Straka defeats Lowry

Sepp Straka claimed the trophy at the Truist Championship this weekend, narrowly beating Shane Lowry and Justin Thomas by 2 strokes for the title.

The tournament usually takes place annually at the Quail Hollow Club but was moved this year to the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon course with the former venue getting ready for the PGA Championship.

Steeped in history, the Philadelphia Cricket Club is the oldest country club in the US having been established 171 years ago in 1854. The club was originally founded as a venue for cricket before Willie Tucker designed the 9-hole St. Martins Course in 1895. A.W. Tillinghast would then subsequently create the course that opened in 1922 besides the Wissahickon Creek.

The Austrian was hot from the start with an opening round of 63 and headed into the final day sharing the lead with Shane Lowry on 14-under-par. The pair were consistent when they stepped onto the 16^th hole both on 16-under, but a shocking misjudgment from Lowry resulted in him missing a 5-foot putt to make a bogey.

Straka kept his cool and finished his last three holes with three pars to secure the win while Lowry three-putted on the 18^th green for another bogey, and ended in tied 2^nd place with Justin Thomas on 14-under.

Sepp Straka credited his first victory of the season to his positive attitude throughout the tournament “I hit a lot of really good shots and made a lot of mistakes. I hung in there. I had a two-shot lead (after the 9^th hole) and made two bogeys on the next two holes to lose it, but I kept the same attitude and mentality throughout the round.”

While he finished in tied 7^th with three other players, the defending champion Rory McIlroy reflected that he was feeling content and ready to take on Quail Hollow at the PGA Championship this coming weekend:

“My approach play got a little better as the week went on, I just need to hit a few more fairways. I feel with next week and the tee shots I have to hit there, it’ll set up better for me. I’m looking forward to getting to Quail Hollow and seeing some more familiar visuals.”

We can’t wait to see the next major shortly unfold! We’re here for you in the pro shop should you need to stock up on gear or you’re on the hunt for some new golf equipment.