Michael Thorbjornsen wins Rocket Classic with rare 10‑finger grip

Michael Thorbjornsen, a 24‑year‑old Stanford alum, earned his first PGA Tour victory at the Rocket Classic held at Detroit Golf Club in Michigan. He posted a final‑round 7‑under 63, including a 26‑foot birdie putt, to finish two strokes ahead of Xander Schauffele and secure a spot in the FedExCup playoffs. The win moved Thorbjornsen up to 40th in the world rankings and 38th in the FedExCup race.

Thorbjornsen’s triumph was notable for his use of a 10‑finger (baseball) grip, a technique rarely seen on the Tour. He explained that overlapping and interlocking grips felt uncomfortable, while the baseball‑style grip provides better control and power. The unconventional grip attracted attention from fellow players and fans alike.

Rory McIlroy, who had highlighted Thorbjornsen as a rising talent at the 2025 Scottish Open, praised the young golfer’s performance, noting the difficulty of sustaining elite play and the importance of adapting to new generations of talent.