Welcome to another edition of the Monday Finish, where we see February as the sneaky month—short but full of surprises. Let’s dive into the week’s highlights.
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GOLF STUFF I LIKE
This week brought an unexpected winner.
Picture yourself standing on the 18th hole at the Mexico Open, Sunday afternoon. You’re in the hunt for a win on the PGA Tour.
Good news first: You’ve made it to a playoff!
The catch? Your opponent is Aldrich Potgieter, a 20-year-old sensation. This young gun knows no fear. Meanwhile, you’re 31, have fought tooth and nail to regain your PGA Tour card after losing it, and with over 150 starts on the minor leagues circuit under your belt, you understand both the weight of this chance and the cost of a mistake. Playing it easy? Not likely.
But there’s more. Potgieter rocks a swing speed 17 mph faster than yours. His ball speed trumps yours by nearly 30 mph. He drives the ball an average of 51 yards farther, hitting over 320 yards a whopping 59% of the time. You don’t break that mark very often. You’re facing arguably the longest driver on the PGA Tour, while you’re… not.
And you’re facing a par 5. In this situation, despite being among the Tour’s straightest drivers—boasting over 90% in “good drive” percentage, second on Tour—your tee shot veers dramatically right, skirting out of bounds. Looks like disaster, right? That means re-teeing and hitting three—game over.
Who are you? Brian Campbell from Southern California, a graduate of Illinois. You’ve been almost anonymous in the PGA circuit, never cracking the top 10 in a PGA event, never breaching the top 100 in the world. Just two years ago, you fell outside the top 1000. Yet, a solid 2024 Korn Ferry Tour season got you back here, on the cusp of game-changing triumph. Until now…
Miraculously, your shot bounces back from the trees. An unexpected turn of fortune. Often, pros say you need luck to win, that a few breaks must go your way—even literally, as it turns out.
A while later, after a crucial wedge shot and an ice-cold putt, you clinch your first PGA Tour victory. You feel surreal. Your girlfriend’s joy is probably because she senses the magnitude of this win too.
“All I wanted was to see him with that trophy,” she confesses.
“I thought I’d lose my lunch a few times today,” you later admit to the press. “This means everything—I’m just trying to absorb all this.”
Your win may have spoiled the weekend for the bettors who favored Potgieter on this power player’s course—but that’s golf for you.
Editor’s note: Backing the underdogs? That’s what makes golf exciting.
WINNERS
And the champs are…
Brian Campbell celebrated his maiden PGA Tour victory—his career’s pinnacle after a remarkable moment. Building upon last season’s strong Korn Ferry Tour finishes, his triumph signals Campbell’s potential for remarkable feats.
Angel Yin captured the Honda LPGA Thailand crown, entering Sunday with a comfortable lead and finishing at a strong 65, narrowly beating rookie Akie Iwai, who shot a remarkable 61. This victory, her second, propels her to 12th in the world.
On the DP World Tour, Jacques Kruyswijk emerged victorious in the Magical Kenya Open, marking a milestone as his first career win from South Africa.
NOT-WINNERS
These players gave it a good run too.
Isaiah Salinda’s third-place finish after his Sunday 65 in Mexico marks a personal best in his budding PGA career.
“Top-10 finishes mean a lot. Today my goal was ensuring that top-10 and securing my spot for upcoming events like the Cognizant Classic,” he mentioned.
Joel Dahmen also shot 65 on Sunday, securing another top-10 finish despite only having made two cuts in five starts this season.
Amateur Jose Luis Ballester’s 65 capped off his first PGA Tour cut at T17—a promising start for the Arizona State talent.
On the LPGA Tour, Akie Iwai showcased her skill with rounds of 62 and 61, earning her a runner-up spot.
A trio of Thai golfers—Jeeno Thitikul, Patty Tavatanakit, and Moriya Jutanugarn—rounded out the top five in their home event.
ONE DUMB GRAPHIC
Drive for the show…
SHORT HITTERS
Netflix Connections.
Full Swing is debuting on Netflix soon, and I’m excited to share some highlights you shouldn’t miss, without spoiling anything major.
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A surprising amateur: Ludvig Åberg shines in the opening episode, but it’s amateur Neal Shipley who steals the show with humor and heart.
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A dynamic duo: Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy’s brotherly bond takes center stage in Episode 2. It’s Lowry’s thoughtful insights that leave a lasting impression.
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A shocking twist: Revisit the crazy arrest of Scottie Scheffler with fresh insights that take you through this unbelievable saga.
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Clutch finale: The U.S. Open showdown between Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy promises to be season-high drama.
- A brave journey: Episode 6 chronicles Gary Woodland’s battle with a brain tumor, capturing a truly courageous fight beyond the greens.
ONE SWING THOUGHT
Brian Campbell on resilience.
When Campbell triumphed, he immediately pointed to grit as his guiding force. Here’s why.
“Nearly two years ago, I almost gave up. I nearly thought a quadruple bogey on a par 3 had ended my Q-School hopes. But I battled back, hit a solid round, and made it through. That led to a strong last season. It’s wild how quickly life can change—I’m just grateful for this moment,” he shared.
ONE BIG QUESTION
What role does a caddie truly play?
When Angel Yin’s usual caddie, Michelle Simpson, fell ill, she and her team found themselves scrambling.
“My manager tried and almost toppled over since she’s about the bag’s weight. Desperate times!” Yin explained. Fortunately, they found experienced caddie Sakchai “Tom” Sirimaya—an unexpected boon.
“Tom casually mentioned he’s a pro caddie—active on Japan’s Senior Tour and the Asian Tour,” Yin recalled. “Landing someone that skilled by chance? Incredible.”
We all know what followed. Tom witnessed Yin storm to her second career win.
This raises an intriguing point: emergency caddies often find themselves part of extraordinary rounds—seen in examples from Bob MacIntyre’s dad to random locals, they witness victory. Does this happen statistically often? Not sure, but the phenomenon is worth pondering.
Could pro athletes sometimes thrive under changed circumstances, much like a sports team rising without key players? The real question remains—how do you predict which fill-in could be golden and which might flop?
ONE THING TO WATCH
Timothée Chalament on ambition.
Seeing performers wanting greatness shows commitment and confidence. Timothée Chalamet brought that spirit to his recent SAG Awards speech, echoing ambition akin to top athletes.
“I’m chasing greatness. We’re in a subjective field, but I want to be among the greats. Just like I admire Day-Lewis, Brando, and Davis, I also look to Jordan and Phelps, wanting to join their ranks. This doesn’t mean I’m there yet—but it’s a push,” he declared.
Chalamet’s vision parallels sports icons—a thrilling combo.
NEWS FROM SEATTLE
Refreshed from a weekend away.
I packed up for a bachelor party this weekend, taking a needed break. No wild tales here, but seeing my old friends was invigorating. Though the flight home was a bit rough, reconnecting recharged me—the essence of good golf trips.
Remember to stay in touch with your friends, everyone. Until next time!
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Dylan Dethier is eager to hear your thoughts. Reach out at [email protected].
