Nobody could have predicted the exact outcome of the WM Phoenix Open, where Nick Taylor emerged as the victor in a playoff against Charley Hoffman. TPC Scottsdale once again provided a thrilling spectacle. Taylor’s performance showcased his clutch ability and the power of his putter on the golf course.
LIV Golf continues to deliver exciting final rounds and well-known winners. Following Joaquin Niemann’s victory over Sergio Garcia in Mexico, Dustin Johnson triumphed in Las Vegas. Despite not practicing during the offseason, Johnson emerged as the winner, fending off tough competition from Jon Rahm, Matthew Wolff, Talor Gooch, and Peter Uihlen.
LIV consistently presents top-tier players and 54-man fields, making it inevitable that notable winners will emerge each week. The PGA Tour also often sees the cream rise to the top, but the 2024 season has witnessed a trend of unexpected winners.
Before diving into this week’s edition of Par Talk, remember that you can always reach me via email at mark.harris@…
Heading into the WM Phoenix Open, Sahith Theegala seemed poised to claim victory. Despite Scottie Scheffler’s presence as a back-to-back champion, it appeared to be Theegala’s chance at redemption after previous disappointment in the desert. However, Nick Taylor, Charley Hoffman, and Scheffler’s impressive putting skills had different plans.
Hoffman, ranked 300th in the world, displayed exceptional performance on Sunday, securing an eagle-birdie-birdie streak on holes 13, 14, and 15. This elevated him to a winning position with a score of 21-under for the tournament. Meanwhile, Taylor made a birdie on the 72nd hole, forcing a playoff with Hoffman. It was during this moment that Taylor’s putter truly became a formidable weapon.
The playoff between Taylor and Hoffman took place on the 18th tee. Despite Hoffman’s slightly better approach shot, Taylor exuded confidence and effortlessly sank his birdie putt. Hoffman responded with a birdie of his own, leading to a second playoff hole on the 18th.
Taylor encountered a fairway bunker on the second playoff hole, but luck was on his side as the ball bounced out and settled in the rough. Hoffman, on the other hand, faced a challenging situation in a fairway bunker but managed to hit the green. However, he missed his birdie attempt, giving Taylor the opportunity to secure victory with his putter once again.
Taylor’s win at the Phoenix Open marked his fourth PGA Tour victory. Although his record of four wins in 260 starts may not seem extraordinary, his ability to perform under pressure is undeniable. His success in clutch moments, as demonstrated by his performance in previous tournaments, suggests that he has the potential to achieve even greater accomplishments, including potentially winning a major championship.
As for the LIV Las Vegas event, I regret not placing a bet on Dustin Johnson to win. Johnson surprised himself with his performance in the season opener in Mexico, despite not practicing during the offseason. His nonchalant attitude at the Las Vegas event indicated that he would be a strong contender. Johnson’s exceptional play, including an 8-under 62 on Saturday, secured him a two-shot lead heading into the final round. Despite facing competition from Wolff, Gooch, and Rahm, Johnson’s birdie streak on the back nine ultimately led to a one-shot victory.
LIV now has a break before heading to Jeddah in March. Johnson’s decision to limit his practice during this period is a wise choice to maintain his form.
The 2024 PGA Tour season has witnessed surprising winners in all six events, including those with long odds. Looking at the winners’ rankings prior to their victories adds another layer of unpredictability. This season has defied expectations, with less-favored players claiming victory. While the Genesis Invitational may produce a favorite winner, recent events suggest that anything can happen.
Mark Harris covers various sports, with a keen focus on golf. He holds a journalism and online media degree from the University of Tennessee. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him on the golf course.
According to the Source outkick.com