Glover Wins FedEx Cup Opener, Defeating Cantlay in Playoff

Lucas Glover won the FedEx St. Jude Championship, his second title in two weeks, after beating Patrick Cantlay in a playoff.

In the scorching heat of Memphis, Tennessee, Lucas Glover found himself in need of a solution to prevent his hands from sweating during the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Remembering a trick he learned long ago, Glover plunged his hands into a cooler filled with ice water, providing temporary relief from the perspiration. However, this tactic did little to cool him down as he battled for victory against Patrick Cantlay.

Despite the heat, Glover emerged triumphant, claiming his second title in as many weeks. He secured the win by sinking three crucial putts on the back nine, including one for bogey. With a final score of 1-under 69, he entered a playoff against Cantlay, ultimately sealing the victory with a par on the 18th hole as Cantlay's tee shot landed in the water.

Glover's recent success marks an incredible turnaround in his career. Just ten days prior, he began the PGA Tour's postseason ranked 112th in the FedEx Cup and 119th in the world rankings. It seemed likely that his season would end prematurely. However, his triumph at the Wyndham Championship secured his place in the FedEx Cup playoffs, and his subsequent win at the TPC Southwind guaranteed his spot in the Tour Championship. Currently ranked 30th in the world, Glover has earned nearly $5 million in just two weeks.

The question now arises: will Glover secure a spot on the Ryder Cup team? While he would need to win the upcoming BMW Championship to automatically qualify, Glover believes he is deserving of a captain's pick. He asserts that his strong performance on the course, combined with his ability to contribute positively to the team dynamic, make him an ideal candidate.

Glover's recent success is especially remarkable considering his struggles with the yips just three months ago. He made the decision to switch to a long putter, which has seemingly transformed his game. Reflecting on his journey, Glover acknowledges that if someone had told him he would achieve this level of success, he would have thought they were crazy. However, deep down, he always believed in his abilities, a testament to the unwavering self-confidence inherent in athletes.

Glover's belief in himself was evident on the back nine of the championship. Despite facing fierce competition from top players like Cantlay, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Jordan Spieth, and Max Homa, Glover remained composed and focused. He made crucial putts, including a 20-foot par putt on the 13th hole, a 30-foot bogey putt on the par-3 14th after hitting his tee shot into the water, and a 12-foot par putt on the 17th to stay tied with Cantlay.

The playoff between Glover and Cantlay was effectively decided by one shot. Cantlay's 3-wood narrowly missed perfection, landing in the water. In contrast, Glover's 3-wood found the fairway, allowing him to secure victory with a par. Reflecting on his win, Glover emphasizes the importance of hard work and the unpredictable nature of the game. He notes that success can come quickly, even in the face of adversity.

Glover's victory places him in an exclusive group of players who have won back-to-back weeks on the PGA Tour in the past 25 years. Only Kenny Perry (2003) and Vijay Singh, who achieved this feat three times, have accomplished a similar feat. This further solidifies Glover's status as a remarkable player.

In addition to Glover's triumph, other players made notable achievements during the championship. Rory McIlroy finished tied for third after a strong final round, while Tommy Fleetwood narrowly missed joining the playoff with a birdie opportunity on the 18th hole. Jordan Spieth, despite a strong performance throughout the tournament, faltered on the final four holes, hitting the water twice and ultimately tying for sixth place.

Cameron Davis and Hideki Matsuyama also had reason to celebrate, as their performances secured their spots in the top 50 of the FedEx Cup. This guarantees their participation in the BMW Championship and secures their invitations to next year's $20-million signature events.

Matsuyama's journey to the top 50 was particularly remarkable. Starting the final round at No. 57 in the FedEx Cup, he needed to birdie the final three holes to secure his place in the BMW Championship. Against all odds, he delivered, sinking an eagle putt on the 16th hole, a birdie on the 17th, and making a superb up-and-down for par on the 18th. This impressive display of skill and determination extended his streak of appearances at the Tour Championship to nine consecutive years.

In conclusion, Lucas Glover's victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship is a testament to his resilience, skill, and unwavering belief in himself. Despite facing intense pressure and battling the stifling heat, Glover remained composed and delivered exceptional shots when it mattered most. His recent success has propelled him to new heights in the world rankings and has reignited the possibility of a spot on the Ryder Cup team. As Glover's career continues to flourish, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and captivating nature of the game of golf.