"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: Poston Delivers at Shriners; Guerrier Triumphs in Nine Hole Playoff; Green Notches Wire-to-Wire Win
J.T. Poston Secures Third PGA TOUR Title at Shriners Children's Open
In a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, J.T. Poston emerged as the winner at the PGA TOUR's Shriners Children's Open, displaying remarkable skill and composure in the final round. Fans on hand at TPC Summerland and those watching the telecast worldwide witnessed an intense showdown as Poston secured his third PGA TOUR title with a standout performance in a competitive field.
The day was tense despite Poston entering the final round with a three-shot lead over several formidable contenders. Poston displayed focus and patience as he navigated his final round and maintained his poise throughout, adeptly navigating the challenging layout of TPC Summerland. His short game prowess was evident, as he was successful on four of his five up-and-down attempts on Sunday.
With a final round score of 67, Poston's ability to handle the pressures of holding the lead on a Sunday on the PGA TOUR was commendable.
Birdie putts on the back nine played a critical role in his victory, showcasing his ability to deliver when it mattered most. This win, his third on the PGA TOUR, further solidifies Poston's reputation as a player who has what it takes to win multiple times on the big stage. His previous wins, including the Wyndham Championship in 2019, had already established him as a formidable player.
Other noteworthy performances on Sunday included runner-up Doug Ghim's bogey-free 6-under par 65, which left him one stroke shy of a playoff, and Michael Kim's 9-under par 62, which saw a five-hole birdie streak starting on the 12th. Kim moved up 23 spots on the day to tie for fifth.
Poston's victory at the Shriners Children's Open was a delightful surprise, especially considering his absence from the PGA TOUR since the BMW Championship in late August. His win, which catapulted him to 41st in the FedExCup standings, was a testament to his skill and determination. In his post-victory reflections, Poston expressed gratitude towards his team and supporters, underscoring the joy and satisfaction of his unexpected triumph.
Julien Guerrier's Triumph in Spain: A Tale of Perseverance
In an incredible display of skill and stamina at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters Julien Guerrier finally got his taste of glory with his first DP World Tour title after a thrilling nine-hole playoff. Throughout the final round at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, the lead bounced back and forth between Frenchman Julien Guerrier and Jorge Campillo, the local favorite.
"I'm feeling great and can't believe I made it. Because it's been a really long time I've been waiting for it,” said Guerrier after the round and the testy 8-footer to win the marathon playoff.
This week was his 230th start on the DP World Tour, making this long-awaited first win even sweeter.
Starting the day tied with Campillo at 19 under par, Guerrier made an impressive move early, carding three birdies within the first five holes to edge ahead. However, Campillo's determination and the support of his home crowd soon pulled him level again after consecutive birdies on holes six and seven.
As they moved to the back nine, on the tenth hole, there was a dramatic shift when Guerrier's tee shot nearly went out of bounds. Although Guerrier salvaged a bogey, Campillo jumped out to a two-shot advantage. However, the determined and gritty Guerrier was far from out of the fight as he sank a seven-foot birdie on the eleventh, starting a series of intense exchanges of the lead.
On the 18th, Campillo held a one-shot lead but bogeyed, opening the door for Guerrier to force the playoff. What followed was a gripping nine-hole playoff full of near misses and nerve-wracking moments.
Each hole in the playoff was a testament to each player's grit. Campillo managed a miraculous par to extend the contest at the first playoff hole. A critical moment came with Campillo's missed seven-foot birdie on the third playoff hole. The tension climaxed on the ninth playoff hole, where Guerrier, composed and confident, holed his crucial putt for par and the win.
Reflecting on his victory, Guerrier expressed immense joy and relief, acknowledging the challenge Campillo presented and his own hard-earned patience. His persistence resonated with any of us who've waited long for success. This final round was certainly a tale of perseverance and triumph on one's 230th start—an unforgettable spectacle of golf.
Hannah Green Secures Wire-to-Wire Victory at LPGA BMW Ladies Championship
The final round of the LPGA BMW Ladies Championship witnessed Hannah Green claiming her second wire-to-wire victory, further solidifying her position in the professional women's game. The tournament took place at the picturesque Seowon Hills Country Club in Paju, South Korea, and showcased the resilience and skill of top-tier women's golf, particularly after the challenging weather conditions that affected play during the middle part of the week.
From the beginning of the week, Hannah Green captured everyone's attention as a favorite.
Green shared the lead with Ashleigh Buhai and Jenny Shin at the close of Thursday's round. Green maintained that lead throughout the rest of the tournament. Her final round was a masterclass, demonstrating how to remain steady and not overly aggressive in order to preserve a lead while facing challenges from the field on a Sunday. This victory solidified her position among golf's elite and highlighted her ability to perform under pressure.
Equally impressive on Sunday was Celine Boutier, who tenaciously pursued Green during the final round and throughout the tournament. Boutier secured her second runner-up finish of the season, showcasing her competitive spirit and talent.
Tim O'Neal Secures First Champions Tour Victory at Dominion Energy Charity Classic
Congratulations to Tim O’Neal for claiming victory at the PGA TOUR Champions Dominion Energy Charity Classic. O’Neal, who hadn't yet won on the Champions Tour, delivered an impressive performance on Sunday, clinching the title with a spectacular final round of 65 and ending the week with a 13-under 203 total.
O'Neal's win not only brought him his first Champions Tour victory but also positioned him favorably in the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. He jumped a whopping 43 spots up to 13th in the Schwan Cup standings.
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.
