Welcome back to the Monday Finish—where we declined the Seminole Pro-Member invitation to bring you yet another roundup from the golf world!
Before diving in, a small favor: if you enjoy these recaps, take a moment to subscribe to the Monday Finish. It’s free, and it lands right in your inbox, making me one happy writer.
Now, onto the good stuff…
GOLF STUFF I LIKE
Let’s start with cuts that matter. I thought the "most significant made cut of the week" title was a lock on Friday when Luke Clanton, a junior at Florida State and a standout talent, secured his PGA Tour card with a thrilling second-round 66. While watching from home, it struck me as meaningful that seasoned Tour pros like Joel Dahmen and Keith Mitchell highlighted Clanton’s achievement on Smylie Kaufman’s “Happy Hour” segment. These guys know the highs and lows of a Tour career and appreciate the significance of earning that coveted Tour card. Dahmen even remarked, “I’m a nine-year veteran here, and I want to play like Luke Clanton.” This comment rang true as Clanton wrapped his round with a memorable birdie, a celebratory fist pump, and a few tears—gratitude in full display.
Clanton wasn’t alone in experiencing a meaningful made cut this Friday. Joe Highsmith faced his own pressure cooker of a putt for par. Friday saw him on a rollercoaster, with two doubles and two bogeys, only to find himself needing a five-footer on 18 to play through the weekend. “Was I really going to miss the cut?” he wondered aloud on Sunday. The pressure-laden putt was the last thing he wanted to face—baked-out greens, a bump, and a right-to-lefter for a lefty like him. Highsmith confessed he had been unraveling under the cut pressure, but he managed to sink it. He not only made it to the weekend but fired back-to-back rounds of 64 to claim the tournament.
According to Justin Ray, Highsmith’s win marked the fifth instance in the past 20 seasons where someone barely made the cut and then triumphed at a PGA Tour event. This win, which was also a first for his caddie, Joe LaCava Jr., changed everything. LaCava Jr.—famed for carrying Charlie Woods’ bag at the PNC Championship and working with pros like Patrick Cantlay and Tiger Woods—has seen major success, and now Highsmith is slated for Signature Events and ranks within the top 60 globally. Asked about a certain prestigious golf event, Highsmith coyly said, “The Masters? I’m not sure if I’ve officially been invited, but that’s the one. It’s the most incredible place on Earth.”
Golf stuff like meaningful cuts is what I love.
WINNERS
So, who took home the crown this week?
Globally, it was an exciting week for golf.
Speaking of Highsmith’s triumph, it pushes him to No. 59 in the world rankings. Notably, five lefties now sit in the top 60: Bob MacIntyre (No. 19), Akshay Bhatia (No. 30), Brian Harman (No. 37), Matt McCarty (No. 57), and of course, Highsmith. This marks a rare occurrence through two decades of OWGR records.
Lydia Ko had a commanding victory at the LPGA’s HSBC Women’s World Championship, dubbed “Asia’s Major,” by four strokes in Singapore. This win adds to her impressive tally, with four podium finishes in the last 11 starts. After such a standout year, she mused whether she could keep the momentum; so far, she’s off to a stellar start.
From down under, Ryan Peake completed a remarkable comeback to win the New Zealand Open—from a past involving the Rebels motorcycle gang and a prison sentence for assault. Peake achieved his dream with a decisive eight-foot par putt, earning a spot at this summer’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush, now holding Asian Tour status and eyeing a full-time DP World Tour card.
And on the less conventional front, Dylan Naidoo claimed his first DP World Tour title when the rain-washed South African Open concluded in a playoff. His birdie sealed victory from co-leader Laurie Canter, pushing him up to world No. 2 among Dylans. Canter’s consolation: a berth in the Players Championship—no small feat for an ex-LIV player.
Justin Suh’s win at the Argentine Open on the Korn Ferry Tour rounds out the national opens lineup, progressing him closer to reclaiming his PGA Tour spot after 89 starts.
