Michael Thompson

On Sunday the American Michael Thompson won his first PGA Tour title at the Honda Classic. This week’s player profile introduces fans to this talented young player as he breaks through to join the winner’s circle.

Born in 1985 in Tucson, Arizona, Thompson showed an interest in golf that flourished during his high school years. After attending Tulane University and the University of Alabama, the young Thompson had already won several amateur and collegiate titles.

In 2008 the young American was named SEC Player of the Year. During the same season, Thompson played at the US Masters and US Open. He played in the 2008 Travellers Championship, making the cut to finish the tournament.

Thompson turned professional in the latter half of the 2008 season, after reaching the number one position on the US Amateur Rankings. In 2010 he played on the Hooters Tour, finishing the season with a Player of the Year award.

In 2011, Thompson joined the US PGA Tour after finishing 16th at Q-School the previous year. The American weathered the challenges of professional golf with his usual patient approach, rising steadily in the Tour’s rankings while he consolidated his game.

2012 was an exciting year for Thompson, due to his stellar performance at the US Open – his best finish in any major to date. After leading the tournament after the first round and setting a low record for the week, the young American narrowly lost to Webb Simpson by a single stroke. Thompson tied for second place with Graeme McDowell, and won himself a new following of golf fans who recognised the young player’s potential to win.

On Sunday, Thompson finally reaped the fruits of his patience and hard work when he won for the first time on the PGA Tour at the Honda Classic. As this young champion makes his mark on North American golf, fans should expect many more stellar performances from him in the future.

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