the proper play was a pitch-and-run. The chipping demons were easily hidden in China because Saxon struck his approach shots so solidly. 

“The bomb-fadesman was pretty much Charlie in a nutshell,” says Callum Tarren, a PGA Tour member who was on that journey with us through China.  “He hit the driver so well. It was flushery through the bag.”

That first season, Saxon built momentum through the year before a late-season charge produced his first win. He did it with a scorching 22-under-par total at Beijing’s Topwin Golf Club, former home of the European Tour’s Volvo China Open. That win bred confidence, and three events later, he won another PGA Tour China event, locking up his Korn Ferry Tour card for the following season.

“You’re in the most foreign environments as you can be with crazy travel, and you either take ownership of it and play well, or you don’t,” Saxon says. “I was able to get a lot better through competition in crazy places in the world and figure out what works for me.”

Most of us who faced Saxon that season or watched the momentum he was building assumed he was an unstoppable force. Good luck finding a competitor with anything negative to say about him. He lets his game do the talking, makes friends easily, and radiates positivity — a sponsor’s dream. We all knew his play would translate to any course in any country. 

“He dominated up in China,” says Tarren. “He was always the man to beat, pretty much every week.”

What we didn’t know was that he was playing through pain. 

When the season ended, Saxon realized the growing discomfort in his left hip might lead to something more serious. The diagnosis was Femoroacetabular Impingement, a common injury among longtime professional golfers, where the bones of the hip joint are so close they pinch tissue and tear the labrum. A lifetime of swinging a golf club can cause this injury. Some people are more predisposed to it than others. Saxon, only 23, had surgery at the end of 2016, before he made his debut as a Korn Ferry Tour member. 

“No golfer wants to have surgery and be out and then worry, am I going to get it back?” says Jan.  “Thankfully, the first hip surgery worked perfectly. He just got back on the horse and kept going.”

Thanks to an aggressive rehab plan, Saxon was swinging a club 11 weeks after surgery. He didn’t change anything in his swing, and with the hip pain gone, his swing speed returned. 

Still, he didn’t make his first Korn Ferry Tour start until April. He missed nine of 15 cuts and never cracked the top 10, earning a fraction of the money he had pocketed playing in China the previous year. After six consecutive missed cuts to finish the season, he headed back to the development circuit in China.

Saxon competed on PGA Tour China and the China Tour, which awarded European Tour membership to the winner of its Order of Merit. He took the country by storm. He won four events across the two tours, topped the Order of Merit and narrowly finished second to Tarren on the PGA Tour China points list. Not only did he have status again, but he also had options.

“I was just so consistent,” Saxon says. “It didn’t matter where I was playing. I was so confident. I was shooting good number after good number. I had a five-month stretch there where it was just really consistent and pretty easy.”

Having climbed to 204th in the world rankings, Saxon was playing so well he faced a dilemma: how to navigate all the playing opportunities he had created for himself. He was now a member of both the Korn Ferry Tour and the European Tour, and the exhaustive travel was beginning to wear on him. 

“The decision I made was to prioritize the Korn Ferry Tour instead of playing mostly on the European Tour,” Saxon says. “The thought was, I’m an American, my home is in the United States and my ultimate goal is to play the PGA Tour. There’s 50 cards available between the regular season and the playoffs, and with the European Tour, it’s a convoluted pathway to get back to the PGA Tour.” 

Still, he felt the temptation to explore some events that offered larger purses. One week the Korn Ferry Tour stopped at Peek n’ Peak resort in the southwestern corner of New York. It’s in a remote area without much to do outside the ski and golf resort. Charlie’s caddie wouldn’t let him forget that they could have been playing for significantly more money, in a far more desirable location. The Korn Ferry event had a $700,000 purse. Saxon was also exempt that week into a tournament across the Atlantic: the Irish Open at Lahinch, whose purse was $7 million. 

Importantly, his golf game was beginning to shine on the larger stage. Toward the end of the season, the Korn Ferry Tour stopped outside Salt Lake City for the Utah Championship, where the mountain air and elevation aided his already prodigious length. 

With six holes left, Saxon was 4 under par in the final round and 14 under for the tournament, the score that would play off for the title. He made back-to-back bogeys on the 13th and 14th, before arriving at the 15th, a short par-5. He was 10 yards short of the green after his second shot, but with 100 feet of green between his ball and hole. The chipping demons popped into his head. 

He pulled out his putter. The TV commentators were dumbfounded, and when Saxon hit the ball off the green, they were merciless. He saved par and then made a 15-foot par save on 16. When he buried another putt on 17, this time for birdie, he was back in contention.

