WM Phoenix Open: Thomas Detry wins first PGA TOUR title  

Thomas Detry always had the talent to win on the PGA TOUR—his peers knew it, and deep down, so did he. But before he could lift a trophy, he had to win the battle within.

On Sunday, Detry broke through in style, closing with four consecutive birdies to claim his first PGA TOUR title at the WM Phoenix Open. His final score of 24-under gave him a commanding seven-shot victory over Michael Kim and Daniel Berger, making him the first Belgian winner in PGA TOUR history.

Detry, who started the final round with a five-stroke lead, saw his advantage shrink to three when Berger birdied the 13th. A younger version of Detry might have crumbled under the pressure, but years of mental training paid off. Instead of panicking, he stayed composed, delivering a spectacular four-birdie finish to seal his long-awaited triumph.

His journey to this moment wasn’t just about refining his swing—it was about mastering his mindset. Encouraged by his wife, Sarah, and cousin, Detry embraced meditation and sports psychology, learning to stay present and block out distractions. The high-energy atmosphere of TPC Scottsdale was the ultimate test, but he passed with flying colors.

“I used to let my mind race ahead, imagining what could happen,” Detry said. “Now, I recognize those moments, refocus, and bring myself back to the present. That’s what made the difference this week.”

The victory is the culmination of Detry’s decade-long journey from Belgium to the University of Illinois and the professional circuit. His elite ball-striking was never in doubt—he just needed the final piece of the puzzle.

On Sunday, he found it, proving to himself and the golf world that his time had come.

Photo – PGAT