"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, Rory Wins DP World Tour Championship, Rafael Campos's breakthrough, Nelly Wins seventh of season.
DP World Tour: Rory McIlroy's Triumph, A Masterclass in Championship Golf
In the world of professional golf, few moments can match the excitement of a gripping final round, especially with so much on the line as there was yesterday at the DP World Tour Championship. Rory McIlroy showcased his incredible talent and the determination he has shown numerous times throughout his career as he emerged victorious, securing his fourth Rolex Series win. This triumph not only adds another significant title to his impressive resume but also further solidifies his legacy as one of the game's formidable players.
A Historic Victory
With a two-shot win, Rory McIlroy clinched his third DP World Tour Championship title, tying Jon Rahm's record. This victory marked his 18th win on the DP World Tour in his 252nd appearance, ending a 301-day title drought since his last triumph at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. McIlroy's success in Dubai was not merely another achievement; it also earned him his sixth Race to Dubai title, leveling him with Seve Ballesteros and bringing him closer to Colin Montgomerie's record of eight titles.
Consistent Excellence
McIlroy's victory showcased his consistent excellence and mastery on the Dubai course, where he has now achieved seven wins, including four at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. This latest win reinforced his status as the most successful golfer from Northern Ireland on the DP World Tour, surpassing Darren Clarke's 14 wins. With a total of 42 professional victories worldwide, McIlroy remains a formidable presence in the sport, holding the position of third-best golfer on the Official World Golf Ranking.
Dual Membership Achievements
The 2024 DP World Tour Race to Dubai and Rolex Series was not only a significant milestone for McIlroy but also for other players. Those who finished in the top 10 on the Race to Dubai points list earned dual membership for 2025 on both the DP World Tour and the PGA TOUR.
- Thriston Lawrence, Age: 27, South Africa, OWGR: 47th
- Rasmus Højgaard, Age: 23, Denmark, OWGR: 58th
- Thorbjørn Olesen, Age: 34, Denmark, OWGR: 70th
- Matteo Manassero, Age: 31, Italy, OWGR: 87th
- Niklas Norgaard, Age: 32, Denmark, OWGR: 89th
- Paul Waring, Age: 39, United Kingdom, OWGR: 105th
- Jesper Svensson, Age: 28, Sweden, OWGR: 108th
- Tom McKibbin, Age: 21, Northern Ireland, OWGR: 111th
- Rikuya Hoshino, Age: 28, Japan, OWGR: 132nd
- Antoine Rozner, Age: 31, France, OWGR: 154th
This accomplishment opens doors to more competitive opportunities and greater exposure, shaping a promising future for these talented individuals in professional golf.
A Legacy of Greatness
As he continues to break records and set new benchmarks, McIlroy's legacy in the world of golf will firmly establish him as one of the game's all-time greats. His journey from Northern Ireland to global golfing prominence is a remarkable testament to his dedication and passion for the sport, ensuring his place among the legends of the game.
PGA TOUR: Triumph in Bermuda, Rafael Campos' Moment of Glory
The final round of the PGA TOUR's Butterfield Bermuda Championship showcased an impressive performance by Rafael Campos, who celebrated his first victory at the Port Royal Golf Course. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Bermuda's scenic beauty, Campos's win marks a defining moment in his career.
Campos' Long and Steady Climb
Originally hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Campos has had quite a journey within the professional ranks. From 2008-2014, he played yearly in the PGA TOUR's Puerto Rico Open for his only start during that stretch. In 2015, on the heels of a T8 in Puerto Rico, he would play in the following week's Shell Houston Open, where he tied for 38th. With another top 10 in 2017 in Puerto Rico, Campos got the start in Houston, where he tied for 7th, getting him into the RBC Heritage (T32) and the Valero Texas Open (Cut). 2018 saw a missed cut in his only start at the Puerto Rico Open, and in 2019, he teed it up again in Puerto Rico and at the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship, having little success in either event.
It wasn't until the 2019-20 wrap-around season that Rafael would gain some level of playing status on the PGA TOUR. That season, he played in nine events, making the cut in five, with his best finish being a T18 at the Bermuda Championship. The 2020-21 season was a mixed bag for Campos. While he finally had a full season under his belt, playing in 25 events, he missed the cut in 18 of them. The cuts he did make, he made the most of, chalking up three top 25s, including a runner-up at the
Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship and a T3 at the Puerto Rico Open. Those high finishes were not enough for him to keep his card for the 2021-22 season, and Rafael would fall back to making only two starts in Puerto Rico and at the Puntacana. In 2022-23, he made three starts, once again in Puerto Rico and Puntacana, as well as at The RSM Classic.
With a PGA TOUR card once again this year, Campos has made 24 starts, including this week in Bermuda. Like his previous full season, he has seen a mixed bag, making only eight cuts but securing six top 25s, including this week's breakthrough and life-changing victory.
Key Contenders Keep Pressure On
While Campos shined with his impressive performance this week, other notable contenders, including Justin Lower, Andrew Novak, and Lucas Glover, added significant pressure and drama to the final round. Despite their strong showings, Campos remained resolute in Bermuda, demonstrating remarkable composure under intense pressure. This victory is not just a personal achievement for Campos; it also highlights his resilience and determination over the years.
Celebrating a Landmark Victory for Puerto Rico
As Campos celebrates this hard-fought accomplishment, he stands as a beacon of hope for future generations of Puerto Rican golfers, proving that greatness can be achieved with dedication, resilience, and belief in oneself. This landmark achievement is a testament to his character and the vibrant golfing spirit of Puerto Rico, paving the way for more Puerto Rican talent to shine on the international stage.
LPGA Tour: Nelly Back to Her Winning Ways
World No. 1 Nelly Korda didn't take long to secure her next victory after a several-week layoff. She claimed her seventh title of the 2024 LPGA Tour season on Sunday at The ANNIKA, driven by Gainbridge. Hosted by golf legend Annika Sorenstam, the event was held at the beautiful Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, FL. Annika is often regarded as the greatest of all time in women's professional golf, making it fitting that one of the game's future legends, Nelly Korda, achieved this historic win at Annika's event. Nelly is the first player since Yani Tseng in 2011 to win seven times in a single season, and she is the first American to reach this milestone since Beth Daniel won seven LPGA Tour titles in 1990.
Great to Win, Even Better to Back Playing
Winning at an event hosted by Annika Sorenstam surely carries extra significance. However, for Korda, what seemed the most significant this week was just being back out there playing, especially after being sidelined for a few weeks with neck issues.
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.
