Ogilvy second to Michael Thompson
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2013 The Honda Classic | Wrap | 04 Mar 2013
On a windswept day at the Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens, Michael Thomson has broken through for his first PGA Tour victory by holding off a determined late challenge by Australian Geoff Ogilvy.
An early eagle by Thompson gave the 27 year old a cushion early but as the day progressed his round became a roller coaster of birdies and bogeys to the point where he needed to par the last to win by one. He birdied the hole and he had won by two over Ogilvy and by four over rookie Luke Guthrie.
Thompson finished runner-up to Webb Simpson at last year’s US Open but to break through for the elusive win was particularly satisfying.
“This is everything, this is a childhood dream come true, said Thompson. "I dream of playing out here since I was seven years old and to win, it’s just unbelievable. I just can’t put it into words. The whole day was awesome.
“My ball striking was way better today than it was yesterday. I just enjoyed the ride, and you know, glory to God for the time He’s given to me and all of us out here, it’s just awesome.
With guys like guys like Tiger, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Geoff Ogilvy coming down the stretch making birdie on the last to put pressure on me, it’s just awesome. It really kind of solidifies in my mind that I’m one of the guys now, and that’s a special feeling."
For Ogilvy his best finish anywhere in more than two years was sweetened event further by the news that he had gained a start at next week’s WGC Cadillac Classic in nearby Miami. He has moved back insdie the world top 50 to 47th position.
“Yeah, I just heard that, said Ogilvy when reminded of the news in his press conference. “Doug actually told me that yesterday, which I didn’t think that was possible, I thought I had to win. So that’s a bonus. Wasn’t any fun missing the Match Play and it wouldn’t have been any fun missing next week, both are tournaments that I’ve played well in before. I was set to miss my flight anyway, tonight, so it’s kind of handy that I got in next week.”
Matt Jones had another good week when he finished 18th.
