Thompson Uses Moving Day to Climb the Leaderboard

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson used two solid rounds on Thursday and Friday to make the cut at the RSM Classic by a shot.  Today he used a great four under par 66 in blustery conditions to move up the leaderboard 31 spots into a tie for 19th.  The wind today didn't seem to bother Michael who shot the same score on this course as he did Thursday on the Sea Side course.  It helps that he knows both the course and the the typical conditions since he now lives on Sea Island and has played this course many times.  Whatever happens Sunday, Michael will post his best finish of the young 2016-2017 season.

Video


Michael Thompson comments on the Sea Side course at Sea Island and his round one results

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Thompson Golfing in His Own Backyard

This week, Michael Thompson will be competing in the RSM Classic which is being played at Sea Island, Georgia.  This is Michael's easiest travel week of the year since he lives on Sea Island and will get to sleep in his own bed.  Michael tees off at 9:30ET with Jason Bohn and John Huh.

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Michael's Scorecard

Thompson and PGA Tour Back in Vegas

Michael Thompson gets back into action tomorrow in Las Vegas at the Shriners Hospital for Children Open.  Michael's group has a decided University of Alabama feel as both Michael and playing partner Jason Bohn are a proud alumni.  They will be playing with Harold Varner III.  They tee off from the first hole at 12:15pm PT.


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New PGA Tour Season Starts Today

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson will start the 2016/2017 PGA Tour season today as the Safeway Open gets started in Napa, California .  Michael starts the season at the top of the reshuffle list after his victory during the Web.com Tour finals series.  The reshuffle list will be shuffled after the fall series of events on November 20th.

Michael will be grouped with Ricky Barnes and Roberto Castro for the first two rounds.  They will get their seasons started at 12:10pm PT from the 10th tee.

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Michael's Scorecard
Reshuffle List

Thompson Keeps On Rolling in Ohio

Michael Thompson hits his drive on the 12th hole during the first round of the Web.com Tour Nationwide Children's Hospital  Championship at The Ohio State University Golf Club on September 22, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio.  (Source: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America)

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson has kept the good golf rolling.  He posted a three under par 68 at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship in Columbus, Ohio which has him tied for 13th and only three shots off the lead.  This was Michael's fifth straight round in the 60's during these Web.com Tour Finals.

Michael's round was characterized by the same good golf as his victory in Boise:  driving accuracy (11 of 14 fairways), good iron play (15 of 18 greens in regulation), and making a few birdie putts along the way.  He had four birdies on the day with a lone bogey.

Once again, Michael will be playing with Bryson DeChambeau and Miguel Angel Caballo.  They tee off at 12:52pm ET.

Sometimes it's your week. These seem to be Michael Thompson's Finals.

The ridge is his friend @NCHC_Golf https://t.co/hKWAEmOeWk

— Web.com Tour (@WebDotComTour) September 22, 2016

How does Michael Thompson rate his confidence level at the moment?

"The highest of my career." https://t.co/81oDzUmgsX

— Web.com Tour (@WebDotComTour) September 22, 2016

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Michael's Scorecard
Live Projected Standings for the Finals

PGA Tour Card Secured, Thompson Now Eyes the Top Spot

Michael Thompson holds the trophy after winning the Albertsons Boise Open at the Hillcrest Country Club on September 18, 2016 in Boise, Idaho. (Source: Steve Dykes/Getty Images North America)

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson has already secured his 2016-2017 PGA Tour card by virtue of his win last week at the Albertsons Boise Open.  He now has his sights set on being the top money earner in the Web.com Tour Finals.  This week's Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship in Columbus, Ohio marks the third Finals event out of four.  Michael is currently first on the Finals money list.

The top money earner over the four Finals events earns some pretty special privileges.  First, you get an entry into next year's Players Championship.  That's nice but the biggest perk is a fully exempt PGA Tour card for next year that is not subject to the reshuffle list.  It's basically a card that will allow its holder to set their own schedule next year.

Michael will be grouped with Bryson DeChambeau (winner of event #1 and number two on the finals money list) and Miguel Angel Caballo (number three on the finals money list).  The group tees off at 8:02am ET.

