Michael Thompson on ‘whirlwind of emotions’ after first win in seven years

Michael Thompson’s emotions were running wild after landing his second PGA Tour title with a two-shot victory at the 3M Open in Minneapolis on Sunday.
The 35-year-old won the Honda Classic seven years ago but has had to wait a very long time to return to the winner’s circle, coming close to seeing his PGA Tour dreams go up in smoke on more than one occasion during that period.
“Just a whirlwind of emotions,” he said after completing the victory. “Excited for my family, excited to celebrate with my kids and my wife.
“You know, there was a time during that seven years where I had to go back to the Korn Ferry Tour Finals four years in a row [to] get my card back.
“I think through that struggle I really solidified the belief in myself that I’m supposed to be out here. I’m supposed to be with these guys and I can compete. I just never lost that confidence, and I think this year has been the best year for that.
“I worked really hard on my swing, worked really hard with my trainer trying to get my body stronger so I’m more consistent week in and week out, and obviously it’s paying off,” he said with a big smile.
Thompson played a fantastic bunker shot on the 16th as the tournament went down to the wire, splashing out of the sand from 40 feet away to leave himself a tap-in two-footer for birdie and ultimately set up the victory.
“That was pretty special. You know, it’s funny, every time I’m in a bunker around the green I go back to when I was a kid in high school practicing.
“After school I would literally spend hours in the bunker trying to get that ‘thump’ that the announcers were always talking about on TV.
“I love hitting great bunker shots, and for that one to come off like it did… it was a lot harder than it looked, because if I went long, I was dead, and I easily could have come up 20 or 30 feet short.
“But it just came off perfect – and what a time for it to do that.”
What a time, indeed.
Latest
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
News
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.
-
News
Sponsor Ralph Lauren drops Justin Thomas following homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three uttered the derogatory word towards himself after missing a putt at Kapalua last weekend.
-
News
Bryson DeChambeau keeping brain relaxed to avoid repeat of Masters misery
DeChambeau said his brain went into overdrive at Augusta National.