Tucsonan Michael Thompson, a Rincon/University High School grad, won his second PGA Tour event today.
Thompson, who started the day tied atop the field at TPC Twin Cities outside of Minneapolis, used a birdie on No. 16 to take a late lead and held on to win the 3M Open, his first win on Tour since capturing the 2013 Honda Classic title.
He attended Rincon/University from 1999 to 2003 and was part of the Rangers’ Class 4A state championship team in 2003. He was named the Arizona High School State Player of the Year in 2002 and 2003.
Back in the winner’s circle! 🏆
Michael Thompson has won the @3MOpen.
This is his first victory in 167 starts. pic.twitter.com/SGKsYdRtRX
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 26, 2020
Thompson, 35, attended Tulane University for two seasons until the program was disbanded after Hurricane Katrina. Thompson transferred to Alabama, where he became the 2008 SEC Player of the Year.
“It’s been a long time,” he said on CBS today after the win as he held back tears. “I’m really sad that my wife and kids aren’t here to celebrate with me (because of COVID-19 precautions). I can’t wait to see them. I don’t know what to say, this is so exciting.
“I just played such good golf today, and stayed within myself, believed in myself. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Congratulations, Michael Thompson! 🏆
A birdie at the last to win the @3MOpen.
It’s been 2,702 days since his last victory.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/FYqLyI6r5h
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 26, 2020
Thompson only has one other top-10 finish this season, tying for eighth at the RBC Heritage last month. Today’s win will improve his No. 218 Official World Golf Rankings. His place on the FedExCup standings went from No. 151 before this weekend to No. 39. He has secured exempt status on Tour for the next two years and spots in next week’s World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational and the PGA Championship.
“That’s what makes this game so unbelievable is that we have to play for our job every year,” he said on CBS. “To know that I have security for two more years and to get into all those tournaments … it’s just a huge bonus. I’ll have to get my mind right for sweating next week, but oh man, it’s just so exciting.”
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He is a former Arizona Daily Star beat reporter for the Arizona basketball team, including when the Wildcats won the 1996-97 NCAA title. He has also written articles for CollegeAD.com, Bleacher Report, Lindy’s Sports, TucsonCitizen.com, The Arizona Republic, Sporting News and Baseball America, among many other publications. He has also authored the book “The Highest Form of Living”, which is available at Amazon.
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