Christopher Reitan recently had his 15th PGA Tour start at the Truist Championship, walking away with $3.6 million as the event’s winner. Not too shabby for someone who, just three years ago, was seriously contemplating a full-time YouTube golf career.
Meanwhile, in Myrtle Beach, Brandt Snedeker achieved his first PGA Tour win since 2018, completing a long wait of 2,821 days. The Nashville native was visibly emotional, and given his physical struggles over recent years, it was no surprise to see him tear up. It’s hard to imagine anyone picking Snedeker, 45, as a potential winner this year.
Time feels like it’s racing ahead, and here we are at the second major championship of the year. The music playing in the background is by Michael Block. It’s PGA Championship week, and for the first time in a while, the venue is set to host a significant event. Before immersing yourself in all the content this week, there are a few things worth pondering.
A Shoutout to Brandt Snedeker
No offense to Christopher Reitan, but when Snedeker wins, he deserves the spotlight.
Growing up in the early ’90s, Tiger Woods was the player I idolized. But as I got more into golf during my teenage years, Snedeker became my go-to player. He made every putt seem effortless. I still remember watching him win his first tournament back in 2007 with my dad. There was a lot of history attached to his performance over the years, including the 2008 Masters, where he had an emotional journey.
It’s funny how moments stick with you. I recall us getting hats signed by both Trevor Immelman and Snedeker after his disappointing finish at Augusta. Snedeker was incredibly emotional during his press conference back then—I’m pretty sure that video used to be on YouTube.
Fast forward to today, Snedeker is in tears again, but this time it’s a different story. While Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach may not compare to Augusta, it holds a special place for him as the site of his 10th tour victory and first in almost eight years.
Against all odds, Snedeker underwent experimental surgery in 2022 where surgeons removed a bone from his hip to reconstruct his sternum. Given his recent physical challenges, many thought he might only find success on the senior tour. Yet, he surprised everyone with a strong performance in Myrtle Beach, finishing just ahead of Mark Hubbard.
“The last few years, not getting a card, struggling to do what I love… it’s been tough,” Snedeker shared after his win. “I’m proud to reach 10 wins here.”
Introducing Christopher Reitan
The 28-year-old Norwegian has been performing well lately, with three top-15 finishes leading up to the championship. But I wonder, could he secure his first tour victory on such a prestigious course?
Some might argue he had an edge by not facing top competitors in the final round, but Reitan certainly earned his spot. His final round of 69 gave him a solid two-stroke lead at Quail Hollow, proving his skill. Those back-to-back birdies on 14 and 15 were particularly impressive.
Reitan was fortunate with his tee shot on the par-4 16th, showing that luck can play a role in success. In his 15 career starts, he’s made 11 cuts and earned around $5.3 million—quite a turnaround from contemplating giving up to focus on YouTube.
“In 2022, I was weighing whether to keep playing professionally,” he admitted. “YouTube golf added fun to my game and helped me recharge.”
PGA Championship Week is Here
It’s intriguing how something simple can elevate a golf tournament’s excitement. The last two PGA Championships took place at familiar courses, and this week’s venue, Aronimink, hasn’t hosted since 2018. It adds a fresh twist to the event.
This championship feels more open than in years past, which could lead to surprising outcomes. What version of Scotty Scheffler will show up? Is Rory McIlroy’s game sharp enough? And how will the LIV players perform? With the unpredictability of major championships, anything can happen this week.
