![]() This is the first time since 1960 – when the PGA Tour began keeping these statistics – that rookies won the first two events of a new season. Last year, only one newcomer (Nick Taylor) won on Tour. Kaufman's closing 61 is the lowest finish by a PGA Tour winner since Tommy Gainey’s final-round 60 at the 2012 McGladrey.Ģ. The 23-year-old LSU product began the final round in a tie for 28 th, but he played his last 11 holes in 9 under and posted 16-under 268. The Tour’s never-ending schedule may dilute the overall product, but after Grillo and Kaufman’s early-season victories, you won’t hear the rookies complaining anytime soon.ġ. Kaufman had to wait nearly two-and-a-half hours to find out whether he would win in only his fifth career PGA Tour start. These guys are in form, hungry and ready to capitalize on their opportunities. And then, when the new season arrived, it wasn’t guaranteed that they’d be able to get into some of the West Coast fields. The Shriners winner and two other players who tied for second were playing the Web.com earlier this month.įour years ago, those who graduated from Q-School or earned their card would have had more than a month to think about life as a Tour member. – but one of the (few) benefits is that it allows rookies to continue the good form that propelled them into the top 25 on the developmental circuit. Look, the wraparound schedule certainly has its drawbacks – fan and player apathy, weak fields, better viewing options, etc. Kaufman, Grillo and the rest of the Web.com Tour graduating class had a whopping eight days to get ready for this season, following the Web.com Tour Championship on Oct. Smylie Kaufman became the latest first-timer to win on Tour, following Emiliano Grillo’s lead with a closing 61 and one-shot victory in Vegas over six players, including hard-luck loser Na. The PGA Tour season might seem like it never ends, but that’s apparently a good thing for the rookies. ![]() PGA Tour rookies are batting 1.000, Kevin Na suffers another narrow defeat, Patton Kizzire doesn't check the leaderboard, Lydia Ko rolls to double-digit wins and more in this week's high-rolling edition of Monday Scramble:
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