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Michael's Scorecard
Live Projected Standings for the Finals

Thompson Wins Boise Open, Earns 2017 PGA Tour Card

Michael made it to Times Square!!!  Posted by NASDAQ on Facebook on 9/20/2016

Michael Thompson holds the trophy after winning the Albertsons Boise Open at the Hillcrest Country Club on September 18, 2016 in Boise, Idaho.  (Source: Steve Dykes/Getty Images North America)

Michael Thompson closed the deal.  

After three fantastic rounds at the Albertsons Boise Open he entered the final round tied for first.  But he saved his best golf for the last round.  He finished Sunday with a bogey free seven under par 64 to win the Boise Open by three shots over Miguel Angel Carballo.  His final total of -23 marks his lowest score over 72 holes in a professional event (as far was we can tell).

The win means Michael is assured of earning a PGA Tour card for next year and he is currently first on the Web.com Tour Finals money list.

Michael looked calm and in control over his final round and he stayed out of trouble for the most part.  He hit 16 out of 18 greens in regulation in the final round.  For the tournament, he was tied for first in putts per green in regulation, tied for fourth in driving accuracy and he had the most birdies.  All in all, it was a recipe for success.

“It’s a huge confidence boost, to know that you can do it on such a big stage on a big level.  These four Web.com Tour Finals events mean a lot to all of us. We all want to get our card, especially the guys that lost it last year. I hope that this continues to breed confidence going forward. I feel good about my game.”

Photos

Michael Thompson acknowledges the gallery after sinking his putt to win the Albertsons Boise Open at the Hillcrest Country Club on September 18, 2016 in Boise, Idaho. (Source: Steve Dykes/Getty Images North America)

Michael Thompson hits his putt to win the Albertsons Boise Open at the Hillcrest Country Club on September 18, 2016 in Boise, Idaho. (Source: Steve Dykes/Getty Images North America)

Michael Thompson pumps his fist after sinking his putt to win the Albertsons Boise Open at the Hillcrest Country Club on September 18, 2016 in Boise, Idaho. (Source: Steve Dykes/Getty Images North America)

Michael Thompson holds the trophy after winning the Albertsons Boise Open at the Hillcrest Country Club on September 18, 2016 in Boise, Idaho.  (Source: Steve Dykes/Getty Images North America)

Articles

Idaho Statesman:  Michael Thompson wins Boise Open, secures PGA Tour return
Winner's Bag: Michael Thompson, Albertsons Boise Open

Videos

Fairways of Life Radio Interview
Please note that this video requires any ad blocker to be turned off.  It is a great 13 minute interview Michael did on Tuesday, 9/20/2016.


Michael Thompson drops in a confident putt at Albertsons Boise Open

Michael Thompson's fabulous bunker hole out at Albertsons Boise Open Michael Thompson wins the Albertsons Boise Open

Your 2016 @Boise_Open Champion Michael Thompson! Congrats @MSlickGolf! #BoiseOpen pic.twitter.com/kThBTLaGoH

— AlbertsonsBoiseOpen (@Boise_Open) September 18, 2016

Michael Thompson interview after winning the Albertsons Boise Open
Golf Channel Recap
Michael Thompson gets the job done at the Albertsons Boise Open (Note: skip the first 1:00) 

Plenty of #TOURBound players to emerge from @Boise_Open

We break down the final round in Idaho. pic.twitter.com/Bp09omPhbf

— Web.com Tour (@WebDotComTour) September 19, 2016

pic.twitter.com/X29i0SoUSN

— kris maerke (@kmaerke) September 20, 2016

Fantastic Moving Day Has Thompson at the Top

Michael Thompson hits his drive on the 15th green during the third round of the Albertsons Boise Open on September 17, 2016 at the Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, Idaho. (Source: Steve Dykes/Getty Images North America

by Roz Roberts III

What a moving day for Michael Thompson at the Albertsons Boise Open!  All he did was shoot a field leading seven under par (64) and jumped into a tie for first with Scott Stallings.  He continued his solid fairways and greens approach and for the third straight round hit 13 out 18 greens in regulation.  He improved his driving accuracy over the first two rounds by hitting 11 out of 14 fairways.  He is now tied for third in driving accuracy for the tournament.

“I was hitting my mid and short irons really well, my wedges really well, and gave myself a lot of chances for birdie inside 15 feet...especially on the back nine, I made basically every putt inside 15 feet except for the last one. You can’t complain when that happens, and I’ve been struggling with my putting, so this is really nice to see and it gives me some confidence going forward.”

