Tommy's Take: Gotterup and Hollick Deliver

Written By Kim Manunui

Okay folks, let's take you through what just went down in the world of men's pro golf. It was a week of high drama, first-time winners, and a reminder that this glorious game can turn on a single swing. Giddyup.

A South African Eagle Lands in Munich

Let's kick things off on the DP World Tour, where the BMW International Open in Munich served up an absolute belter of a finish. And who was the hero? A 39-year-old rookie named Michael Hollick from South Africa. I mean, what a story.

Now, this was a proper ding-dong battle. Hollick started the final day sharing the lead but found himself three shots behind his compatriot, Hennie Du Plessis, with just two holes to play. It looked like Du Plessis was about to claim his maiden title, plain sailing.

But this is golf, folks – it's never over 'til it's over. Du Plessis bogeyed the 17th, leaving the door ajar. Hollick, who'd just dropped a shot on 16, responded with a brilliant birdie on 17 to cut the lead to one. Game on.

Then came the finale. Hollick took on a dangerous line off the 18th tee, just avoiding the water, before sticking a stunning approach to 20 feet. He drained the eagle putt for a remarkable 67 and a one-shot victory. What a way to get your first win on the DP World Tour! Unbelievable scenes.

And you've got to hand it to South Africa, haven't you? They just keep turning out world-class golfers. From Ernie Els and the Sunshine Tour to the young guns like Jayden Schaper and Aldrich Potgieter coming through – it's an absolute conveyor belt of talent. Quite incredible, really.

A Third Win for Gotterup on the PGA Tour

Switching over to the PGA Tour, and the John Deere Classic was a thriller in its own right. Chris Gotterup bagged his third victory of the season, but he had to survive a late scare to do it.

Gotterup started the final day five shots back – no drama, right? Wrong. He came out firing with a stunning 9-under 62 that included nine birdies. NINE. That put him right in the mix.

He was tied for the lead with Ben Kohles, who was chasing his first PGA Tour win in his 120th start, as they stood on the 18th tee. Then came the drama. Kohles' approach found the water, leading to a double-bogey that dropped him out of a share of the lead. Gutted for the bloke – 120 starts, so close.

That left Gotterup to claim the victory at 20-under, one shot clear of Max Homa. Funny enough, I actually picked Gotterup to win the US Open a few weeks back, so he's a couple of weeks late for me! But there's no denying the guy can play – he's one to watch for Birkdale, no question.

The Open Championship Beckons

With both tournaments done, the focus now shifts to the big one. The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale tees off on the 16th of July, and the events in Munich had some serious implications.

Despite the heartbreak, Hennie Du Plessis's runner-up finish earned him a spot at Birkdale – a massive consolation prize after coming so close. Bernd Wiesberger, who finished third, also secured his place, along with Jayden Schaper, Andy Sullivan, and Dan Bradbury. Lovely stuff.

So there you have it. A South African rookie announces himself in style, and an American contender adds another trophy to his collection. The road to Royal Birkdale is heating up, and I can't wait to see who gets their hands on that Claret Jug.

Right, that's your lot for this week – now go and have a putt. Catch you next time!

Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

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Tommy’s Take: A Major Comeback & A Monday Morning Mystery