If you enjoy the Monday Finish, consider subscribing—it’s on the house and gets delivered straight to you!
NOT-WINNERS
Two gut-wrenching triple-bogeys.
Tour pros often pull off stupendous shots that leave us mere mortals in awe. But sometimes, our hunch from the couch proves right. Take Jake Knapp, for instance—his decision-making over shot choice at the 11th plunged him from a shared lead into the depths of a triple-bogey 7, extinguishing hopes for victory.
“Even now, I don’t regret it; it just needed a little more power,” Knapp reflected. Keep on swinging, sir.
In contrast, there was no bravado about Taylor Montgomery’s late slip at the 16th hole. Carrying the weight of a medical extension, he needed at least a top 13 to retain his PGA Tour status. After a promising start, his water ball led to a triple-bogey, slipping him from T11 to T25 when two strokes lower could have secured his card. Ouch.
SHORT HITTERS
Five intriguing figures at the Seminole Pro-Member.
For this, I’ll sidestep the financiers and focus on players, plus one special guest.
-
Tom Brady: The famed quarterback is entrenched in South Florida’s golf scene, pairing with Seminole’s head pro for an early tee-off.
-
Tiger Woods: Last seen in a full format event at the Open Championship, Woods’ recent outings have been confined to specialized tournaments. Oddly, he’s chosen to tee off at Seminole and the TGL SoFi Center this week without participating at Bay Hill—perhaps a sign of changing times.
-
The Korda Sisters: World No. 1 Nelly Korda has been selective in 2025 appearances, while Jessica Korda hasn’t competed since mid-2023 post-ing a mother. They reunite in what promises to be a nostalgic group.
-
Rory McIlroy + Shane Lowry: Despite skipping competition this week, McIlroy reclaimed No. 2—them’s the algorithm breaks! Teaming with his father, they face off against Lowry and former PGA policy board chair Ed Herlihy. McIlroy and Lowry will double dip, featuring in a later TGL match alongside players like Collin Morikawa and Adam Scott.
- Cameron Young: Joining Rob Manfred, the MLB overseer, Young boasts a storied history stemming from Sleepy Hollow Country Club, which nurtured a friendship with Manfred, securing Young’s sponsorship that now sees them hone their games at Seminole.
ONE SWING THOUGHT
Jordan Spieth, post another top 10.
Pieth is clearly irked over missing out on Bay Hill, reflecting on last season’s “injured golf” missing peaks. Characterizing his latest T9 with a Sunday 68, he sees himself inching closer to his ideals post-wrist surgery. “I’m on the right track; it feels like the answers are there,” he states, “even if it needs more reps to reach perfection.” Unsurprisingly, Spieth continues a journey to full form.
ONE BIG QUESTION
Shall Bryson DeChambeau swing next at Bay Hill?
It’s been four years since DeChambeau audaciously took on Bay Hill’s 6th in dramatic style, a move that resurfaces each March. Despite speculation around a LIV-PGA thaw and DeChambeau’s standing in the golf universe, the question lingers: when might we witness his Bay Hill return?
ONE THING TO WATCH
TGL Tuesday.
I’m buzzing about it! I’ll be there in person, soaking up the atmosphere—and surely, you’ll see me sum it up here next week.
NEWS FROM SEATTLE
Monday Finish HQ.
Near Seattle, Lakewood’s Joe Highsmith now enjoys Joe LaCava Jr.’s caddying thanks to a Fred Couples recommendation, bridging their venture. LaCava Jr.’s talent for picking impressive pros early on has swiftly built a winning resume, reflecting recent success. Meanwhile, Couples celebrated his own acclaim with a casual speech alternative thanks to Jim Nantz’s cameo. Washington golf’s ride is euphoric, folks, and I’m all set to join it.
See you next week, and just a nudge: subscribe to have the Monday Finish email surprise you each week!
Feel like sharing thoughts? I’m all ears—email me at [email protected].
Until next time!