Since he was in contention early after his birdie-birdie start, Michael got plenty of TV coverage on the Golf Channel.  The highlights of the coverage are shown below.  Since he's in the final group tomorrow, hopefully we will get to follow his round on TV once again.  The Golf Channel coverage goes on the air tomorrow at 12:00pm PT while Michael tees off at 10:10am PT.

Video

Michael Interview After Round Three (Click to link to Periscope)

Michael Thompson's delicate chip-in at Albertsons Boise Open

In the third round of the 2016 Albertsons Boise Open presented by Kraft Nabisco, Michael Thompson chips in for birdie from off the green on the par-4 5th hole.

Michael Thompson's solid approach yields birdie at Albertsons Boise Open

In the third round of the 2016 Albertsons Boise Open presented by Kraft Nabisco, Michael Thompson leaves his second shot within 2 foot range for a birdie on the par-4 10th hole.

Michael Thompson's impressive putt from 50 feet at Albertsons Boise Open

In the third round of the 2016 Albertsons Boise Open presented by Kraft Nabisco, Michael
Thompson makes an unbelievable putt from 50 feet for birdie on the par-4 11th hole.

Michael Thompson connects on a 15-footer at Albertsons Boise Open

In the third round of the 2016 Albertsons Boise Open presented by Kraft Nabisco, Michael Thompson successfully holes his 15-foot putt from the fringe on the par-4 15th hole.

Michael Thompson's third shot sets up birdie at Albertsons Boise Open 

In the third round of the 2016 Albertsons Boise Open presented by Kraft Nabisco, Michael Thompson knocks his approach shot into within 11 feet and converts the putt for birdie on the par-5 16th hole.

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Articles on the Web

If you just need more Michael Thompson news:

ESPN:  Michael Thompson, Scott Stallings tied for Web.com lead in Boise

PGA Your.com:  Stallings, Thompson take 54-hole lead at Albertsons Boise Open

Michael Thompson pumps his fist after sinking his birdie putt on the 15th green during the third round of the Albertsons Boise Open on September 17, 2016 at the Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, Idaho.  (Source: Steve Dykes/Getty Images North America)

Two Solid Rounds Have Thompson in the Top 10 in Idaho

Michael Thompson hits his drive on the 16th hole during the second round of the Albertsons Boise Open on September 16, 2016 in Boise, Idaho. (Source: Steve Dykes/Getty Images North America)

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson has had two remarkably consistent rounds at the Albertsons Boise Open and he's now tied for 7th at -9.  In both rounds 1 and round 2 he hit 13 out of 18 greens in regulation and 10 out of 14 fairways.  He also averaged the exact same 317 yards off the tee.

Michael will look to keep things rolling tomorrow as he tees off at 9:48am PT.


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Michael's Scorecard

Thompson Takes On Second Web.com Tour Playoff Event

by Roz Roberts III

After finishing last week's Web.com Tour Playoff event tied for 39th, Michael Thompson will look to climb into the top 25 on the money list at this week's Albertsons Boise Open presented by Kraft Nabisco.  The playoffs are four events in total and Michael is confident he's got what it takes to earn a PGA Tour card for next year.

"I think I have a good perspective on what needs to be done. It would be nice to get it over in one week but you've got three more chances. The key in these events is to just stay positive.  I know I'm good enough. I've been out on tour long enough now. I'm good enough to be out there. It's just a matter of me believing it."

Michael tees off tomorrow at 11:50am PT.

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Michael's Scorecard

Web.com Tour Playoffs Start Tomorrow

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson finished outside the top 125 on the PGA Tour this season which means he'll be competing in the four event Web.com Tour Playoff series in hopes of securing one of the 25 PGA Tour cards up for grabs.  This is how Michael earned his card for this past year so it is not an unfamiliar process for him.

The first event, the DAP Championship, starts tomorrow in Beachwood, Ohio.

Michael tees off at 7:41am ET from the tenth hole with Ryan Armour and Martin Pillar.

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Michael's Scorecard

One More Shot to Make the Fedexcup Playoffs

by Roz Roberts III

This week's Wyndham Championship offers Michael Thompson has one last tournament to try and jump into the top 125 on the Fedexcup Points list in order to secure a spot in this year's playoffs.  He'll likely need a top 5 finish to jump from his current spot of 144 into the top 125.

Michael tees off at 8:20am ET with Spencer Levin and Sung Kang from the first hole at the Sedgefield Country Club.  

