Burgoon shoots opening-round 64, provides contrast to hype of young stars

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – Notes and observations from Sunday’s final round of The Greenbrier Classic where rookie Xander Schauffele produced a clutch shot into the 72nd hole to set up a birdie and his maiden win on the PGA TOUR. Schauffele’s 3-under 67 on Sunday set the mark at 14-under and no one could match the 23-year-old who kept the youth movement on TOUR trending upward and onward. Robert Streb (69) claimed his second straight Greenbrier Classic runner up finish a stroke behind with Jamie Lovemark (69) and Sebastian Munoz (72) tied third at 12-under. For more from The Old White TPC, check out the Daily Wrap. X MARKS THE WIN Xander Schauffele stood on the 72nd hole at The Old White TPC with a share of the lead staring down the barrel of a 162-yard shot that could change his life. He figured Robert Streb and Sebastian Munoz behind him would birdie the par-5 17th, even though he hadn’t managed to, so it was birdie or bust. At just 23, you might think the moment would get the better of the PGA TOUR rookie.  But this was the same guy who had made a name for himself at the recent U.S. Open with a T5 finish. The guy groomed for the moment by his athletic father, who doubles as his swing coach. For more on the PGA TOUR rookie, click here. “There was a little bit of altitude up here, so my caddie and I, we looked at a pitching wedge and 9-iron and, under the gun, you never want to swing something soft, so we grabbed the pitching wedge real quick,â€� Schauffele said. He then stiffed it to three feet, calmly made the birdie, and watched as neither Streb nor Munoz could match him. “It’s slowly sinking in. I had a couple minutes to myself in the locker room, but it’s just been an incredible feeling and it’s honestly just a dream come true,â€� he said. “In the third round you can always see the pin location (for the next day). I looked at it and looked at my caddie and I said, man, that is kind of brutal. “That birdie on 18 is not one that’s going to come along very often, so I’m just very fortunate to do it.â€� Having moved through Web.com Q-School and then the Web.com Finals in his first attempts those close to his team are not surprised by his rapid rise. His victory comes in just his 24th start on the PGA TOUR. “My dad kind of put me on some plan of his and I would say we’re trending, that’s what he would say at least. I’m just happy to play the role,â€� the former All-American from San Diego State added. Starting the event in 94th spot in the FedExCup Schauffele looked good for a spot in the Playoffs but was not confirmed. Now at 27th his looking at the TOUR Championship as the goal. “The U.S. Open was one of the biggest stages and for me to kind of be calm and collected throughout the week and just kind of hang on and come in tied fifth was huge for me mentally, so it kind of gave me the confidence and allowed me to play and win this week,â€� he said. “Besides winning, obviously East Lake, and the FedExCup playoffs are the main goal for most of the guys out here. “Everyone that knows me knows I’m a late bloomer, so to jump in the Top-30 in this fashion is something special for me.â€� CALL OF THE DAY PUTTER GOES MISSING FOR MUNOZ Sebastian Munoz led through the opening three rounds at The Greenbrier Classic thanks heavily to a red-hot putter so when it went ice-cold on Sunday, a win was always going to be hard to find. The PGA TOUR rookie had gained over three shots a round on the field in putting through 54 holes put on Sunday he lost 4.867 shots to the field on the greens, leading to a 2-over 72. It left him in a tie for third at 12-under, two back of Xander Schauffele’s winning total. Munoz had made 143’9â€� of putts Thursday, 126’5â€� on Friday and 125’11â€� on Saturday but on Sunday he made just 32’. His longest made putt was from 3’10â€�. “That was totally the difference,â€� the Colombian admitted. “I just never found a rhythm with it. I was taking it back too quick and I realized that on the final few holes. I wasn’t swinging good enough to make a difference.â€� Munoz moved from 198th to 140th in the FedExCup standings, solidifying at very least a spot in the Web.com Tour Finals. He also earned a berth in The Open Championship and with the John Deere Classic next week has his sights set on the top 125. “That’s what it’s all about, it’s about getting better, about keeping building, getting experiences. It is my first year, first time being in a tournament on the back nine, so just take it as an experience, positive, and move on for the next one,â€� he said. “I needed to make a move (in the FedExCup) so this is going to definitely help. I just have to bring it home in the last four or five events.