Sepp Straka triumphed at The American Express, showcasing his mettle under pressure and securing his second PGA Tour victory since 2023. He drew inspiration from a quote by his former football coach, Kirby Smart, to remain calm and aggressive throughout the final round, ultimately defeating Justin Thomas by two strokes.
Sepp Straka , in a display of controlled aggression, secured his second victory of the 2023 season at The American Express . This victory, however, marked a significant shift in Straka's approach to pressure. Unlike his previous wins, where he had to mount a last-ditch charge on the final day, Straka entered Sunday's final round with a commanding lead.
To manage the mounting nerves, he drew inspiration from a quote by his former football coach, Kirby Smart, who famously proclaimed, 'We will not be hunted.' Straka lived up to this philosophy, remaining aggressive throughout his round and ultimately securing a comfortable two-shot victory over Justin Thomas.Straka finished at 25-under 263, carding a final-round 70 on the Stadium Course. He attributed his ability to stay focused to the course's demanding nature, which required precision and execution rather than safety plays. The Austrian golfer, already the first from his country to earn a tour card and win on the PGA Tour, started the final round with a four-shot lead and held it firmly despite a late stumble. While he recorded his first bogeys in the final three holes, Straka's competitors couldn't capitalize on his momentary lapses, leaving him to celebrate his first win since the birth of his son, Leo, in December 2023.Justin Thomas, who finished at 23 under, put up a valiant fight, making six birdies in his first 11 holes but couldn't sustain the momentum on the back nine. He settled for a third-place tie with Justin Lower and Jason Day, who both shot 69 in the final round. Day's performance marked his first top-three finish since the 2023 British Open, while Lower continued his impressive run with his third top-five finish in his last five tournaments.
Sepp Straka The American Express PGA Tour Justin Thomas Kirby Smart Pressure Victory
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