Sunday, July 26, 2020

VICTORY!!!

Embed from Getty Images BLAINE, MINNESOTA - JULY 26: Michael Thompson of the United States celebrates on the 18th green after winning the 3M Open on July 26, 2020 at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

by Roz Roberts II and Randy Roberts

Validation.  That's how Michael Thompson described his second PGA Tour victory.  It was a long time coming between his first PGA Tour victory at the 2013 Honda Classic and today's win at the 3M Open but in some ways that makes victory #2 that much sweeter.  All the hours in the gym, on the putting green,at the driving range paid off in a nearly perfect four rounds in Minnesota.  And this win validated that first one.  He is now PGA Tour pro with multiple wins.  That's pretty special.

Michael had exactly three bogeys in 72 holes.  That's it for the blemishes - for the ENTIRE week.  Everything else on his four score cards were either pars or birdies.  In fact, he had 22 birdies to finish the tournament with a two shot victory at 19 under par.

So how did he do it?  As always he dominated with the putter  He was 61/64 inside 10 feet  (95%) and he ranked 1st in Strokes Gained Putting.

Michael also made 10 putts outside 10 feet:
35'4"
24'0"
20'5"
19'10"
19'8"
14'7"
13'0"
11'10"
10'2"
10'2"

But it wasn't just his putter doing the damage.  He was fourth in the tournament in Strokes Gained Approach to the Green.  He was also second in scrambling.

The win will alter Michael's upcoming month pretty significantly.  He gets invites into next week's WGC event, the following week's PGA Championship, the FedexCup Playoffs (he is now 39th) and the US Open.  But more importantly long term, the win gives Michael a two year exemption for his PGA Tour card.


PHOTOS

Embed from Getty Images BLAINE, MN - JULY 26: Michael Thompson gets emotional when talking about his family after winning the 3M Open golf tournament at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Embed from Getty Images BLAINE, MN - JULY 26: Michael Thompson holds the trophy he was presented for winning the 3M Open golf tournament at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Embed from Getty Images
BLAINE, MINNESOTA - JULY 26: Michael Thompson of the United States celebrates with his caddie, Damian Lopez, on the 18th green after winning the 3M Open on July 26, 2020 at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

ARTICLES
Nice guys do finish first and three other takeaways from Day 4 of the 3M Open


VIDEOS

Michael Thompson interview after winning 3M Open Following his final-round 67 at the 2020 3M Open, Michael Thompson talks through the emotions of getting his second PGA TOUR victory.


Michael Thompson's news conference after winning 3M Open Following his win at the 2020 3M Open, Michael Thompson talks about claiming his second PGA TOUR victory.


Michael Thompson’s winning highlights from 3M Open At the 2020 3M Open, Michael Thompson claimed his second victory on the PGA TOUR with rounds of 64-66-68-67 to finish at 19-under-par at TPC Twin Cities.


Michael Thompson’s 14-footer for birdie is the Shot of the Day In the final round of the 2020 3M Open, Michael Thompson holes a 14-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th hole.


Michael Thompson’s growing family Michael and Rachel Thompson open up about adoption and caring for a baby during a pandemic.



Golf Channel - Gallagher: Thompson builds confidence by winning again


Golf Channel - Thompson credits wife: 'She's never stopped believing'


Golf Channel - Thompson's life at home allowed him to win



Michael's Instagram







A post shared by Michael Thompson (@michaelthompsongolf) on


QUOTE OF THE DAY
Michael Thompson "moves along slowly and calmly and takes the golf  course apart quietly" -  Terry Gannon Golf Channel after Michael split the fairway on hole #2 during Sunday's final round of the 3M Open.



No comments:

Post a Comment