Michael Thorbjornsen Claims First PGA Tour Title at Rocket Classic

Michael Thorbjornsen has come close to winning on the PGA Tour before, and he learned from those experiences. That was evident on Sunday, when Thorbjornsen carded a 7-under 63 to win the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club and claim his first PGA Tour title.

“I’ve been in this position a few times this year and it didn’t go the way I wanted it to,” Thorbjornsen said. “So I know how to handle it now.”

Thorbjornsen finished the tournament at 18-under 262, capping his round with a birdie from 25 feet on the final hole. The 24-year-old posted the best round of the day, beating Xander Schauffele (65) by two strokes.

“It feels unreal,” Thorbjornsen said. “I don’t know how to describe it. I have a lot of emotions running through me, I can’t put it into words. Just so, so grateful to be sitting here.”

Davis Riley, the third-round leader, finished third at 15 under after a 70. Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard (68) was fourth at 14 under.

With the win, Thorbjornsen clinched a spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs for the first time. He had to wait for the final two groups to finish before celebrating. Prior to this event, he had recorded two top-10 finishes this season.

“Making the playoffs for the first time is really exciting,” he said. “It’s always great to compete against the best players in the world.”

In the final round, Thorbjornsen excelled on the back nine, playing it in 5 under, including a chip-in birdie at the 12th hole. Schauffele, who hasn’t won this year, posted his sixth top-10 and third top-5 finish of the season.

“I wanted to come here and get some competitive reps, kind of play free and with nothing to lose,” Schauffele said.

Riley, who hasn’t won since 2024, opened with a birdie at the first hole but then made three bogeys over a five-hole stretch. “The start today took the wind out of my sails and put me in a tough spot early,” Riley said of his opening holes. “I tried to get some momentum back, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. There’s a lot to build on.”

Hojgaard eagled the par-5 fourth hole to reach 4 under for the round through 10 holes, before bogeys at 11 and 18. At least seven players shared the lead at various points before the final groups completed the front nine.

“It was a battle for sure,” Thorbjornsen said. “After nine holes, everyone had a chance.”

Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama (64) posted the second-best round of the day, tying for fifth at 13 under. He started on the back nine and made no bogeys. Norway’s Kristoffer Ventura (68) and England’s Matt Wallace (67) joined him there.

Due to weather concerns, tee times were moved up for the final round, with players sent off in threesomes from the first and tenth tees.