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Michael's Scorecard

Travelers Gets Underway Thursday

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson will be competing in this week's Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut.  Michael has some good history with the Travelers.  He made his non-major PGA Tour debut at the Travelers back in 2008 and he shot his low round on Tour back in 2011 when he shot 62.

In a 2012 interview, Michael said

This is probably the most special tournament I have on my schedule just because it's where I, I guess, got my first official PGA Tour start besides the Masters and US Open when I was an amateur.   From the get‑go I've loved this golf course. It sets up great for me.

Michael will be teeing off at 8:20am ET from the tenth hole with playing partners Adam Hadwin and Patrick Rodgers.


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Michael's Scorecard

A Birdie Barrage North of the Border

Michael Thompson of the United States reacts after making his birdie putt on the 18th hole during the third round of the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club on July 23, 2016 in Oakville, Canada. (Source: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images North America)

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson dropped 10 birdies in the third round of the RBC Canadian Open today en route to a six under par 66 which propelled him up 47 spots on the leaderboard into a tie for 15th at four under par after 54 holes.  It was a fantastic round in which he hit 12 out of 14 fairways and 17 out of 18 greens in regulation although the round was not without its flaws with a double bogey and two three putt bogeys.

Today would have been a great day to follow Michael around Glen Abbey since he and playing partner Derek Fathauer posted two of the top five scores for the day combining for a remarkable -13.  The pairing brought back memories of the 2007 US Amateur when Derek and Michael played each other in the quarterfinals.  Michael beat Derek 5 and 4 that day and went to finish runner up to Colt Knost.  In today's "rematch", Derek earned bragging rights beating Michael by a single shot.

Michael will be paired with Robert Streb for Sunday's final round.  They tee off at 12:25pm ET.

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Michael's Scorecard

RBC Canadian Open Underway at Glen Abbey

Michael Thompson watches his drive on the 16th hole during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club on July 21, 2016 in Oakville, Canada. (Source: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America)

by Roz Roberts III

The PGA Tour has moved north of the border into Canada for this week's RBC Canadian Open at the Glen Abbey Golf Club.  Michael Thompson started his first round off strong but a few hiccups left him with a par 72 which is tied for 42nd.  

Michael is playing with Jhonattan Vegas and Luke List, who is currently tied for the lead at six under par.  They tee off from the first hole at 12:35pm ET for tomorrow's second round.

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Michael's Scorecard

Thompson Solid in Rounds 2 and 3

A weather warning is displayed during the third round of the Barbasol Championship at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National on July 16, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (July 15, 2016 - Source: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images North America)

by Roz Roberts III

After a rough finish to round one at the Barbasol Championship where he double bogeyed his 17th hole, Michael Thompson has found his game and has climbed the leaderboard accordingly.  He is currently tied for 10th after 53 holes.  Round three was halted to due weather and Michael still has to play the 18th hole to complete his third round.

Michael shot an impressive seven under par (64) in the second round and had a stretch of four holes (#13-16) in which he shot five under par.  In his third round, Michael is four under par through 17 holes after making five birdies and a single bogey.  Michael is ten under par for the tournament which has him in a tie for tenth with quite a few players needing to finish their third rounds.

After all of the players finish their third rounds tomorrow morning, groups will be reset for the final round.

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Michael's Scorecard

Back in Alabama

by Roz Roberts III

After getting an unexpected week off last week due to the Greenbrier Classic being canceled, Michael Thompson and the rest of the PGA Tour members who weren't eligible to play in the Open Championship will be competing in this week's Barbasol Championship in Auburn, Alabama.

Being back in Alabama, Michael will no doubt be hearing "Roll Tide" from the gallery and he might even get a little "War Eagle" ribbing from the Auburn fans.

Michael will tee off in round 1 at 12:31 ET with playing partners Si Woo Kim and Justin Hicks.

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Michael's Scorecard

Thompson is +13...and Happy About It

by Roz Roberts III

There is only one event on the PGA Tour when being +13 after two rounds is a good thing:  the Barracuda Championship in Reno, Nevada.  Michael Thompson is +13 at the Barracuda and that is good for a tie for 22nd.  Since the tournament uses the Modified Stableford point system, higher point totals will move you up the leaderboard.  After two rounds Greg Chalmers leads with +24.

