SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Thomas Detry claimed his first PGA Tour victory with a dominant seven-shot triumph at the Phoenix Open, finishing 24 under par and securing the biggest win of his career. The 32-year-old Belgian entered the final round with a two-shot lead and never looked back, carding a six-under-par 65 to leave American duo Daniel Berger and Michael Kim trailing at 17 under.
Detry’s victory, which included rounds of 66, 64, 65, and 65, was a display of poise and skill, particularly on the back nine. He sealed the win with four consecutive birdies in a flawless stretch that ended with him tapping in for a birdie on the iconic par-three 16th stadium hole. The emotional moment was made even more special as Detry was surrounded by his family—his wife and two young children—who were there to celebrate the monumental achievement.
“This is incredible, it’s what dreams are made of,” Detry said, visibly emotional after the round. “That walk on the last hole was unbelievable. It was so special to have my family there to share it with me.”
A Dream Come True
For Detry, the win marked a career milestone that had eluded him through 65 previous PGA Tour events, in which he had come close but never sealed the deal. He had finished as a runner-up twice before, but each time fell just short of claiming a title. The Phoenix Open was his opportunity, and he took full advantage.
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Entering the final round with a two-shot lead over his nearest rivals, Detry faced pressure from several competitors, most notably Berger, who was making a charge. Berger, a former Phoenix Open champion, picked up his fifth birdie of the day on the par-five 15th to pull within two shots of the leader. However, Detry remained calm and responded with a brilliant approach shot on the 16th hole, setting up a tap-in birdie that would give him a three-shot cushion and effectively seal the win.
Detry’s consistency over four rounds was impressive, but it was his ability to finish strong that separated him from the field. “I’ve given myself plenty of chances in the past but never been able to conclude. I’m just so happy to get this one done,” he said.
A Strong Field, But No Threat
The field at the Phoenix Open was as strong as ever, with a number of top players vying for the title. Former world number one Jordan Spieth finished tied for fourth place at 16 under, alongside South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout. Spieth, who had a slow start to his round, rallied with a strong back nine but could never close the gap on Detry.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre shared sixth place at 15 under, joined by Americans Will Chandler and Justin Thomas, who shot a final-round 67. Thomas, ranked number 11 in the world, was never able to find his rhythm throughout the week, but managed to finish in a tie for sixth after a solid final round.
While the competition was fierce, none could match Detry’s level of play over the four days. His performance was particularly noteworthy considering the pressure of leading for most of the week, a position he had struggled with in the past. But at the Phoenix Open, Detry seemed to thrive under the spotlight, showing a level of maturity and focus that belied his previous near-misses.
A Family Affair
One of the most touching moments of the day came after Detry’s victory was sealed. The Belgian golfer was immediately surrounded by his wife and two young children, who were there to share in the joy of his achievement. Detry’s emotions were clear as he embraced his family on the 18th green, overwhelmed by the significance of the moment.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed about for so long,” Detry said. “To finally win on the PGA Tour, and to do it here in Phoenix—it’s incredible. Having my family here to share it with makes it even more special.”
For Detry, this victory means more than just a trophy; it represents years of hard work, dedication, and the culmination of a journey that has seen him become one of Belgium’s most accomplished golfers. It also serves as a reminder of his previous near-misses on Tour. In 2021, Detry finished second in the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and in 2022, he finished as a runner-up at the Valero Texas Open, both times losing out in tight finishes. But this time, Detry was determined not to let the opportunity slip away.
The Future of Thomas Detry
This win represents a significant moment in Detry’s career, but it could also be a sign of more success to come. As one of Belgium’s top golfing talents, Detry has long been considered a rising star on the international scene. His first professional victory came in 2018 when he and Thomas Pieters won the World Cup of Golf for Belgium, but this victory on the PGA Tour solidifies his standing as a major player in the sport.
Now that Detry has secured a victory on the PGA Tour, the next question will be whether he can build on this success and challenge for more titles in the coming years. The 32-year-old has shown he can compete with the best, and his game seems to be coming into full form just as he enters the prime years of his career.
“It feels great to get that first win, but I’m not going to stop here,” Detry said. “I want to keep pushing and try to win more. This is just the beginning.”
What’s Next for Detry?
After a dominant performance at the Phoenix Open, Detry’s next challenge will be to maintain his form and capitalize on this momentum. With his confidence sky-high following this breakthrough victory, he will likely be among the favorites in upcoming PGA Tour events, especially as he continues to refine his game.
The win also earns Detry a spot in future prestigious tournaments, including The Masters and the PGA Championship, giving him more opportunities to further establish himself as one of golf’s elite players. The world will be watching closely to see if this victory marks the beginning of a new chapter in Detry’s career, one that could include more titles and even greater accomplishments.
For now, though, Detry is content to savor this moment. His first PGA Tour victory is not just a personal achievement but a victory for Belgian golf, as he becomes the first Belgian to claim a PGA Tour title.
“It’s a big moment for me and for Belgium,” Detry said. “I hope this inspires more young players in Belgium to chase their dreams, just like I did.”
As Detry celebrates this career-defining win, one thing is clear: the future looks bright for the Belgian golfer, and the Phoenix Open victory is just the beginning of what could be a long and successful career on the PGA Tour.
