Monday May 12: Straka Surges, Saigo Breaks Through, and Ballybunion Beckons
Your essential morning walk through every fairway that mattered
Welcome to your Monday morning wrap from the fairways and feeds of the golf world. From tour drama to YouTube chip-ins, NCAA storylines, and future stars north of the border, this is your full-spectrum golf fix.
PGA TOUR – Straka Stays Cool, Fox Goes Clutch
Sepp Straka claimed his second title of the year at the Truist Championship at Philadelphia Cricket Club, holding off Shane Lowry with a clutch 68 to finish -16. Lowry, who held a slim lead on the back nine, three-putted the 18th to finish solo second.
Ryan Fox made magic at the Myrtle Beach Classic, chipping in from 50 feet during a three-man playoff for his first-ever PGA Tour win—securing a $1.2M prize and a spot at the PGA Championship.
Notables:
Rory McIlroy T7 (-10), bogey-free over final 28 holes
Justin Thomas T3 (-14), trending well ahead of Quail Hollow
Watch Fox’s winning chip-in:
Ryan Fox’s playoff-winning chip-in
LPGA TOUR – Thitikul Takes Liberty, Saigo Seals a Major
Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul delivered a wire-to-wire win at the Mizuho Americas Open, playing nearly flawless golf in the shadow of Manhattan. Her precision iron game and putter held off Celine Boutier’s late surge.
Mao Saigo of Japan captured her first LPGA major title at the Chevron Championship with a playoff birdie in a packed 5-woman shootout. At just 23, she’s one of the fastest-rising international stars on tour.
LPGA on deck: U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster CC (May 30–June 2)
NCAA GOLF – Florida State, Florida Men’s Teams Advance
Florida State women dominated the Lexington Regional, winning by 11 strokes to secure a 9th straight trip to the NCAA finals.
The Florida Gators men’s squad carded the lowest round of the week in Las Vegas to lock in their spot at Grayhawk.
Bailey Baio (yes, that Baio—Scott’s daughter) committed to Providence College, set to join their D1 women’s team next season.
NCAA Championship week begins May 17
CANADIAN GOLF & JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS
Team Ontario U19 swept the Spring Invitational at Tarandowah GC, with standout performances from Brooke Malcolm and Aidan Park.
Golf Canada officially announced the Canadian Junior Girls Championship will return to Leduc, Alberta in July.
On the pro side, Taylor Pendrith finished T12 at Myrtle Beach, continuing his strong push for a Presidents Cup spot.
Junior to watch: Hudson Collier (Burlington, ON) – 15 years old, leads CJGA Order of Merit
CREATOR GOLF – Featured Video of the Day
Video: Bob Does Sports & Bryson Try to Break 50 From the Front Tees
Why watch: The vibes are chaotic, the wedges are nuclear, and Bryson’s short game… actually shows up?
“This is either going to be the best round of golf or the weirdest high school gym class you’ve ever seen.” – Fat Perez
TOP GOLF PODCASTS THIS WEEK
No Laying Up – PGA preview & Rory deep dive
The Par Train – Overcoming nerves like Sepp Straka
Rick Shiels Golf Show – YouTube golf vs traditional tour talk
The Fried Egg – U.S. Open architecture preview
Fore Play – Club fittings, cheat codes, and creator gossip
GOLF STYLE SPOTLIGHT – This Week’s Brand to Watch
Malbon Golf
Edgy, athletic, and always Instagram-worthy. From baggy corduroy pants to bold script polos, Malbon continues to lead the golf-streetwear revolution.
Runner-up: G/FORE – The new line of MG4+ shoes are getting rave reviews for comfort & style.
COURSE OF THE DAY – Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course), Ireland
You want character? Ballybunion’s got it in spades—routed through windswept dunes on the Irish coast, it’s both brutal and beautiful. Tom Brady played it this week and called it “a perfect walk interrupted only by a few really bad decisions with a wedge.”
Designed: Tom Simpson (1936, redesigned by Watson in 1995)
Signature Hole: 11th – par 4 hugging the cliff edge
Tip: Bring your creativity. And a windproof vest.
Take a drone tour of Ballybunion
COMING UP THIS WEEK
PGA Championship @ Quail Hollow (May 16–19)
Featured Pairing Preview: Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, Scottie SchefflerU.S. Women’s Open Preview Series Begins
Player spotlight: Brooke Henderson (CAN), Nelly Korda, Lilia VuKorn Ferry Tour @ Knoxville Open
Keep an eye on Canadian rookie Étienne PapineauCJGA Junior Spring Classic (Ontario)
Big field, national team scouts in attendance
