The Sunday Pin Golf

Last week in golf was an exciting one in the build up for The Open. The Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club marks a welcomed return to links golf . The newly PGA Tour/DP World Tour co-sanctioned event has meant golf fans have the joy of watching the worlds best battle it out on world class Links courses in back to back weeks.   

The week always provides excellent content with players sneaking off for an evening 18 with a carry bag at the neighbouring North Berwick, or for those not teeing it up this week, a tour through the Emerald isle ticking off top 100 Golf courses and sinking creamy pints of Guinness as they embark on the journey towards Royal Portrush for the years final major.   

Gotterup Got it Done 

25-year-old Chris Gotterup held off a stunning top 10 cast of McIlroy, Scheffler, Schauffle, Straka, Rose, Aberg and Fitzpatrick to get his second PGA Tour win. The American has struggled since his win at the 2024 Myrtle Beach Classic missing multiple cuts this year followed by only a handful of top 30s.  

Unfazed by this Gotterup had what it took to take down the Masters champion a head to head battle on Sunday shooting -4 (66) to take a 2 shot victory over McIlroy and ripper Marco Penge of England. A great win in a great place for Chris Gotterup.  

It was a good showing for Europe’s Ryder Cup potentials as Matt Fitzpatick made a welcomed return to the first page of the leaderboard alongside his former teammate Nicolai Hojgard, captain Luke Donald will have his hands full as he looks to make 6 captains picks ahead of the eagerly anticipated Ryder Cup at Bethpage in September, the Euros are rounding into top form. 

Chaos at the conclusion of The Evian Championship 

Before we talk about the tournament, what about that golf course! Amazing views of the French seaside and rolling hills, once again, a welcomed change from the motorway style American courses. 

A quiet opening three rounds were superseded by a late peak in excitement, the 21 year old amateur Lottie Woad, fresh off her win at The Irish Open had a blistering finish to her week, grabbing the clubhouse lead after firing -7 (64). It looks like Lottie Woad is here to stay as she looks to turn pro after this week missing out on two very nice pay cheques in quick succession.  

Unfortunately for Lottie, Grace Kim of Australia finished her round Eagle-Birdie-Eagle to force a playoff with Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand. An electric playoff ensued that saw Grace Kim chip in for birdie after hitting it sideways into the hazard forcing Thitkul to clutch up and hole an 8 footer to keep her hopes of a maiden Major alive. An eagle on the second playoff hole meant that Grace Kim stole the show to grab her first Major victory in stunning fashion.  

Netflix star gets closer to PGA Tour card 

A special mention to Neal Shipley, who won The Ascendant tournament on the Korn Ferry tour this week, well on his way to earning a PGA Tour card for 2026. Neal, the fan favourite ever since his appearance in Netflix’s Full Swing and his run as an amateur in The Masters.  

Shipley shot a stellar -8 in the final round including a birdie on the last to win the tournament by one, taking home his second career title. 

In other news… 

Justin Rose, fresh off a top 10 at the Scottish Open, had an interview with magazine ‘Today’s Golfer’. The conversation included the regular golf chatter however lingered on the subject of the Ryder Cup until eventually Justin admitted he would be very up for being the captain of Ryder Cup team Europe in 2027 at Adare Manor.  

I don’t think anyone can oppose the man’s right to be a captain, he has been a true patriot of the team. However, I think that Justin may have one or two Ryder Cup’s left in him. As a European, I do not want to be in the situation the Americans find themselves in at the moment with captain Keegan unsure whether to play himself or not. 

Whether it happens or not, the intent in interesting and was further buzzed by Justin himself reposting a tweet about the quote… 

With a solid week of golf behind us we now look towards Royal Portrush for The Open Championship and the links of Northern Ireland. 

Enjoy your golf this week. Play well. 

Written by 

E.J. Ganaza 

14/7/25 

The Sunday Pin