Michael is fairly high up the leaderboard despite not putting well.  He is 80th in the stokes gained putting stat at nearly -4 for the tournament.  The rest of his game has been downright fantastic as he ranks first in the strokes gained tee to green stat at +7.7 which mean that at this event he has played nearly 8 strokes better than average with his driver and iron play.  If he can find his normal putting form tomorrow, good things are bound to happen.

Michael will be playing with D.H Lee for Saturday's third round.  They tee off at 1:05pm PT.

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Michael's Scorecard

The Barracuda Rewards Agression

by Roz Roberts III

There will be two different events handing out PGA Tour money and FedexCup points tomorrow.  While the bigger name players will be playing in a WGC event, the bulk of the PGA Tour regulars, including Michael Thompson,  will be playing in Reno, Nevada at the Barracuda Championship.

The Barracuda Championship differs from most PGA Tour events because it uses a Modified Stableford scoring system rather than simple stroke play.

The scoring system rewards aggression and uses the following point totals:

Modified Stableford scoring:  

•  Double-Eagle = 8 pts 

•  Eagle = 5 pts 

•  Birdie = 2 pts 

•  Par = 0 pts 

•  Bogey = -1 pt 

•  2+ Bogeys = -3 pts

Michael will be teeing off at 8:28am PT from the tenth hole with Arjun Atwal and Ben Curtis.

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Hanging Tough in D.C.

Michael Thompson plays a shot from the 14th tee during the first round of the Quicken Loans National at Congressional Country Club on June 23, 2016 in Bethesda, Maryland.  (June 22, 2016 - Source: Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America)

by Roz Roberts

After a triple bogey 7 on his second hole of the day at the Quicken Loans National, Michael Thompson found himself at the bottom of the leaderboard early on Thursday.  But from that point forward Michael wouldn't card another over par hole.  He made three birdies and had a lot of other birdie chances and finished the day at even par right about where the cut line will fall.

He'll look to improve upon that during Friday's second round.  He tees off at 12:36pm ET.

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Michael's Scorecard

 

Thompson Teeing it Up at Congressional This Week

by Roz Roberts III

The PGA Tour invades the nation's capitol this week,  The Quicken Loans National gets underway tomorrow at Congressional Country Club.  Michael Thompson will be competing after having last week off.

He will be playing with Chris Stroud and Kyle Reifers.  They will tee of from the tenth hole at 7:36am ET.  Tomorrow's forecast calls for thunderstorms so it's entirely possible that weather delays could interrupt the first round.

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Michael's Scorecard
 

It's US Open Qualifying Time!

by Roz Roberts III

Today marks the sectional qualifying stage for the 2016 US Open.  Michael Thompson will be competing in Memphis, Tennessee.  The qualifying will take place over two rounds at the Germantown Country Club and the Ridgeway Country Club.

There are 121 golfers competing for an unknown number of spots.  This is one of the two stronger fields for the sectionals since many PGA Tour players who are competing in this week's St. Jude Classic will be using the Memphis Qualifying as their venue of choice.  The number of spots available gets determined by the strength of the field.

You can follow Michael's scoring at the following link:

Memphis Sectional Scoring

I think scoring will be posted after each 9 holes during round one and then gets updated more frequently during round two.

Update #1 - 7:47am PT
Michael shot one under on the front nine at the Ridgeway Country Club  

Update #2 - 9:12am PT

There will be 10 spots awarded to the Memphis qualifying.

Update #3 - 11:00am PT

Michael finished his first round at two under par.  He carded four birdies and two bogeys.  He is roughly two shots off a qualifying spot so he'll need a solid second round to punch his ticket to the 2016 US Open..

Update #4 - 11:08am PT

Hole by hole scoring is now available.  Michael parred his first hole of the second round (hole #10 at the Germantown Country Club).

Update #5 - 2:42pm PT

Michael is two under with four holes remaining.  He will have to shoot at least three under over those remaining holes to make into the top 10 but he does have one par five to go.

Update #6 - 3:06pm PT

Michael is two under with only three holes remaining.  The cut has moved to six under par so he needs to go four under in his final three holes in order to grab a spot in this year's US Open field.

Update #7 - 7:21pm PT

Michael finished at two under and tied for 34th.  He was four shots from making the playoff.  He will now focus on this week's St. Jude Classic.

