"The Starter" recaps the week gone by in golf. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment, Elliott looks at Thomas Detry’s impressive seven-shot win at the WM Phoenix Open and Yealimi Noh’s first LPGA Tour win at the Founders Cup.
Thomas Detry Blows Away the Field for His First PGA TOUR Victory
In an impressive display of talent and composure, Thomas Detry achieved his first PGA TOUR victory at the WM Phoenix Open, dominating the field at TPC Scottsdale. His final score of 24-under par 260 not only secured the win but did so with a commanding seven-shot lead. Detry’s performance was extraordinary; he led the field with an 86.11% success rate in Greens in Regulation (62/72), ranked 5th in Putts Per GIR at 1.66, and excelled in Strokes Gained Approach to the Green, gaining seven shots. Overall, he picked up nearly 20 shots on the field in Strokes Gained Total—simply remarkable.
From the moment he stepped onto the course, Detry exuded confidence and grace, maintaining a steady lead throughout the final round. This victory is not just a personal achievement for him; it symbolizes his dedication and growth as a golfer. With this triumph, he has established himself as a serious contender in the world of golf, capturing the attention of fans and fellow PGA TOUR professionals.
Berger and Kim: Close, But Not Quite
While Detry shined brightly on Sunday, Daniel Berger and Michael Kim also displayed remarkable tenacity as they battled for the top spots, ultimately sharing second place at a solid 17-under par. Berger, known for his consistency, delivered a strong performance off the tee, hitting just under 70% of his fairways, good enough for third on the week in that stat category. He also putt well, ranking tied for sixth in Putts Per GIR at 1.67. Kim exhibited flashes of brilliance that hinted at what he is capable of and what he could achieve this season. Kim led the field in scrambling, getting up and down 15 out of 16 times on his missed greens.
Both players walked away from TPC Scottsdale, learning valuable lessons about their games and certainly with a ton of confidence going into the rest of the season. Their performances are a great reminder of the amazing talent pool on the PGA TOUR—literally, any player can shine on any given day. That fact makes the competition so exciting on the flagship professional tour in golf.
Spieth and Bezuidenhout Share Fourth
Jordan Spieth and Christiaan Bezuidenhout also joined the fray this weekend. They both fought hard to finish tied for fourth at 16-under par. Spieth, a beloved figure in golf, bounced back remarkably from his lackluster return at Pebble Beach the week before the WM. There were many questions on how his game would hold up after his long layoff due to wrist surgery. Any doubts about Spieth's ability to return to the upper echelons of golf should be gone after his performance at TPC Scottsdale. Bezuidenhout continues to solidify his status as a reliable competitor, demonstrating that he can compete with the best. His finish this week pairs well with his performance overall in 2024, where he was 29th in the final FedEx standings, finishing 12 top 25s, three top 10s, and a runner-up. 2025 may be Bezuidenhout's breakout year when he claims his first win on the PGA TOUR.
Thomas’ Spectacular Finish
One of the standout moments of the final day was undoubtedly Justin Thomas’ hole-out eagle on the 18th hole, an incredible shot from 103 yards that boosted him to a tie for sixth place at 15-under. Alongside Will Chandler and Robert MacIntyre, Thomas turned around a challenging week, finishing on a high note that energized both him and the crowd.
Incredible moments like Thomas's hole-out remind us of golf's genuine magic and leave us with a sense that anything can happen when we just keep moving ahead with confidence and determination. For JT, the comeback train continues to move ahead nicely.
Final Thoughts
The WM Phoenix Open once again featured unforgettable moments and storylines, highlighted by Thomas Detry’s impressive runaway victory.
Stay tuned—the PGA TOUR season is just getting started.
Next week, Tiger Woods will return at the Genesis Invitational. When the calendar flips to March, we have the Arnold Palmer Invitational, followed by The PLAYERS Championship. Before you know it, the season's first Major, The Masters, will be here!
LPGA Round-Up: Yealimi Noh Dominates the Final Stretch to Clinch First LPGA Tour Win
It was an incredible week at the LPGA Tour's Founders Cup, where Yealimi Noh demonstrated exceptional skill as she achieved her first-ever LPGA Tour victory. Going into the final round with only a one-shot lead over the former World number one, Jin Young Ko, Noh maintained her composure and focus, ultimately winning by a commanding four shots, shooting a four-day total of 21-under par 263.
Noh vs. Ko: The Battle Unfolds
The final round was an unforgettable showdown between Yealimi Noh and Jin Young Ko. Noh, clinging to a narrow one-shot lead as they headed to the first tee, saw Ko quickly shift the momentum with a birdie on the par-five 8th hole, taking the lead and adding a new level of intensity to the final round.
As they moved into the back nine, the tension was high, with both players pushing each other to the limit. Things took a surprising turn on the 13th hole. Ko, usually so steady, ran into trouble with unexpected bogeys on the 13th, 14th, and 16th, opening the door for Noh.
Showing remarkable poise under the pressure of a final round, Noh took full advantage of Ko's misstep, finishing her back nine with a solid 2-under par 33, while Ko struggled to a 3-over 38. It was an incredible finish that showcased her talent as she secured her very first LPGA victory and let the golf world know what she was capable of.
Megan Khang Makes Her Mark
While eyes were glued to the Noh and Ko showdown, Megan Khang quietly finished solo third with an admirable 16-under par. Khang, the ten-year veteran of the LPGA Tour, showed consistency and tenacity throughout the tournament, reinforcing her position as a formidable player and one to watch in 2025. Her last and only win was the 2023 CPKC Women's Open; however, she routinely pops up on the leaderboard, posting 11 top 25s and six top 10s in 2024, including three top 3's. So far in 2025, she has this past week's third-place finish and a T18 at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. Khang is certainly due soon to clinch win number two.
Others in the Mix
Hannah Green, Miyu Yamashita, and Jin Hee Im delivered solid performances, all tying for fourth place at 13-under par. Meanwhile, fan-favorite Nelly Korda secured a respectable tie for seventh place at 12-under, underscoring the sheer depth of talent in this year's event.
Looking Ahead
Yealimi Noh’s win at the Founders Cup is a significant moment in her rising career. As she steps into the limelight as a Rolex First-Time Winner, the golf world will undoubtedly be watching her closely as the season unfolds. Her impressive skill and determination have earned her the respect of her fellow players and sparked excitement among fans eager to see what this promising young star will do next.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
