The Friday Cut: Hovland’s winning streak, Captain’s picks, Solheim stage set and Todd Clements
Viktor Hovland of Norway waves to fans following his victory in the final round of the TOUR Championship, the third and last event of the FedExCup Playoffs, at East Lake Golf Club on August 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR via Getty Images).
Welcome to ‘The Friday Cut’, your weekly round-up of the top stories across the professional tours.
In a week where Zach Johnson made his captain’s picks for the upcoming Ryder Cup, and a loveable Norwegian stole the show at East Lake, it certainly doesn’t feel like things are slowing down as we reach the end of the regular PGA Tour season. With plenty to get our teeth stuck into before Luke Donald announces his team, here are the headlines that have made the cut.
Viktor Hovland wins back-to-back as curtain closes on PGA Tour season
Just a week after winning the second FedEx Cup play-off event, the BMW Championship, Viktor Hovland showed no sign of mercy to the field as he stormed to a five shot victory at the Tour Championship. That victory not only makes the Norwegian the third-youngest FedEx Cup champion, but also the highest earner on the PGA Tour this season - with the $18 Million payday surging his total earnings to more than $30 Million.
Xander Schauffele pushed Hovland all the way, carding a final round 62 in a valiant attempt to chase down the eventual winner. World Number One Scottie Scheffler started the week with a two-shot advantage, but offered little resistance to the chasing pack as he fell to a 6th place finish.
An up-and-down week for McIlroy saw him battle with injury to claim a 4th place finish at East Lake, with all eyes now surely focused on being fit for the upcoming Ryder Cup in Rome. With 10 of the top-13 players on the Tour Championship leaderboard likely to tee it up at the Marco Simone Golf Club - we are sure to be in for a real treat this September.
Captain Johnson announces picks for US Ryder Cup team
After what feels like a lifetime, we are finally starting to see the teams take shape for the upcoming Ryder Cup in Rome. Zach Johnson declared first, announcing his six captain’s picks that will travel as part of his twelve man team to defend the trophy. The surprise inclusion of out-of-form Justin Thomas will certainly divide opinion, especially considering he didn’t qualify for the FedEx Cup play-offs this August. Brooks Koepka also made the team, after strong performances in the major championships this season, and is the only LIV golfer to represent Team USA.
The expected inclusion of top talent Collin Morikawa came as no surprise, while the resurgence of Rickie Fowler clearly caught the eye of Johnson as he also earned a call-up. Sam Burns and Jordan Spieth completed the list of six, joining automatic qualifiers Scheffler, Harman, Clark, Cantlay, Homa and Schauffele.
With Luke Donald set to announce his picks for Team Europe on Monday, the excitement levels are sky high. A final chance for European hopefuls to make their case in Switzerland this week will surely add another element to the drama, and I cannot wait to get this show on the road.
The stage is set for the Solheim Cup
The teams are in and the stage is set for the Solheim Cup in September, with both sides packed with the world’s top talent. Team USA captain Stacy Lewis was the latest to announce her picks, with Cheyenne Knight, Ally Ewing and Angel Yin joining the likes of World Number One Lilia Vu and World Number Two Nelly Korda.
The Strong USA side also includes major-winner Allisen Corpusz, Megan Khang, Jennifer Kupcho, Danielle Kang, Andrea Lee, Lexi Thompson and rising star Rose Zhang. With many of the team having Solheim Cup experience, this is surely one of the strongest USA teams in recent memory.
Team Europe however will be looking to fiercely defend the Ryder Cup, and captain Suzann Petterson will surely be confident after announcing her own picks. Debutant Gemma Dryburgh gets the nod, as well as the experienced Caroline Hedwal, Emily Kristine Pedersen and Magdalene Sagstrom.
Two-time major winner Celine Boutier leads the line, along with Charley Hull, Georgia Hall, Linn Grant, Carlotta Ciganda, Anna Nordqvist and 2021 Solheim Cup hero Leona Maguire.
See you all in Spain!
Todd Clements wins maiden DP World Tour title
Englishman Todd Clements held off a strong chasing pack to claim his first DP World Tour title at the D+D Czech Masters last week. After entering the final round three shots back from the leader, Clements recorded a thrilling final round 63 to win by one shot from Matt Wallace. Six birdies in his opening eight holes put Clements right into the mix, and despite five pars to finish he did just enough to claim what could be a life-changing victory.
Ryder Cup hopefuls Nicolai Højgaard and Robert MacIntyre had to settle for third and fourth respectively, while potential wildcard Ludvig Aberg also made a strong case for selection once again. While second place may leave him to far behind, Matt Wallace will certainly be hoping for one final push to strengthen his bid for selection when captain Luke Donald announces his picks on Monday.
Coming up this weekend…
The Omega European Masters at the scenic Crans-sur-Sierre provides one final chance for European hopefuls to get a seat on Luke Donald’s flight to Italy. The mountainous course certainly suits a specialist, and former winner Matt Fitzpatrick will be looking to justify favouritism in the markets to stake his claim for a Ryder Cup spot.
On the LPGA Tour, we head to the Portland Classic. With plenty of Solheim Cup players teeing it up this week, we will certainly get an insight into their current form and there will be no better way to arrive in Spain than with a recent LPGA win under your belt.
