Rocket Classic Recap & LIV Dallas

Welcome back to Duffers Digest, your weekly take on professional golf.

We’ve got a first-time PGA Tour winner, some off-course drama, and a LIV Golf victory stirring up chatter.

Here’s what went down over the past seven days.

Today’s highlights:

• Aldrich Potgieter Claims Rocket Classic in Marathon Playoff

• Morikawa’s Caddie Switches and Media Tensions

• Patrick Reed’s LIV Win Fuels Ryder Cup Speculation

Tournament Recap 🏌️

Aldrich Potgieter Claims Rocket Classic in Marathon Playoff

Aldrich Potgieter, a 20-year-old South African, secured his first PGA Tour win at the 2025 Rocket Classic in Detroit.

The long-hitting rookie outlasted Max Greyserman and Chris Kirk in a five-hole playoff, the season’s longest, sinking an 18-foot birdie on the par-3 15th to clinch the $1.728 million prize.

The Detroit Golf Club’s North Course played to Potgieter’s strengths, favoring his 326-yard drives with wide fairways and forgiving greens—a setup some players called too straightforward for a tour stop.

Still, Potgieter’s clutch play in his 20th PGA Tour start puts him in elite company, joining Rory McIlroy and Seve Ballesteros as international winners before age 21.

Noteworthy Stories ✍🏻

Morikawa’s Caddie Switches and Media Tensions

Collin Morikawa posted a T8 finish at the Rocket Classic (-19), but his performance was overshadowed by off-course issues.

The world No. 5 is on his third caddie in two months, with JJ Jakovac—now looping for Michael Thorbjornsen—among the recent departures. Morikawa’s winless streak since the 2023 Zozo Championship has him on edge, and he’s been noticeably defensive with reporters asking about his form and caddie changes.

Fans are starting to turn, with X posts highlighting frustration over his prickly demeanor.

Once a crowd favorite, Morikawa’s recent behavior is costing him support.

Patrick Reed’s LIV Win Fuels Ryder Cup Speculation

Patrick Reed ended his LIV Golf drought with a victory in Dallas, sinking a 15-foot birdie in a four-man playoff to claim the $4 million purse.

It’s his first win since joining LIV in 2022, prompting talk of a 2025 Ryder Cup spot given his 7-3-2 record in past team events.

However, the buzz lacks steam—Reed’s world ranking has slipped to 57th, and many see his polarizing personality as a poor fit for Keegan Bradley’s squad.

X posts reflect the divide: some praise his competitive fire, others argue he’d disrupt team chemistry, especially amid LIV-PGA Tour tensions.

Quick Hits 💨

• Padraig Harrington won the U.S. Senior Open at Broadmoor, using a strong front nine to hold off the field at 53. Read more at Golfweek.

• The PGA Tour moves to the John Deere Classic, where low scores are expected. Coverage starts Thursday at 7 PM on Sky Sports Golf. Details at Sky Sports.

Golf Deal Of The Week 👀

Looking to upgrade your golf gear without feeling like you just triple-bogeyed your bank account?

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Trust us—your wallet will thank you.

Product: adidas Women's Golf Tour Gingham Visor

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Product Details:

• One size fits most

• 100% polyester (recycled)

• Pre-curved brim & pre-curved brim

• Moisture-wicking sweatband

• 3D embroidered 3 Bar Logo

That’s the week in golf. Potgieter’s breakout, Morikawa’s struggles, and Reed’s win kept things lively. Share your takes in the comments or on X.

Until next week, swing easy.

— The Duffer’s Crew