PHOENIX – Belgian golfer Thomas Detry marked his place in golfing history by winning his first PGA Tour title at the 2025 Waste Management Phoenix Open, finishing with an impressive score of 24 under par. This victory, achieved over four exhilarating days at TPC Scottsdale, not only makes him the first Belgian to win on the PGA Tour but also solidifies his burgeoning career after turning professional back in 2019.
Entering the tournament as somewhat of an underdog at +9000, few expected Detry, 32, to take home the trophy. Yet, he entered the final round with confidence and displayed remarkable composure, holding onto a significant five-stroke lead. Detry’s consistent performance during the tournament set the stage for his stellar closing round, where he carded a brilliant 65, boosting him clear of the competition.
On the final day, Detry faced pressures from his closest rivals, including Daniel Berger and Michael Kim. Berger, who had been flirting with the leaderboard throughout the weekend, reached within two shots early but could not close the gap. It was Detry’s birdie on the iconic par-3 16th hole, where he deftly placed his tee shot to just inches from the hole, which seemed to crush any chances for his competitors. "He should just keep doingthat," remarked Justin Thomas, who was observing and commenting on the match, and added to the drama by holing out for eagle on the 18th.
The pivotal moment came when Detry finished the back nine strong with four consecutive birdies on holes 15 through 18, sealing his triumph with unrivaled precision. The crowd of over 20,000 experienced a mix of excitement and admiration as the young Belgian extended his lead to seven strokes after birdies on the last four holes, conclusively putting any doubt about his win to rest.
Upon completing the tournament, Detry expressed, "It’s incredible, it’s what dreams are made of... Everything goes so quicklythat you don’t really have time to enjoy it," reflecting on the emotional weight of his achievement. His approach to the game has always shown promise, as evidenced by his previous finishes and efforts on international tours, including his notable performance at the World Cup of Golf, where he partnered with Thomas Pieters to win for Belgium back in 2018.
Throughout the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, Detry showcased skill, precision, and mental strength. His remarkable ability to navigate the challenging course—especially on the back nine—marked him as not just another golfer but as one to watch on the future PGA Tour events. Players, including the seasoned Jordan Spieth, found it hard to contend with his level of play, as Detry often replied with his own streak of birdies, maintaining firm footing under pressure.
This victory does not only provide Detry with financial rewards too; he walked away with the first-place prize of $1,656,000 and 500 FedEx Cup points—boosting him to second place on the standings. His victory highlights the influx of international talent on the PGA Tour, with more players from different nations claiming titles. It places Detry among five international winners already this season, reflecting the global nature of the sport.
Detry’s future appears bright as he ponders aspirations beyond just regular tours; the Ryder Cup ambitions loom large. His performance at the WM Phoenix Open certainly caught the attention of European captain Luke Donald, and the 32-year-old Belgian openly shared his desire to partake. “Being part of [Ryder Cup] would definitely be a dream...” he stated, balancing ambition with humility, ensuring his focus remains on continual improvement. “I’m not getting over-excited. It’s still a very long way away,” he added wisely.
While Detry’s first title may have started as one singular moment of triumph, it potentially serves as the foundation for many more wins to come. The field at TPC Scottsdale witnessed not just the remarkable performance of a talented golfer but the emergence of a new star within the golfing arena. Whether this win is just the beginning remains to be seen, but Thomas Detry has certainly proven he has the temperament and talent needed to achieve greatness—an athlete to watch closely as the PGA Tour season unfurls.