J.T. Poston triumphed in a challenging week at the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas, securing his third career victory on the PGA Tour and his first in over two years.
Finishing at 22 under par at TPC Summerlin, Poston edged out Doug Ghim by a narrow one-stroke margin. Unlike the previous three FedEx Cup Fall winners, Poston had already qualified for signature events next season by finishing in the top 50 of the FedEx Cup standings.
His victory also earned him invitations to both the Masters and the PGA Championship, marking his third consecutive appearance at Augusta National after previously playing just once in his first six seasons on tour.
Poston started the final round with a three-stroke lead and quickly extended it to four with two birdies in his first four holes, confidently converting from around 14 feet.
However, Ghim began to close the gap with a birdie on No. 7 and an eagle from 12 feet on the par-5 ninth, reducing Poston’s lead to just one stroke.
Poston managed to respond, sinking a 23-foot birdie on the par-4 12th, which helped him regain momentum and extend his lead back to four with two additional birdies over the next three holes.
Despite facing some challenges down the stretch, Poston secured his win, earning an A+ grade for his performance.
Notable performances from the rest of the leaderboard
T5. Michael Kim (-18): Kim, who had been feeling the pressure of making the top 125 cut, delivered a strong performance with a final-round score of 62. This marked his first top-10 finish since January, significantly boosting his confidence and chances to retain his PGA Tour card. Grade: A
T5. Davis Thompson (-18): Despite encountering difficult weather, Thompson played bogey-free in his final two rounds, showcasing his steadiness. However, he fell short of matching his usual firepower, finishing with 10 birdies over the weekend. Grade: A-
T9. Gary Woodland (-16): Woodland had a strong showing following brain surgery, entering the final round with a chance to win. However, a rough start on the par-4 third hole derailed his progress. This week’s performance marked his second consecutive top-20 finish after a challenging season. Grade: B+
T23. Rickie Fowler (-13): After a solid start with a bogey-free 66, Fowler struggled in the following rounds, finishing 54 holes at 8 under. Despite the inconsistent finish, Fowler’s performance throughout the week highlighted improvements in his game, particularly with his driving accuracy. Grade: C+
MC. Tom Kim: The two-time defending champion faced difficulties due to unfavorable tee times and did not find his rhythm, resulting in an early exit. He remains in a solid position in the FedEx Cup standings and will qualify for major events if he maintains his world ranking, but this marks over a year since his last victory. Grade: F