â€� STREB SEES SILVER LINING IN FEDEXCUP MOVE Robert Streb was somewhat frustrated with his second consecutive runner up finish at The Greenbrier Classic but could find some solace in securing his PGA TOUR card and a place in the FedExCup Playoffs. Streb, who lost in a playoff to Danny Lee in the 2015 event, had the lead on the back nine only to be derailed by a double bogey on the par-4 13th hole. His drive sailed left into a hazard and he failed to get up and down from the back of the green to limit the damage. The 30-year-old bounced back with a birdie bomb on the 14th but then failed to make any further inroads and settled for a 1-under 69 and 13-under total, one back. “I’m a little disappointed there with obviously my drive on 13 and not a very good effort on 16 and 17, trying to make birdies there. So a little frustrating,â€� he said. “Didn’t hit my best wedge on 16 and obviously left a putt short, a really good look at it. And kind of squandered the up-and-down there on 17. I was trying to hit it close on 18 and just didn’t do it.â€� What the solo second did do was rocket Streb up the FedExCup standings. Starting the week in 137th on the points list Streb was in danger of losing his status earned from his 2014-15 win at The McGladrey Classic. But the 300 points earned catapulted him to 68th and ensures a spot in the post-season. “That is really helpful. Obviously I was on the wrong side of the number coming here, but it’s funny, one week can change it. “This place has been very good to me. Finally got some results out of the good play. Kind of got the putter going a little bit again and everything seems to be turning the right way.â€� BIRKDALE BABY! As the second PGA TOUR event of The Open Qualifying Series, The Greenbrier Classic determined Open Championship berths for the top four players finishing in the top 12 who weren’t otherwise exempt. Winner Xander Schauffele will tee it up in his first Open Championship at Royal Birkdale hot off the heels of his T5 finish at the U.S. Open. Robert Streb returns for his third successive Open Championship after being T18 in 2015 and missing the cut last year. Jamie Lovemark made his Open Championship last season but missed the cut while Sebastian Munoz will play his very first major on July 20-23. “I might have played one or two links courses ever, so it should be quite a different experience,â€� Munoz said. “I just hope it’s not as breezy as it always is, because I’m more of a high ball player, but it will be a great experience, so we’ll see.â€� Next week’s John Deere Classic holds open one spot for the highest finisher in the top 5 not already exempt. PHIL FIRES LATE Phil Mickelson saved his best for last with a 6-under 64 on Sunday, sending him towards The Open Championship with some momentum. Mickelson finished at 6-under to be tied 20th, the first time in four tries he’s made the cut at the Greenbrier Classic where he is an ambassador. The 2013 Open represents the last time Mickelson found the winners circle, a now four-year drought. “It’s nice to get a little bit of momentum and to finally shoot a number that I feel like I’ve been playing well enough to shoot,â€� Mickelson said. “I’m going to head over there later this week and get a few extra days in at Birkdale. My first Open Championship I ever played in 1991 was at Birkdale, so I have a real affinity for the golf course. I just have a special place in my heart for it, and I’m looking forward to playing there this year.â€� SHOT OF THE DAY ODDS AND ENDS Davis Love III was gunning to be the oldest winner in PGA TOUR history starting Sunday just four back but the 53-year-old soon to be Hall-Of-Fame inductee struggled to a final round 5-over 75 to drop into a tie for 29th. Defending champion Danny Lee carded a final round 69 to finish at 9-under in a tie for 9th as he looks to make his late push towards a Presidents Cup berth for the International Team. The New Zealander was in Nick Price’s team in Korea and needs further big results to force his way in or earn one of two captain’s picks. It was an impressive final-round showing by amateur Joaquin Niemann, who fired a final-round 6-under-par 64. His effort helped him jump from T67 to T29 in the final standings. Niemann, the world’s top-ranked amateur, is set to enter the University of South Florida. Smylie Kaufman (T36) extended his streak of consecutive holes without a three-putt to 276. Ryan Blaum’s final round 64 gave him a handful of personal milestones. The TOUR rookie notched up his lowest round and his best finish at T7 and now appears a relatively safe bet for a FedExCup Playoff berth after moving to 99th on the points list with just five weeks to go. BEST OF SOCIAL MEDIA

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Dear Dad, It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years … People say time heals all wounds, but I don’t believe that. Sure, as the years have gone by, I’ve learned how to manage my sadness in losing you. But the pain never really goes away. I think about you every day, miss you every day. Even as I write this, the waterworks are starting. I still remember the last time I saw you. I remember what I was wearing that day; I remember what I had for breakfast (as usual, you made us banana pancakes). Mom then took us to school, and as we were pulling out of the garage, you were standing there on the stairs, blowing us kisses. I cling to that last memory, comforted in knowing how much you loved us. A few hours later, I was in the school cafeteria. I couldn’t hear the intercom but, apparently, they were calling my name, and some friends told me I