Thompson WIll Try to Get On Track At Quail Hollow

by Roz Roberts III

After a couple of rough weeks on the PGA Tour grind which resulted in back to back missed cuts, Michael Thompson will look to get back on track at this week's Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Michael will tee off from the first hole at 7:20am ET Thursday morning with playing partners Kyle Stanley and Roberto Castro.

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Michael's Scorecard

Mo' Derailed by a Pair of Double Bogeys

by Roz Roberts III

A pair of double bogeys conspired to stall the momentum Michael Thompson had gathered in his first round at the Puerto Rico Open.  Ultimately Michael carded a two over par 74 and is two under par (T40) after 36 holes.

This marks Michael's 9th made cut in 11 events for the 2015/2016 PGA Tour season.

For Saturday's thrird round, Michael is paired with Hiroshi Iwata and they will tee off from the first hole at 9:18am ET.


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Michael's Scorecard

Another Strong Start - This Time in Puerto Rico

Michael Thompson tees off on the third hole during the first round of the Puerto Rico Open at Coco Beach on March 24, 2016 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.  (Source: Marianna Massey/Getty Images North America)

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson started the Puerto Rico Open with a bang - posting a four under par 68 (T14).  The round was highlighted by an eagle on the par 5 fifth hole after hitting his second shot from the fairway with his driver to a mere 15 feet.  He also carded five birdies along the way in blustery conditions.

Starting tournaments strong is nothing new for Michael this year.  In fact, he currently leads the PGA Tour in round one scoring average with a stellar 67.60.

He will look to keep the momentum going in Friday's second round when he tees of at 11:50am ET.  He will be grouped with Jhonattan Vegas and Scott Pinckney.


Video

Michael Thompson interview after Round 1 of Puerto Rico Open

Following an opening-round 68, Michael Thompson reflects on his play in the 2016 Puerto Rico Open at Coco Beach.

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Michael's Scorecard

Michael Thompson takes his shot out of the bunker on the second hole during the first round of the Puerto Rico Open at Coco Beach on March 24, 2016 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.  (Source: Marianna Massey/Getty Images North America)

Thompson Shines In Florida

Michael Thompson of the United States lines up a putt on the fourteenth green during the first round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa - Champions Course on February 25, 2016 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images North America)

by Roz Roberts III

The Honda Classic lived up to its well deserved reputation as a beast in round one.  The PGA National Champion course provided the highest scoring first round of the 2015/2016 season at slightly more than 2 1/4 shots over par.  Despite the difficult conditions, Michael Thompson shined as he posted a spectacular five under par 65 and is currently tied for first with Sergio Garcia.  Whether it's the Bermuda grass, the difficult conditions, or the course just fitting his eye, Michael seems to play well at the Honda Classic.

Michael bogeyed his second hole of the day but carded a bounce-back eagle on the third hole and his round got kicked into high gear.  He followed the eagle with another birdie and ultimately carded five birdies and the eagle against two bogeys.

Michael will look to keep the momentum going in round two when he tees off at 8:15am ET with playing partners Graham DeLaet and Morgan Hoffman.

Online Links

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Michael's Scorecard

Videos

Michael Thompson comments after Round 1 of The Honda Classic

Following his opening-round 65 at The Honda Classic 2016, Michael Thompson talks about how an eagle at the third hole jump started his round.

Michael Thompson tracks in a 30-footer for birdie at The Honda Classic

In the opening round of The Honda Classic 2016, Michael Thompson rolls in a 30-foot putt for birdie on the par-3 15th hole.

Michael Thompson holes 20-foot birdie putt at The Honda Classic

In the opening round of The Honda Classic 2016, Michael Thompson sinks his birdie putt from 20 feet on the par-4 9th hole.

Michael Thompson's approach sets up tap-in birdie at The Honda Classic

In the opening round of The Honda Classic 2016, Michael Thompson sends his 132-yard approach in tight setting up a short birdie putt on the par-4 8th hole.

Photos From Round One

Michael Thompson reacts to his 30 foot birdie putt on the 15th hole during the first round of the Honda Classic.

Michael Thompson of the United States chips to the eighteenth hole during the first round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa - Champions Course on February 25, 2016 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Source: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images North America)

Michael Thompson of the United States hits his tee shot on the fifteenth hole during the first round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa - Champions Course on February 25, 2016 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images North America)

PGA Switches Coasts

Michael Thompson of the United States during practice as a preview for the 2016 Honda Classic held on the PGA National Course at the PGA National Spa and Resort on February 23, 2016 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  (Source: David Cannon/Getty Images North America)

by Roz Roberts III

The PGA Tour has finished its West Coast Swing and moved to the Sunshine State of Florida.  This week's Honda Classic is a tournament Michael Thompson knows well.  He won this event in 2013 when he secured his first PGA Tour victory with a birdie on the final hole.

