Justin Thomas claims Thomas Detry did something ‘absurd’ in the final three holes on his way to winning his first ever PGA Tour event

Add as preferred source on Google

The leaderboard from the WM Phoenix Open does not quite tell the full story from the final round at TPC Scottsdale, as Thomas Detry won by the largest margin seen on the PGA Tour so far this year.

Thomas Detry was the man everyone was looking to catch with 18 holes to play at the WM Phoenix Open. The Belgian had a five shot lead over a raft of players in Arizona.

However, with the likes of Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler in the chasing pack, and Detry looking for his first win on either the PGA Tour or DP World Tour, a twist in the tale always looked likely.

It certainly was not plain-sailing for the 32-year-old. Detry was erratic off the tee at times, while the likes of Michael Kim and Daniel Berger were never too far behind – until the final handful of holes.

Justin Thomas praises Thomas Detry during the final round of the WM Phoenix Open

Detry made a birdie on 15, 16 and 17 to ensure that he walked down the 18th hole with a six shot lead. He would make a fourth birdie in a row on the final hole. And when anyone reflects on Detry’s victory in the years to come, it is likely that thoughts will go back to the tee shot he hit on the iconic 16th hole.

He was somehow able to leave himself with a tap-in for birdie after an amazing tee shot.

Justin Thomas was asked about Detry, having played against him in the Junior Ryder Cup. And while he did not remember facing off with him, Thomas noted that he was not at all shocked to see him close in on winning on the PGA Tour.

“I don’t. I remember we’re around the same age as we played against each other a lot, and he’s really, really good, freakishly talented, hits the ball a long way,” he said.

“He’s a good dude, too, so it’s not surprising to see him play that well. That shot he just hit on 16 was absurd in the situation. So yeah, obviously there’s plenty of golf left, but he’s been very impressive.”

Luke Donald will have been delighted by the start to the PGA Tour season

Obviously, it is still incredibly early in the year, but one man who will be delighted with the start of the PGA Tour season is Luke Donald.

The European Ryder Cup captain has now seen Sepp Straka, Rory McIlroy and Thomas Detry win in 2025. Meanwhile, Harris English is the only American to triumph on the PGA Tour so far this year.

Clearly, that will change sooner rather than later. Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler all had their moments in Phoenix. But it is a huge statement from Team Europe ahead of Bethpage Black to have so many wins on American soil already this year.