was wanted in the principal’s office. I didn’t think much of it, but when I got there, Aaron was there too. We were told something was going on with your plane and that we were being sent home early. Aaron said, “Why don’t we just call his cell phone?” And I thought to myself, “I’m sure they’ve already tried that,” but I didn’t want to scare him, so I didn’t say anything. So Aaron tried calling, but you didn’t answer; it went straight to voicemail, and I got more anxious. Johnny Brendle picked us up and took us home, and as we were driving, he wouldn’t turn on the car radio – another inkling that something was wrong. Then when we rounded the corner to go down our street, I saw a news truck. I remember that taking my breath away, that’s when I knew that it was something bad, but I tried to keep control of my emotions, mainly for Aaron’s sake. Or maybe because I didn’t want to let myself think the worst just yet. There were lots of people at the house. Mom met us at the door and we went upstairs, to yours and Mom’s bedroom. We sat on the bed and that’s when she told us what happened. I fell backwards onto the bed, screaming. And I kept screaming for what seemed like forever. Finally, the three of us hugged each other as tight as possible, and the rest of the day is a bit of a blur. That night, we all slept together in yours and mom’s bed. I fell asleep with the pillow you used for your sore neck. It smelled like you, and that smell helped me fall asleep that night and for many nights to come. I clung to that pillow and the smell of you for as long as I could. And Mom … she was hurting so much that day, but she stayed strong for us. You would’ve been so proud of her. I think it’s the milestone events when I’ve missed you the most these last 20 years. Graduating from high school, graduating from college – that was always a big thing for you. I know you’d be pleased that I got a degree from Clemson, but you’d be super-pumped that Aaron played golf at SMU, where he was the team captain. He’s done a better job than I have at following in your footsteps. I got three extra years with you, and he was robbed of that, but he’s an amazing person. Aaron’s still involved in golf. He just got named tournament director for the season-opening event on the LPGA Tour. That’s a big promotion, and I’m so excited for him! He’s so much like you — he’s the life of the party, has never met a stranger. Everybody is his best friend. Sometimes when Mom sees Aaron walking, or sees some of his mannerisms, she’ll just say out loud, “Oh, that’s so Payne.â€� He and his wife Naiara got married a couple of years ago, and they’re living in Orlando, close to Mom. Sometimes I’ll text him and ask if he’s checked on her lately – not that she needs anybody to do that. But I’m happy he’s close by. Speaking of … I’m also married, to a wonderful man named Patrick. That was on Oct. 10, 2015 – and it was another day that I really missed you. I will always remember the time we watched “Father of the Brideâ€� and we talked about you walking me down the aisle. I always dreamed of that day – with you in it. When the day finally arrived, I knew you were there in spirit. After all the bridesmaids had gone into the church, I was waiting behind the closed doors in the back. Mom was standing next to me, holding my hand when Aaron came to get us to walk down the aisle. We all looked at each other and started to tear up, all thinking that you should have been there. But Aaron — just like you would’ve done — cracked a little joke to make me laugh so that I wouldn’t cry all the way to the altar. We then looked at each other and said, “It’s going to be a wonderful day.” And it was. The doors opened and the three of us walked together down the aisle. But the joy of that day will always have a tinge of sadness. That’s just how it is now. You would love Patrick. He’s patient and kind. He’s a lot like Robert, so smart and he can command a room. He gets things done and he’s handy — every time we go home to visit Mom, she has a list of things for him to help her fix, and he does it with a smile. He’s also my partner in parenting, just like you were with Mom. And when he’s at home, he focuses on being a dad, wanting to spend time with William and me. We’re his priority. I’m sure you’re happy to know that I’ve found my soulmate, just like you and Mom did. That’s another milestone I want to tell you about – my little boy. He just turned 14 months old. We named him William Robert, after you and Robert. William has your beautiful blue eyes. He also has your mischievousness. Oh, and not surprising – he loves to entertain, just like you did. Right now, his big thing is playing hide-and-seek; he thinks it’s hilarious. When I make pancakes for him, I’ll sometimes sing him the pancake song that you used to sing to us … “Aunt Jemima pancakes, without the syrup, is like the spring, without the fall …â€� I inherited your singing voice and can’t carry a tune in a bucket … but he lights up anyway, just like Aaron and I used to. I told Mom recently that I’ve never appreciated her more than in these last 14 months since I’ve been a mother. If I was put in the same situation that she faced, well, I hope