The Honda Classic has the strongest field of 2016 and is typically one of the toughest events of the year.  In fact, last year the Champion Course at PGA National Resort and Spa was the second highest scoring event last year, surpassed only by the US Open.  The course has water on 13 holes and the closing stretch known as the Bear Trap typically scores well over par.  If the wind blows, the course can be especially difficult.

Michael tees off from the first hole on Thursday at 1:15pm ET.  He is grouped with Graham DeLaet and Morgan Hoffman.

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Michael's Scorecard

The Waiting Game

For Michael Thompson, the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles has turned into a waiting game,  He is currently the second alternate hoping to get into the field but he won't know if he gets to tee off until Thursday.

The NTO is a smaller field event and the fact that Michael has to wait to see if he can get into the event is a function of his priority on the reshuffle list and how many fully exempt players enter each tournament.  After this week, the reshuffle list will be updated and Michael is currently going to drop to 18th (from 15th).

If Michael gets into the field at the Northern Trust Open, you will be able to follow his round with the following link.

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Leaderboard

Playing the Weekend (Again)!

Michael Thompson waits his turn to putt on the 5th hole at the Torrey Pines South Course during the second round of the Farmers Insurance Open.

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson has gotten into the habit of making the cut at PGA Tour events and that's a VERY good thing.  By making the cut at this week's Farmers Insurance Open, Michael has now made the cut in seven of the eight tournaments he's played in this PGA Tour season and he's made all three cuts in 2016.

Michael played the difficult South Course at Torrey Pines really well on Friday and ultimately carded a one under par 71 leaving him three under par and tied for 27th.  Michael played great all day until he had a tough stretch starting with the par 4 14th hole.  His tee shot went left into the rough and his second shot landed out of bounds.  He carded a double bogey and was facing another bogey on hole #15 after his bunker shot came out hot and left him with a 50 foot pitch for par.  He drained the pitch (see the video below) and that clutch and improbable par save provided his round a boost of needed momentum.  He gave himself three consecutive birdie chances on the final three holes and he was able to convert one of them on hole 17.

Michael will be teeing off at 8:40am PT from the first hole with Bud Cauley and Bronson Burgoon.

Video

Michael Thompson chips in for great par save at Farmers 

In the second round of the 2016 Farmers Insurance Open, Michael Thompson holes his 36-foot chip shot to save par on the par-4 15th hole on the South Course at Torrey Pines.

Michael Thompson pours in a 27-footer for birdie at Farmers 

In the second round of the 2016 Farmers Insurance Open, Michael Thompson sinks a 27-foot putt for birdie on the par-4 17th hole on the South Course at Torrey Pines.


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Thompson Posts Solid -2 at Torrey

Michael Thompson tees off from hole #13 on the North Course at Torrey Pines during round 1 of the Farmers Insurance Open.  January 28, 2016

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson posted a solid two under par 70 on the North Course at Torrey Pines during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open and is currently tied for 34th.  The scoring average on the North Course was 70.9 so he was a shot under that but he could easily have been four under or even lower.  He had a birdie putt on hole #4 all but fall to the bottom of the cup (see the video below) and he had birdie putts on holes #8 and #9 that just missed.  The birdie put on #9 looked good all the way to the hole and right before it reached the hole it broke hard to the left and just missed.

Michael's round from a stats point of view probably doesn't look great since he missed a lot of fairways early although he wasn't missing the fairways by much.  Even though he wasn't hitting a lot of fairways early in the round, he was hitting a lot of greens.  Towards the end of the round he began hitting fairways more consistently and had birdie opportunities on most of the final 5 holes including really good looks on the final three holes (he made the one on hole #7).

Tomorrow, Michael will be teeing off at 9am PT from the South Course.  The earlier tee time should help with the Poa Annua greens that become very bumpy in the afternoon as they bloom.

Video

Michael's birdie putt on hole #4 makes 180 degree turn rather than falling into the hole like it should have.  Come on ball!

