The Former College Prospect Who’s Contending At The PGA Championship With Tiger Woods’ Former Caddie
Michael Thorbjornsen has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising young talents in professional golf, and his performance at the PGA Championship is turning heads across the sport.
At just 23 years old, he’s already showcasing a level of poise and maturity well beyond his years. After an illustrious amateur and collegiate career, Thorbjornsen has seamlessly transitioned to the professional ranks, and his strong showing at Quail Hollow is only the beginning.
Through the opening rounds of the championship, Thorbjornsen carded an impressive 68 followed by a 70, placing him at five-under-par. That score puts him well within striking distance of the leaders as the tournament heads into the weekend.
What’s notable about his performance isn’t just the scores themselves but the calm and calculated manner in which he’s managed his game under major championship pressure. Much of that composure can be attributed to the steady hand on his bag—veteran caddie Lance Bennett.
Bennett brings over two decades of experience to Thorbjornsen’s corner, and his influence is already being felt.
The caddie has worked with some of the biggest names in golf, including Tiger Woods and Matt Kuchar, with whom he secured five PGA Tour victories.
His resume also includes stints alongside LPGA legends like Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, and Juli Inkster. That level of experience offers invaluable insight for a young player navigating the intense and unpredictable landscape of major championship golf.
Thorbjornsen and Bennett first teamed up earlier in the year, beginning their partnership at the Mexico Open in 2025. While the initial months of the season presented challenges—Thorbjornsen battled illness, faced unfamiliar course layouts, and adjusted to a new caddie—the duo has begun to find their rhythm.
Speaking before the PGA Championship, Thorbjornsen acknowledged the rocky start but remained optimistic, saying he felt that good results were on the horizon. True to his prediction, those results have begun to arrive.
What separates Thorbjornsen from many of his peers isn’t just his talent but his ability to learn and adapt quickly.
His college and amateur careers were littered with accolades, including victories at the U.S. Junior Amateur and the prestigious Western Amateur.
These accomplishments earned him a direct pathway to the PGA Tour through the PGA Tour University Accelerated program—an elite system designed to transition top collegiate players into the professional realm seamlessly.
Now, he’s capitalizing on that opportunity, proving that he belongs among the world’s best.
With his natural talent, competitive mindset, and a seasoned guide in Bennett at his side, Thorbjornsen is well-positioned to make a serious impact on the PGA Tour.
His performance this week is more than a flash in the pan—it’s a glimpse into what could become a storied career.
As the weekend rounds unfold at Quail Hollow, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, not just to see how far he can go in this tournament, but to witness the rise of a star in the making.