Two nearly perfect shots at the short par-4 18th hole gave him a chance to tie the clubhouse lead. All that remained between Saxon’s ball and the hole were nine feet and a severe right-to-left slope. One of the top players on the tour that season, Harry Higgs, sat in the grandstands watching his friend attempt to secure his PGA Tour card. Higgs had finished earlier and had seen this putt a few times. Every player he watched missed the putt on the low side. He later told Saxon he was tempted to shout, “Breaks more than you think!”

The points awarded on the Korn Ferry Tour, much like the prize money, are top heavy. A second- or third-place finish is an admirable achievement, but to get to the PGA Tour, you usually have to win. This was Charlie’s chance. But Higgs was right. The putt came up short and low, as did Saxon in the season-ending points ranking.  

That meant another season in the top minor league. 

“Yes, I expected to get a PGA Tour card and I didn’t, so it was disappointing,” Saxon says. “But at the same time, in 2017, I played some horrific golf on the Korn Ferry Tour, and to come back in 2019 and be competitive, and really give myself a chance coming down the stretch, was validating.”

When the Tour suspended play due to the pandemic in early 2020, Saxon was living in Dallas with Scottie Scheffler and former college teammates Max McGreevy and Grant Hirschman. The four set up a gym and a hitting area in the garage, and they went to the course to play matches as frequently as restrictions allowed. 

Scheffler, who was relatively new to the PGA Tour, didn’t lose much over the course of those four months, and when the Tour resumed play, Saxon bet some of his fellow players that Scheffler would be a top-five player in the world in six months. He won the bet.

Saxon’s play picked up as well. He had a handful of top 10s across the 2020-21 megaseason — a combined season due to COVID — and his best play came at the end of 2020. As the season wound down, his results became more inconsistent. Something more sinister than missed cuts nagged him: another hip injury, which led to another surgery.  

Saxon went through 11 weeks of rehab before he could swing a club, and it was 16 weeks before he could compete. He chose not to take a medical leave from the Korn Ferry Tour in 2022, but when he returned to competition, his hip didn’t feel better. His mobility remained limited, he lost speed, and his swing suffered. 

“It didn’t feel like the hip I had before,” Saxon says. “It’s just hard when you’re not healthy. It’s hard showing up. Golf’s hard enough as it is. You’re trying to make it to the highest level of golf against the best players in the world. Doing that healthy is difficult as it is. But doing it when you can’t quite put in the practice you want, or the hip’s nagging, it’s definitely frustrating.”

“The light kind of went out for him when he didn’t get his card back, but he’s so determined and he’s such a positive person, that he doesn’t dwell there,” says Jan. “He’s just going to work as hard as he can to get it back.”

Off the golf course, Saxon got married and moved from Dallas back to Tulsa. He and his wife, Lauren, became new parents when McArthur Paul came into the world last year. They call the little guy “Mac.” It’s a family name that goes back centuries to Scotland, a fitting connection to the home of golf. Mac’s arrival has also given the new father a new outlook. 

“It’s definitely a full life-changer in a good way,” Saxon says. “It puts a whole bunch of things in perspective. Whether I play poor golf or great golf, it’s pretty frivolous now. You’ve got a little kid at home who loves me regardless of what I shoot. It’s been hard; you do something your whole life and get used to your routines, and the little guy comes in, and he’s the priority. It’s been the coolest 10 months of my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Saxon is home now. He knows how much work he has ahead to elevate his game. He and Lauren are learning the ropes of parenthood, and he is becoming more efficient with his time. Earlier this year, he won a two-day North Texas PGA event by four shots, a victory that was a big step in rebuilding his confidence. 

He hasn’t forgotten how to win. He knows he has to continue building momentum one day at a time. He also has his sights set on Q school at the end of the year, which is awarding PGA Tour cards to the top five finishers. 

“This year is pretty nuts,” Saxon says. “You can go from Joe Schmoe with absolutely no status, to the PGA Tour. There’s a lot to play for. But it doesn’t happen out of thin air. It requires putting in the work incrementally day after day.”

The Charlie Saxon I chased on a weekly basis on PGA Tour China was destined for success at the highest level of professional golf. He has experienced more highs and lows in the professional game than most players, but those early days on foreign fairways prepared him for the road ahead. 

“I’ve known that when I’m playing good golf, that golf transfers at any level,” Saxon says. “I’m trying to rediscover that again. I’m trying to play Charlie golf, the golf I’ve played before, the golf that competes and has contended, and the golf that will contend again.”

Few ball flights have left an impression on me the way Saxon’s did on the driving range at the Henan Open. He’s not the same player he was back then. He has been through too much. I hope his opponents soon discover he’s more formidable because of it.  

‍This Story Written by Mark Baldwin for MondayQ.com