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It's Torrey Time!

by Roz Roberts III

It's time for the ThompsonTide guys' favorite PGA Tour stop of the year: the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines!  The PGA Tour, with Michael Thompson in tow, has made its yearly stop in San Diego and we can't wait to watch Michael in person.

The FIO at Torrey Pines takes advantage of both the north and south courses along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  The north course is fairly short and easy by PGA Tour standards with the south course, the host of the 2008 US Open, is yearly one of the longest and most difficult courses on tour.
Michael gets his tournament under way on the north course teeing off from the tenth hole at 10:10am PT.  He is grouped with George McNeil and Johnson Wagner.

I will be on site an will attempt to provide live updates via Twitter.  Watch the right hand twitter feed window on this page or follow us on Twitter (@ThompsonTide) for updates.

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Another Scorching Start in the Desert

Michael Thompson lines up a putt on the 18th green during the second round of the CareerBuilder Challenge In Partnership With The Clinton Foundation on the Jack Nicklaus Tournament course at PGA West on January 22, 2016 in La Quinta, California.  (Source: Harry How/Getty Images North America)

by Roz Roberts III

Round two of the CareerBuilder Challenge started a lot like round one for Michael Thompson.  He birdied six of his first nine holes and made the turn at five under par.  He birdied the first two holes of the back nine and actually took the solo lead for a little while before his round sort of ran out of steam.  Despite bogeying the final hole, Michael carded a five under par 67 and is -11 after the first two rounds tied for 8th.

Michael will face the final course of the three played at the CareerBuilder Challenge over the next two rounds: the TPC West Stadium Course.  This Pete Dye course is new in the tournament's rotation and is the most challenging of the three courses.  A cut will be made after Saturday's third round and the final round will be played at the Stadium Course.

Michael tees off at 8:30am PT on Saturday.


Video

Michael Thompson interview after Round 2 of CareerBuilder Challenge 

Following a second-round 67, Michael Thompson reflects on his play in the 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation with Mark Immelman from PGA TOUR Radio.

Michael Thompson birdies No. 9 at CareerBuilder 

In the second round of the 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, Michael Thompson makes his birdie putt from 13 feet on the par-4 9th hole.

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Excellent First Round Highlighted by Scorching Start

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson got off to a dream start in the first round of the CareerBuilder Challenge in La Quinta, CA.  He started on the back nine at the the La Quinta Country Club and was four under par after his first four holes.  The start was highlighted by an eagle on the par five 13th hole.

After the hot start, Michael settled into the rest of the round where he sprinkled four birdies and two bogeys across his scorecard and ultimately carded a six under par (66).  He is currently in a tie for 7th.

Tomorrow, Michael will move to the PGA West Tournament Course when he tees off at 9:00am from the first hole.

Video

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Hot Start in the Desert

Michael Thompson got off to a blazing start at the  CareerBuilder Challenge in the Palm Springs, CA desert.  He started his first round, which is currently underway, going birdie-birdie-par-eagle on the La Quinta course.  He has subsequently bogeyed and sits at -3 for the tournament (T12) through six holes.

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Eagle at the Wire Propels Thompson Into the Weekend

Michael Thompson tees off on the 11th hole during the second round of the Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament at Waialae Country Club. Photo by Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

by Roz Roberts III

For the second day in a row at the Sony Open in Hawaii, Michael Thompson managed to finish his round on a high note.  In Thursday's first round he finished with back to back birdies while Friday's second round was even more dramatic.

Michael came to his final hole (hole #9) sitting two shots outside of the cut line.  Luckily for Michael, the ninth hole is a short par five and the easiest hole on the course.  Michael's tee shot was beauty that traveled 337 yards and found the right hand side of the fairway.  It left Michael a manageable 156 yards from the hole.  Michael stuck the approach inside five feet, made the short eagle putt and walked off his final hole knowing he'd be making the cut.  This marks the fifth time out of six events this season that Michael has made the cut.

There will be a secondary cut on Saturday since over 80 players made the cut.

In Saturday's third round Michael will once again be grouped with Ryo Ishikawa and Chad Campbell since they all finished the second round at three under par (T66).  They tee off from the tenth hole at 11:45am local time (1:45pm PT).

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Michael Thompson plays his shot from the first tee during the first round of the Sony Open In Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on January 14, 2016 in Honolulu, Hawaii.  (Jan. 13, 2016 - Source: Tom Pennington/Getty Images North America)