So much for the adage that you need to walk before you run – especially on the PGA Tour. Today, these young players get a card and want to contend – and win – instantly.
For the second consecutive week, a 23-year-old proved fearless enough to pull it off.
The latest twentysomething to haul off with a trophy? The aptly named Smylie Kaufman, a strapping LSU alum who fired a sizzling, 10-under 61 to win the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in only his fifth start on the PGA Tour. The difference-maker was a downhill 20-footer for birdie at the final hole that eased from left to right and tumbled into the hole for his back-nine 29.