Ready for Moving Day at THE PLAYERS

Michael Thompson watches his tee shot on the 17th hole island green during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship.

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson is in the middle of his most consistent stretch of play on the PGA Tour ever so it doesn't come as a surprise that he made the cut at this year's PLAYERS Championship despite having missed the cut in this tournament in his previous three appearances. He used a great three under par round on Thursday to put himself in good position and followed it up with a one under par round on Friday to ensure his opportunity to play the weekend. He is currently four under par for the tournament and is tied for 29th.

He will play Saturday's third round, also known as moving day, with Justin Rose. They tee off at noon EDT.

Photos from Round Two

Michael Thompson hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship.


Michael Thompson watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship.


Michael Thompson hits his second shot on the 12th hole during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship.


Michael Thompson hits his tee shot on the 17th hole during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship.


Michael Thompson makes his par putt on the 17th hole during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship.

Thompson's Putter Catches Fire in Florida

Michael Thompson drains his birdie putt during the fourth round of the 2019 Honda Classic.

by Roz Roberts III

After tearing up the West Coast Swing with his ball striking, Michael's putter came alive last week at the Honda Classic.  He rode his flat stick to his fifth consecutive top 20 finish and his sixth of the year in eight starts with a T-16.  Michael was third in strokes gained putting for the tournament gaining nearly 8 and half strokes on the field.

Michael's consistently excellent play over the last few weeks has earned him some nice perks including entry into this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational and he is all but guaranteed a spot in the Players Championship in two weeks.  Technically he is the first alternate in that field but not all of the players ahead of him in the priority list are healthy so he will get into that event based on his current status on the FedexCup points list (41st).  His strong play will also ensure he remains at, or near, the top of the reshuffle list through the Charles Schwab Challenge on May 26 and, in reality, all year long.

He has also almost certainly locked up a Tour card for next year with 380 Fedex Cup points.  Last year the 125th golfer (Seamus Power) had 377 points to secure his 125th spot and the year before JJ Henry needed 365 points to secure top 125 status.  Michael realized the accomplishment and took some time to enjoy it.  Via Instagram he said

It wasn't a win today at the Honda Classic but I locked up my card for next year and the wine still tastes good tonight!

It was also nice to see Michael get some TV time.  Obviously he had won this event before but he's also getting credit for his excellent form since the start of 2019.



Videos


Michael Thompson birdies No. 2 at Honda during Sunday's final round


 
Michael Thompson closes with birdie at Honda during Saturday's third round

 
Michael Thompson flushes his tee shot to set up birdie at the Honda Classic in the third round

 
Michael Thompson sinks 27-footer for birdie at Honda in the first round