Straka Triumphs in Desert While Water Claims Two Victims | American Express Recap

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Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• Chip vs Pitch - did you even know there was a difference?

• Straka takes down the American Express.

• Rookie puts up a 13, making every day golfers feel just a little better.

• LIV signs deal with Fox.

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Watch: CHIP Vs PITCH - EVERYONE Can Learn These 2 Shots

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STRAKA'S DESERT STORM: Austrian Conquers PGA West While Rookie's Bunker Battle Steals the Show

In a display of nerves-of-steel golf at PGA West, Sepp Straka captured his third PGA Tour victory at The American Express, finishing at an impressive 25-under par to edge out Justin Thomas by two shots.

The Victory March

Straka, who started Sunday with a four-shot cushion, managed to keep his composure despite admitting his stomach was in knots throughout the final round. The Austrian played nearly flawless golf until the closing holes, where he finally showed he was human by recording his first bogey of the entire week on the 16th hole.

The Pursuit

Justin Thomas made a valiant charge, getting within striking distance with six birdies in his first 11 holes. However, his hopes fizzled on the back nine as he settled for seven straight pars. For Thomas, it marked another close call as he continues to seek his first victory since hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy in 2022.

The 18th Hole Horror Show

The 18th hole at PGA West delivered a $20,000 gut punch to both Michael Thorbjornsen and Kevin Yu on Saturday afternoon. Sitting comfortably at the cut line, both players watched their tee shots - and potential Sunday paydays - splash into the water down the right side. Their matching double-bogeys dropped them one shot outside the cut line, turning what should have been a lucrative Sunday into an early exit and a long drive home. In the span of 15 minutes, that infamous finishing hole turned two potential top-30 finishes into nothing more than expensive lessons in course management.

Notable Performances

Patrick Cantlay showed some late magic, birdieing his final three holes to finish at 20-under and secure a top-5 finish. Jason Day, meanwhile, kept the crowd entertained with some stellar iron play and clutch putting, but ultimately couldn't mount a serious challenge to Straka's lead.

The Bunker That Ate a Rookie

In what might be the most memorable - or perhaps forgettable - moment of the tournament, rookie William Mouw provided some unintentional entertainment on Friday. At the infamous 16th hole, Mouw found himself in the 18-foot-deep greenside bunker and proceeded to channel his inner groundhog, taking an astounding 11 shots to escape. He eventually signed for a 13 on the hole (video below). The caddie's repeated raking of the bunker might have qualified as a full CrossFit workout.

Check out how deep that bunker is 😳. I’d be picking it up and on to the next hole!

Young Gun Shows Promise

Seventeen-year-old Blades Brown made headlines with a historic second-round 64 - the lowest round by a player under 18 on the PGA Tour in 40 years. Though he ultimately missed the cut after a tough Saturday finish, Brown showed remarkable maturity in his post-round interview, proving that while he might not have made the weekend, he certainly made an impression.

The Reward

Straka's victory came with a hefty $1,584,000 first-place check, 500 FedEx Cup points, and a ticket to next year's Sentry tournament. More importantly, it strengthened his case for another Ryder Cup appearance, proving that this Austrian can indeed rise to American challenges.

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Thanks for reading!

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Cody.