I would make the same choices and be able to raise my child the way she did. She pulled off a miracle with me and Aaron in that we’re not 100 percent messed up. She stepped up and was our rock, even though her world was falling apart. She filled that dual role. The sacrificial love that she gave us, basically putting her life on hold so she could focus on the two of us … it’s incredible. When you have a tragedy that early in life, there are a lot of different paths you can go down, and she was intent on making sure we lived up to your legacy. She came to every one of my volleyball games, and she watched Aaron play golf and other sports. She was always there to support us. She’s an amazing mom — and now she’s an amazing grandmother. We try to talk every day, and she gets bent out of shape if she doesn’t get her daily FaceTime. Of course, I think I’ve been replaced by William on those calls, but that’s OK. It’s wonderful to see her in that role. But at the same time, I know her heart hurts. She realizes this is a season of life you would’ve both enjoyed, being grandparents together. She pours everything into William and she puts on a wonderful face, but sometimes I sense a little sadness there. It’s bittersweet, as many things are. Fortunately, we’ve been comforted by all the things that keep your memory alive, and all the lives that have been positively impacted since you died. We’ve received so many letters from people telling us how much you meant to them, and how they re-evaluated their lives after your accident. People have been brought to Christ through your death. I know you’d want to hear that. Then there’s the World Golf Hall of Fame and the Payne Stewart Award and all the other things to keep your memory alive, with people realizing why your life was so significant — not only that you were a great golfer but that you strived to be a great person. That’s incredibly important in our society right now. Not sure if you can see it from up there, but we need more people like you. We need to know and believe in people who do the right thing. One of my best friends from Clemson sent me a message on Instagram — that’s an app on social media, you would have loved it! – after this year’s Payne Stewart Award presentation. The sister of one of her friends was part of Kids Across America, which is supported by our family foundation and Southern Company’s Payne Stewart Award Grant, and now she’s a teaching professional! Such a small world, to see how this person’s life was impacted by you. That connection is one of many “winks from God” I get on a regular basis to let me know you’re watching over me. People still ask me, even 20 years later, how I’m doing. I tell them we’re OK. A lot of people lose a father, and they don’t have the backbone of support from their mother like we did. We were very fortunate that way. But the holidays are coming up, and those always bring back memories. I remember how much you loved Christmas; the music on full-blast as soon as Thanksgiving arrived, and you wearing your Santa hat and putting up the huge tree with all the lights. You made it such a joy. After the accident … well, to be honest, that joy was missing for a few years. But as our family has expanded, we’ve done a better job at celebrating together. As much as we love and miss you, I’m so grateful for being your daughter. Although I only had you for 13 years, I wouldn’t trade those years for anything. You showed me more love than a lot of kids get their entire lives from their dad, and I feel incredibly blessed to have been given that amount of time. I’ve often described myself as Daddy’s little girl. It’s a label I wear proudly, and it’s your legacy that I look forward to sharing with William one day. He needs to hear about his granddad. He’ll never get to meet you, but he will keep you alive in his heart, just as the rest of us have been doing for 20 years … and will continue to do, forever. I love you, Daddy. Payne Stewart died at the age of 42 on Oct. 25, 1999, in an airplane accident that also killed five others, including Chelsea’s godfather, Robert Fraley, whom she refers to in the letter. (Johnny Brendle, also referenced, is a retired PGA TOUR rules official and was the Stewarts’ next-door neighbor). Chelsea Stewart O’Brien, her brother Aaron Stewart and their mother Tracey Stewart have kept Payne Stewart’s memory alive with their involvement in many charitable activities, including the Payne Stewart Award, given annually by the PGA TOUR and presented by the Southern Company to the PGA TOUR player who best embodies character, charity and sportsmanship. For more information on the Payne Stewart Award, click here.  MORE ON PAYNE STEWART LISTEN: In a special, emotional episode of the PGA TOUR’s Up & Down podcast, Chelsea Stewart O’Brien and her brother Aaron Stewart discuss the day they lost their father and the impact his presence has – and continues to make – on their lives and the lives of fans around the world, two decades later. Download Up & Down everywhere you can listen to podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, RSS or TuneIn). FAMILY ALBUM WATCH: Looking back at Payne Stewart’s legendary life and career.

