Justin Lower Finishes 3rd Place, A Star On The Rise
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.
