Welcome to the Monday Leaderboard, where we recap the weekend’s top golf stories. Grab an Arnold Palmer, sit back, and reflect on the game’s highs and lows…
1. Viktor Hovland’s Triumph; JT’s Bitter Disappointment
The game of golf can be both punishing and unpredictable. After missing the cut in his last three tournaments and not winning since the Tour Championship in 2023, Viktor Hovland made an impressive comeback at the Valspar Championship. In a dramatic finish, he made three birdies in the last four holes to secure a victory by a single stroke.
“I hit a lot of terrible shots,” Hovland remarked, “but they happened to go where I intended.” Although his world ranking dropped from No. 4 to No. 19, this win should serve as a strong comeback.
Conversely, Justin Thomas started strong, leading by three strokes with three holes to go but faltered, finishing with bogey-par-bogey. Despite a remarkable 65-66 weekend score, Thomas expressed disappointment but remained proud of his performance, aiming to improve at Augusta in two weeks.
2. Sergio Garcia’s Missed Chance
Sergio Garcia, the renowned European golfer now playing in LIV Golf, faced disappointment during the Asian Tour’s International Series in Macau. He needed to sink a straightforward three-foot putt on the 18th hole but missed, allowing fellow LIV player Jason Kokrak to claim an Open Championship exemption.
This event is part of the R&A qualifying series, offering pathways into the Open for LIV players. With Carlos Ortiz winning and Patrick Reed coming in second, they secured the first two exemptions, leaving Garcia, who had previously participated in 22 consecutive Opens, hoping to maintain a strong position in LIV’s points standings for another shot.
3. PGA Tour Continues to Unfold at Valspar
Recent events at the Valspar Championship have been rather chaotic. Following Patton Kizzire’s club antics and Sahith Theegala’s frustration-fueled club toss, Adam Hadwin contributed to the scene by expressing his rage on a sprinkler head.
The evolving nature of golf, transforming into a display of emotional outbursts, is intriguing.
4. TGL Championship Kicks Off
As traditional outdoor golf gains momentum, TGL is concluding its inaugural season with a championship event starting Monday at 9 PM ET. The contest will see Thomas’s Atlanta Drive GC compete against Xander Schauffele’s New York Golf Club. Although the absence of big names like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy could impact viewership, TGL has successfully carved out a niche in winter golf.
5. Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Showcases Future Golf Talent
The Sage Valley Invitational in South Carolina highlights the future of golf, showcasing emerging talents. This year, 16-year-old Miles Russell took home the title, but much attention also centered on Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods, and Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Trump. Charlie finished T25, while Trump placed last in her division, trailing the winner by 59 points.
Tour Trophy of the Week: Valspar Championship
The Valspar Championship offered a trophy worthy of its prestige. Its artistic design, featuring a swoosh culminating in a golf ball, signifies a tournament of note. Hovland nearly didn’t participate but is now thankful he attended, as he has a new trophy to showcase following his victory.
Shot of the Week: A Remarkable Hole-in-One
In the spirit of March Madness, nailing a shot that finds nothing but the cup is truly a fitting tribute. Sam Ryder achieved this feat on the challenging 204-yard, par-3 17th hole at Innisbrook on Saturday.
This impressive ace contributed to a mixed scorecard for Ryder, which included four bogeys, three birdies, and an eagle, ultimately leading to a score of 70 and a T16 finish, seven strokes behind Hovland.
Upcoming this week: PGA Tour: Texas Children’s Houston Open; LPGA: Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass (Arizona); TGL: Finals, Atlanta Drive GC vs. New York Golf Club.
