Golf commentator Smylie Kaufman has been discussing the PGA Tour’s younger contingent who could follow in the footsteps of Ludvig Aberg and Davis Thompson.
Aberg’s rise to number four in the world has been nothing short of remarkable, and the Swede can truly be considered one of the game’s elite players.
The 24-year-old’s success provides hope for younger players trying to break through and become permanent fixtures on the PGA Tour.
Rickie Fowler recently praised some of the younger players coming through the ranks, and Kaufman has followed suit.
Smylie Kaufman wants to see more of Davis Thompson, Michael Thorbjornsen and Luke Clanton
- READ MORE: Smylie Kaufman weighs in on the Scottie Scheffler vs Xander Schaffele Player of the Year debate
In the latest edition of the Smylie Show, which included an interview with Billy Horschel. Kaufman discussed the attraction of a younger player going up against the likes of Scottie Scheffler, much like Davis Riley did at Colonial.
Kaufman went on to highlight Davis Thompson, Michael Thorbjornsen and Luke Clanton as three youngsters he wants to see more of.
“For me, it was Davis Riley up against Scottie Scheffler at Colonial,” said Kaufman. “Davis goes out and is like, ‘Dude, I’ve won at every level, too; I just need opportunities’. I thought that to me was the David vs Goliath that I am really interested in.”
He added: “I want these young guys like Thorbjornsen and Luke Clanton. Those are the guys I want to see given more opportunities.
“PGA Tour U has been a great avenue for the likes of Davis Thompson and Ludvig Aberg and you’ve seen how this young generation has created this David vs Goliath storyline.”
PGA Tour could make signature event change to help breakthrough stars
Horschel has claimed that increasing the fields at Signature Events could increase excitement and that it’s a move that could benefit some of the PGA Tour’s younger players as well.
Currently, Thorbjornsen, Thompson, and Clanton rarely have the opportunity to play against elite players. Scheffler, for example, doesn’t need to play every single PGA Tour tournament and often prioritises the eight Signature Events.
If the field size was increased, there would be a greater chance of a younger player facing one of the world’s top ten, a scenario that could literally be career-changing.
Thorbjornsen is currently 135th in the FedEx Cup standings and is in need of a positive outing at the Wyndham Championship to play his way into the top 125. The American will likely need to capture victory in order to extend his season into the playoffs.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
