Michael Thorbjornsen becomes latest first-time PGA Tour winner with Rocket Classic win

It took Michael Thorbjornsen 65 starts to win his first title on the PGA Tour. While some would have easily grown jaded or disenchanted, he kept working on his swing. On Sunday, it paid off. Thorbjornsen ruled the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club with a come-from-behind performance.

A four-stroke deficit at the start of the final round did not faze Thorbjornsen, who slowly made his way up the ladder until he finished with a two-shot victory. He shot a 63 on the last day to finish at 18 under, including a rousing birdie on the 18th hole.

The 24-year-old Thorbjornsen took home $1.8 million for his breakout win.

According to a report from The Detroit News’ Tony Paul, Thorbjornsen became just the fourth player to win his first title on the PGA Tour via the Rocket Classic. He joined Nate Lashley (2019), Cam Davis (2021), and Aldrich Potgieter (2025).

“And he did it all using the frowned-upon baseball grip, rather than the interlocking. Score one for the sluggers,” stressed Paul.

Also, Thorbjornsen became the eighth first-time winner on the PGA Tour this season after Jacob Bridgeman (Genesis Invitational), Ricky Castillo (Puerto Rico Open), Alex Fitzpatrick (Zurich Classic of New Orleans), Kristoffer Reitan (Truist Championship), Bud Cauley (RBC Canadian Open), Stefano Mazzoli (Corales Puntacana Championship), and Jackson Koivun (3M Open).

The Athletic’s Justin Ray, meanwhile, noted another rare occurrence following Thorbjornsen’s milestone victory.

“Last time there were consecutive weeks where American players 24 or younger got their first PGA Tour wins: July 2017. Xander Schauffele won Greenbrier (Classic) and Bryson DeChambeau won John Deere (Classic),” wrote Ray on X.

Perhaps wanting to savor his memorable win, Thorbjornsen has decided to withdraw from this week’s Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club.

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