Back nine surge delivers Justin Thomas Players Championship title
Thomas navigated the closing nine at the Stadium Course in spectacular fashion, storming back to win The Players Championship on a postcard perfect Sunday. Thomas had a final-round 68 and finished 14-under 274 to win by a stroke over Lee Westwood. I’m so happy they’re back and I’m so happy to be The Players champion,” Thomas said. Thomas grinded his way through the front nine in the final round and made the turn at even. “That’s why he’s one of the best players in the world and will continue to be one of the best players in the world for a long time.”
Westwood leads at Sawgrass, gets another shot at DeChambeau
That's how it was last week at Bay Hill, when DeChambeau came from one shot behind to beat Westwood with a par on the final hole at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Westwood, who turns 48 next month, no longer has to go up a few classes to face DeChambeau, golf's fearsome heavyweight. Also four shots behind was Brian Harman, who began his day by holing a wedge for eagle and shot 69. DeChambeau can't blast away at Sawgrass because of the bending tree-lined fairways and water hazards. He also knows from recent experience — seven days ago — that it might not be easy the way Westwood is playing.
The Players Championship: Tee times for Thursday, Friday rounds
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The first and second round tee times for The Players Championship are set. A glance at tee times for Thursday and Friday’s rounds at TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach. For information on the tournament, check out our fan’s guide to The Players. 1:11 p.m.: Daniel Berger, Adam Scott, Shane Lowry. 7:51 a.m.: Daniel Berger, Adam Scott, Shane Lowry.
Homa, Finau, Kim share 3rd-round lead at American Express
If he can keep up the relentlessness Sunday, Homa could have his second career PGA Tour trophy in his arms. Richy Werenski also shot a 65 and moved within a shot of the lead at PGA West near Palm Springs. Finau and Kim both shot 67 and finished strong in the rain, joining Homa in prime position for a win. “I wouldn’t say it’s ever easy to make birdies, but I’ve given myself a ton of looks,” Homa said. “Fortunately for me, I’ve had a lot of opportunities, so hopefully everything that I’ve learned, I’m going to bottle up,” Finau said.
Sungjae Im shoots 65, takes lead at The American Express
Im shot a 7-under 65 on Friday at The American Express to take a one-stroke lead over first-round leader Brandon Hagy and four others. “Visually from the tee box, it’s a course that I really like and enjoy to play, so I felt really comfortable throughout the round,” Im said. Emiliano Grillo (66), Francesco Molinari (66) and Doug Ghim (68) were two shots off the lead, and eight more were at 8 under. After splitting the first two rounds over two courses, the players will all play the once-feared Stadium Course for the final two rounds. Taylor, who also led the Sony Open after two rounds last week, shot a 66 with six birdies on the Stadium Course.
Morikawa quickly goes from college grad to major champion
Collin Morikawa poses with the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the PGA Championship golf tournament at TPC Harding Park Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020, in San Francisco. Since then, he has played 28 tournaments around the world and already has three victories on the PGA Tour, one of them a major championship. That alone puts him among the elite, except that Morikawa didn't need to win the PGA Championship to feel that way. When I woke up today, I was like, This is meant to be. This is where I feel very comfortable, Morikawa said. Rare is Sunday at a major with so many possibilities at the beginning, at the turn and down the stretch.