Belgian golfer Thomas Detry has a golden chance to win his first tournament in the pro ranks after putting himself in prime position at the WM Phoenix Open.
32-year-old Detry is playing in his 68th event on the PGA Tour but has yet to win.
However, going into the final round of the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottdale, Detry has a golden chance to end that barren spell as he sits five clear of the field.
Rasmus Hojgaard, Jordan Spieth and Michael Kim are the main contenders but after finishing second multiple times, Detry will be hoping this is the one for him.
Of course, to win, Detry will need to play well again and that goes hand in hand with making birdies and sinking putts.
However, Detry has admitted that low scoring is out there, as he claimed to be surprised at just how slow the greens were in round three.
Thomas Detry surprised by the soft greens at TPC Scottsdale
Given the heat in Phoenix and the usual firmness of the greens, the course is usually a major challenge for even the best in the world.
However, according to Detry, the greens have indeed changed and that led to him being surprised by some of his shots.
“Yeah, you know what, I noticed today that the greens were a little bit softer, a fraction softer, so I felt like all of those pin positions were tougher. It wasn’t as bouncy as what we’ve had the last couple of days. I actually was surprised a few times really thinking oh, this is going to bounce over the green or bounce right at the flag and I ended up like 15 feet short of where I thought my ball was going to end up being,” Detry said.
“But yeah, there’s birdies out there, especially like I did today, like I did the last couple of days. If you manage the front nine pretty well, there’s plenty of opportunities on the back nine. They’re all birdie-able, 13, 15, 16, 17 and 18 again with a good drive. Definitely some good chances out there.”
Thomas Detry admits to getting ‘on a roll’ at the WM Phoenix Open
Like any golf tournament, getting off to a good start is key, even for the very best players in the world.
And for Detry, after being a bit nervous on the opening tee, he admitted that after his second shot of the round, he soon settled into a rythym.
“Yeah, I mean, I’ve said it multiple times already, getting off to such a good start was kind of the dream today. I felt a bit nervous on the 1st and I hit that 9-iron to two, three feet on the 1st hole. Hit many fairways, as well. I don’t think I missed a shot in the first five, six holes,” Detry added.
“That felt pretty comforting, to be honest, and suddenly I was on a roll. I was trusting my game and trusting my ball flight and kind of seeing the shots, and I’ve been putting well to be honest, as well, which helps.
“But definitely pretty happy with the way I handled the whole day.”
Detry will become the first Belgian to win on the PGA Tour if he can get it over the line in what will be a landmark moment for him and his country
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