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MCKINNEY, Texas — The last group of the AT&T Byron Nelson includes a player with no wins on the PGA TOUR and a player who just got his first. The tee time Sunday for Sam Burns and K.H. Lee was moved to 10 a.m. to avoid the rain expected later in North Texas. That means Burns and Lee have even less time to ponder their circumstances, which for Lee means his first TOUR win and a berth next week in the PGA Championship. RELATED: Full leaderboard | Tee times, broadcast info Burns now is a cagey and savvy veteran of closing golf tournaments, having won his first TOUR title, the Valspar Championship, precisely two weeks ago. Lee finished a gusty third round at TPC Craig Ranch at 19 under par. His 5-under 67 briefly gave him a share of the lead, but only until Burns, playing in the pairing behind, completed his round. Burns hit the par-5 18th hole in two, as many players have throughout the 54 holes played so far at this new venue. His two-putt birdie gave him a 3-under 69, good for a one-shot lead at minus-20. A 29-year-old from South Korea, Lee joined the PGA TOUR in 2019, the same year Burns earned his card. His best finish in 79 starts is a share of second in the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Lee has played in one major championship, the 2019 U.S. Open. He missed the cut. With a win here, he would earn a spot in the PGA next week at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. “We have more holes, 18 holes, so never think about win,” Lee said. “So no pressure (on) myself and just keep positive and play golf and then we see.” A second-round 10-under 62 gave Burns the cushion to retain his lead on a day when nothing seemed quite as charmed. The setbacks mattered less, Burns said, because he’s learned this year that managing trials is part of success. “I don’t have to play perfect,” he said. “(I) always felt for a long time I had to play perfect on Sunday to win. That’s just not the case.” Burns made 10 birdies in the second round. He had five in the third. He ranked first in five Strokes Gained categories Friday, including Total (8.37). His best Saturday was ninth, in Around the Green. “You’re going to make mistakes,” Burns said. “You need to limit those.” His and Lee’s chasers include third-place ties Charl Schwartzel, Matt Kuchar, Alex Noren and none other than Dallas’s own Jordan Spieth, who followed his drowsy 2-under 70 in the second round with a 6-under 66 in the third. He eagled the 18th, as he did in his scintillating 63 on Thursday, to finish at 17 under. Spieth won earlier this season in his home state, the Valero Texas Open, to break a long and well-documented drought. His resurgence has rallied his supporters. All week at TPC Craig Ranch, the deepest and loudest galleries are the ones following the 12-time TOUR winner who went to high school 21 miles away. His return to prominence — he has two third places and six top 10s, including a tie for third at the Masters — is just another layer of energy this week at the Nelson. A lot of what’s transpired so far in the north suburb of Dallas has felt fresh and invigorating and, given the two men at the top of the leaderboard, momentous in its own way. The course and surrounding acreage accommodate the spectators well, much like the nearby Four Seasons TPC Los Colinas did for many years as the host site for the Nelson. Cottonwoods and other towering trees line many holes, providing shade for the walkers and walls for the cheers to bounce between. Skyboxes line the dainty par-3 17th, which is too small to resemble a soccer pitch but maybe just right for tennis — or, more appropriately, an outdoor springtime social gathering, long the tournament’s identity. “This one feels like the Byron Nelson,” Spieth said. The debutante venue has surrendered low scores: 62 eagles and 1,698 birdies so far. The average score through three rounds is 69.4. No one will par his way to victory Sunday. “I don’t think it matters if we get rain or don’t get rain,” Spieth said. “I think scores will be low regardless.”

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