First-Time PGA Tour Winner Just Spoiled Xander Schauffele's Sunday Charge

Aug 3, 2026, 10:30 AM CUT

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Michael Thorbjornsen came into Sunday's final round two shots off the lead. He left Detroit with his first PGA Tour title, and Xander Schauffele, who threw everything at him down the stretch, couldn't catch him.

First-Time PGA Tour Thorbjornsen shot a faultless 7-under 63 on Sunday at Detroit Golf Club to reach 18 under par and win the Rocket Classic. He finished two shots clear of Schauffele, who carded a 65.

Davis Riley, the 54-hole leader, had to settle for third at 15 under after a shaky start to his final round.

Thorbjornsen was composed in the immediate aftermath. "I don't know how to feel right now," he told Golf on CBS, per GolfMagic. "It was such a battle out there. Playing with some great players. Everyone, I feel like, was in the mix kind of after nine holes. [I am] just really happy I kind of stuck to the process. Committed to hitting certain shots and just very, very happy with how I played."

Schauffele turned in 4 under and had the momentum of a two-time major champion behind him. A bogey at the 13th halted that charge. He responded with a birdie at 14 but missed a birdie chance at 15 and ran out of holes.

Riley had started the day as the man to beat. He played the first six holes in 3 over and never fully recovered. A 1-under back nine wasn't enough.

Thorbjornsen hit the turn in 2 under and kept adding birdies at 10, 12, 14 and 15, two pars and then a 25-foot birdie putt at the last to seal it.

A Family win and a new swing coach behind the breakthrough

Thorbjornsen credited Sean Foley, one of the most respected swing coaches in the game, as a key part of his preparation heading into this week.

The emotion after the win was directed squarely at home. "I think every bit of success that I have out here is a family win, even my sisters as well," Thorbjornsen said. "They've sacrificed a lot in order for me to be in this position. It's definitely a team effort. I love my mum. I love my dad. My dad's been my swing coach up until basically a month, month and a half ago. He's done so much for me, and we've put in so many hours together. This one's for you guys."

Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard, former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and England's Matt Wallace all finished inside the top 10, per GolfMagic.

What do you think? Is Thorbjornsen a future star on the PGA Tour? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Sneha Abraham