LA QUINTA (Calif.) – Davis Thompson isn’t afraid to answer any question. He is still at the prove-it stage in his PGA TOUR career. He’s making his seventh TOUR debut and, while his achievements on the pathway and amateur circuits are impressive, the wider golf community reserves the right to make a final decision until a TOUR resume is constructed. Although he might be in the lead with Jon Rahm at The American Express’ final round, he is perfectly content with being the underdog. Is he feeling like an underdog? “For sure,” Thompson said. “I’m against Jon Rahm. It feels like everyone would choose me as the underdog. However, that is a label I actually enjoy. It’s a Davis-and Goliath matchup. Rahm has won three of the four previous starts around the world, including two weeks ago at Sentry Tournament of Champions where he reclaimed a six-stroke deficit over his last seven holes. He is laser-focused on accumulating wins and regaining No. He currently occupies the No. 1 spot on The Official World Golf Ranking. 4. Thompson is only a few months into his PGA TOUR journey, having already earned his card via 2022 Korn Ferry Tour Regular Season points List. He hadn’t played nine holes at PGA West Stadium Course’s Stadium Course since Saturday afternoon. Rahm, on the other hand, has plenty of experience in this event with three top-15s in four starts, including a 2018 win. The PGA TOUR is a straightforward tour: score the points and get the spotlight. Thompson tied Rahm with 23-under through 54 holes of The American Express. All players will compete on three courses, including the Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta CC, during the event’s first three days. Sunday’s final round will be at the Stadium Course. Thompson and Rahm will play together alongside J.T. Poston. Poston will be four strokes behind Thompson and Rahm. A proverbial duel could form if both leaders start quickly. Rahm might be the most well-known golfer, but the eight time TOUR winner knows better than anyone to assume that his playing partner will disappear. Rahm is a keen consumer of broadcast coverage on golf. He knows that everyone wins their first victory somewhere. Rahm stated, “When people ask me what the difference is between the best players in the world and others, skill-wise it’s not that large.” It really isn’t that large. A few seconds here and there can make all the difference. It’s not as simple as a one-stroke difference in scoring average over the entire year. This is usually the difference. “A lot could have said that (a veteran held the advantage). The first time Jordan Spieth won the tournament, the first win I had, and the first time many people won it. Do you think you have an advantage? I don’t know. I don’t know. He’s not a slouch. He has done everything he has done.” Thompson has done a lot. He was the US representative in the 2020 Palmer Cup as well as the 2021 Walker Cup. He finished No. He was ranked 2nd on the 2021 PGA TOUR University Velocity Global Ranking to be eligible for automatic Korn Ferry Tour membership after he turned pro. Thompson won the UNC Health Championship presented to STITCH by the Korn Ferry Tour last spring, en route comfortably earning his TOUR card through the season-long points races. In his college days, Thompson was described as acting like a TOUR professional as a college kid from Athens, Georgia. He’s been working towards this moment for quite some time. Thompson stated Saturday that he had sacrificed some college things. “I wasn’t the most social person. I was very focused on my schoolwork, and my golf. Every year, it just got better. I tried to imitate what these guys do on TOUR.” Thompson finished his post-round interview in the gloaming. Music could be heard in background. Nearby, a Darius Rucker concert was set to begin. The golf vibe was slowly morphing into a nightlife scene. Thompson would he be there? Nope. There was more to do, including the final round at The American Express. He was accompanied by one of the most well-known names in golf. Thompson spoke highly of Rahm, saying that he played well straight out of the gates when he first came out college. It was quite impressive for him to accomplish that at such an early age. He won the U.S. Open in 2021. Those putts on 17 and 18 at Torrey Pines were quite special. Now Thompson is entering that arena, and Rahm knows that the rookie does not intend to leave. Rahm said that the TOUR has a growing talent pool. “(Davis), is doing an amazing job, and he’s playing incredible golf and showing it.”
By: Kevin Prise
Title: Davis-and-Goliath showdown on tap Sunday at The American Express
Sourced From: www.pgatour.com/news/2023/01/21/davis-and-goliath-showdown-on-tap-sunday-at-the-american-express-jon-rahm-davis-thompson.html
Published Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2023 16:00:00 -0500
Leave a Reply