SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. Matthew Wolff continues to become a superstar before everyones eyes. Theres the weird-but-cool swing, the prodigious ball speed and power, and the contagious personality.Yet, as Wolffs instructor George Gankas said, Theres still a lot that we dont know about Matt.On Thursday, the 19-year-old Oklahoma State sophomore competed in his first PGA Tour round and answered the question of how hed respond, emphatically. Wolff shot 4-under 67 and sat just three shots off the lead after the morning wave.Playing in front of a crowd like this, I never experienced anything like it before, Wolff said.The crowd likely hadnt witnessed anything like Wolff before, either. At 6 feet, he packs a mean punch. He blew one drive almost 40 yards past his playing competitors, Max Homa and Stephan Jaeger, on the par-4 18th hole, blasting it 353 yards. On his final hole, the par-4 ninth, he carried the fairway bunker with a 345-yard poke.Today he hit some knuckle-ball drives that were pretty insane, said Gankas, who is carrying the bag this week. It was cool to watch him just go.Said Homa: Ive heard great things, so I was not really super surprised.The towering tee balls were especially impressive considering Wolff got to hit about five drivers during his pre-round warmup. The youngster arrived at the course about two hours before his round. Next thing Wolff knew, he had about 10 minutes left until his tee time and he was still hitting 3-woods.I was a little rushed starting this morning, Wolff said. For me, that was a little uncomfortable. But thats why I come out here, for experience and being able to learn.
News & Opinion The 'Oh s---' factor: Meet Matthew Wolff
The unique swing of Oklahoma State's Matthew Wolff is enough to make anyone do a double take, but some believe he could change the word of golf. Wolff paid extra attention during a Tuesday practice round with Oklahoma State alum Rickie Fowler, who told Wolff to play smart but not be afraid to let loose and not hold anything back. Specifically, Fowler told Wolff to abide by the 8-iron rule. If Wolff has an 8-iron or less into any green, he can go at a tucked pin. If not, play it safe and make par.Fowler also gave Wolff a tip on playing the stadium par-3 16th.He said, Take a deep breath and dont swing easy, said Wolff, who has little trouble with that. He knocked it on the green Thursday at 16 and made par.Impressively, Wolff didnt make many mistakes in his maiden Tour round. He carded just one bogey, which came on a three-putt on the par-4 11th. After that, Gankas was quick to inject some confidence back into his player.Stay cocky, Gankas told Wolff.Thats how he plays his best golf, Gankas added. Not just confident, but cocky. Hes gotta have that swag, and as soon as he got his swag back he started feeling comfortable.Said Wolff: He told me Im good enough to be out here, I just gotta believe it.After Thursdays performance, he knows it. And so does everyone else.He was 5-under-par through the first two days and made the cut. Holmes said Wolff has a bright future on the PGA Tour, but there are things he must learn. It's hard to tell from just one
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Thomas (64) doesn't let TPC Scottsdale spoil his opening round Source: The Golf Channel SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Justin Thomas has shown an incredible ability to finish off golf tournaments in his young PGA Tour career, winning nine times before age 26, including a major.
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Wolff (67) powers through nerves in first PGA Tour round Source: The Golf Channel SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Matthew Wolff continues to become a superstar before everyone's eyes. There's the weird-but-cool swing, the prodigious ball speed and power, and the contagious personality.
Wolff (67) powers through nerves in first PGA Tour round
Wolff (67) powers through nerves in first PGA Tour round. Oklahoma State sophomore Matthew Wolff shot 4-under 67 Thursday in his first PGA Tour round at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Oklahoma State amateur Wolff impresses with 67 at Waste
Now get ready for 19-year-old Oklahoma State sophomore Matthew Wolff, another iconoclast who in his TOUR debut settled his nerves and shot a 4-under 67 in the first round of the Waste Management
Amateur Matthew Wolff no stranger to pressure, or success
Wolff (67) powers through nerves in first PGA Tour round Wolff (67) powers through nerves in first PGA Tour round SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Matthew Wolff continues to become a superstar before
Wolff Powers Through Nerves For 67 In First PGA Tour Start
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Wolff shines as he becomes a potential superstar right in front of us during the first round of the Waste Management Open on Thursday where he shot a 67 His weird but effective swing, massive speed and power, and his contagious personality makes it a perfect match for the PGA Tour for a long time.
Thomas (64) doesn't let TPC Scottsdale spoil his opening
Matthew Wolff (67) powers through nerves in first PGA Tour
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Oklahoma State sophomore Matthew Wolff shot 4-under 67 Thursday in his first PGA Tour round at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Matthew Wolff (67) powers through nerves in first PGA Tour round
Wolff (67) powers through nerves in first PGA Tour round
Wolff (67) powers through nerves in first PGA Tour round Oklahoma State sophomore Matthew Wolff shot 4-under 67 Thursday in his first PGA Tour round at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Wolff (67) powers through nerves in first PGA Tour round
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