SUB 60 HEADLINES

Davis Thompson clinched his first PGA Tour victory at the John Deere Classic with a record-setting 28-under-par performance. The 25-year-old became the 24th player to achieve their maiden win at this event and, remarkably, the third consecutive winner to stay at the "Trophy House" - an Airbnb rental near the course. Thompson's victory was decisive, as he finished four shots ahead of his nearest competitors.

The win brought significant rewards for Thompson:

• A $1.44 million prize

• A move to 22nd place in the FedExCup standings

• Entry into The Open Championship

• An invitation to next year's Masters Tournament

Fellow players and observers have noted Thompson's immense potential, with some comparing his talent to top players like Scottie Scheffler. While Thompson acknowledges his ambitious goals, he remains grounded, focusing on building a long and successful career in golf.

A NEW MR. 59

Well, that was quick! On Thursday, July 4th, the PGA Tour welcomed its newest member to the sub-60 club. Only 12 days after Cameron Young completed the rare feat, Hayden Springer shot the 14th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history.

Springer, a 27-year-old PGA Tour rookie, achieved the remarkable feat by shooting a 12-under-par 59 in the first round of the John Deere Classic. This accomplishment is particularly poignant given the personal tragedy Springer experienced just months earlier. In November, he lost his 3-year-old daughter, Sage, to complications from the genetic Trisomy 18 disorder. Despite this heartbreak, Springer showed incredible resilience, earning his PGA Tour card only a month after his daughter's passing. Well done Hayden, well done!

BRADLEY SELECTED AS RYDER CUP CAPTAIN

Keegan Bradley's surprise appointment as the next U.S. Ryder Cup captain marks a significant shift in strategy for the PGA of America. At 38, Bradley is the youngest captain in 62 years, chosen after his passionate support for the team was highlighted in Netflix's "Full Swing" series. This decision, made after Tiger Woods declined the role, moves away from traditional older, established choices and responds to the U.S. team's recent defeat in Rome. It signals a departure from the "boys club" mentality, prioritizing emotional investment and understanding of the Ryder Cup's significance.

Bradley's selection as a relative outsider reflects the PGA's aim to inject new energy into the team, focusing on passion and intensity over conventional metrics. While concerns exist about his youth and status, this bold move emphasizes building a team culture based on commitment rather than just form or relationships. As Bradley balances potential playing duties with captaincy, the success of this strategy remains to be seen, but it indicates a push for a reinvigorated, emotionally invested approach to the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage.

AMATEUR AWESOMENESS

Luke Clanton, a 20-year-old Florida State junior, made golf history on July 8, 2024, becoming the first amateur since 1958 to achieve back-to-back top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour. He tied for second at the John Deere Classic, following a 10th-place finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

This remarkable feat earned Clanton additional PGA TOUR University Accelerated points, advancing his goal of securing automatic PGA TOUR membership. His performance, highlighted by a crucial final-hole birdie, showcases his potential in professional golf. Now, if he could only start getting paid . . .

SOCIAL OF THE WEEK

All the husbands out there…take note!

WINNERS FROM LAST WEEK: CORE FOUR

OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKINGS: TOP 60

ABOUT US