Monday Leaderboard Highlights: When Pros Hit an Octuple Bogey – Proof They’re Just Like Us!

Welcome to the Monday Leaderboard, where we share the weekend’s highlights from the world of golf.

1. Tyrrell Hatton’s Victory

Tyrrell Hatton continues to impress as one of the top golfers globally. He showcased his exceptional skills at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, winning by just a stroke against Daniel Hillier. This win boosts his chances for the Ryder Cup, especially as he navigates his career with LIV Golf, which complicates his path to prominence. True to his fiery persona, Hatton made a scene after a bad shot, breaking a tee marker.

After the win, he reflected, “I need to be more patient when necessary, but I don’t want to lose my competitive spirit.”

2. TGL: Justin Thomas Makes His Debut

The TGL indoor golf league is making waves, and with Justin Thomas stepping in, excitement is building. He joins Atlanta Drive GC for his first appearance in a league that combines technology and golf. After an underwhelming debut for the New York Golf Club, a competitive match could bring much-needed buzz to the league.

3. Sepp Straka Wins at The American Express

Sepp Straka had a remarkable performance at the American Express, finishing with a score of 25 under par. He went an impressive 69 holes without a bogey, displaying solid control throughout the tournament. Originally from Austria and a University of Georgia alum, Straka is quickly becoming a name to watch for the Ryder Cup team.

4. New Leadership at LIV Golf

With Greg Norman stepping down, Scott O’Neill is now the CEO of LIV Golf. O’Neill’s background in entertainment could signal a shift in the organization’s approach. As the league prepares for its fourth season, fans are eager to see how his leadership changes the dynamics within LIV and its relationship with the PGA Tour.

5. Augusta National’s Recovery

Chairman Fred Ridley updated the public on Augusta National’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. He noted that while they lost some trees, the golf course remains in excellent condition for the upcoming Masters. The preparation assures fans of an exceptional experience during this iconic tournament.

Tour Trophy of the Week: The American Express

Sepp Straka took home a rather plain trophy, a large piece that doesn’t do justice to the remarkable win. It feels more like a decoration than a prestigious award—an area for improvement for the tournament organizers.

Mulligan of the Week: A Tough Hole for William Mouw

William Mouw faced a rough day at the American Express, scoring a staggering 13 on the par-5 17th hole. He struggled with a tricky bunker, leading to a painful round of 81. Despite the setback, he managed a much-improved 67 the next day, even though he still missed the cut.

Golf can be a tough game, but it’s all about how you bounce back. See you next week!