The Masters: Young Ascends, Spence Walks Tall, and the League Faces a New Controversy

DGA Tour
Jul 13
4 min read

Presented by Nicks Pizza

Gianni Young didn’t just win The Masters — he ignited a firestorm.

In what’s become an unsettling trend for some in the DGA Tour ranks, Young captured his first major championship and first win of the season playing a solo round, joining Harry Gilmore as the second player this year to post a career-best score without any league members present.

Young fired an 87 gross, netting out at +2, and leapt to the top of the Masters leaderboard in a round that — while clean and steady — immediately drew suspicion. Rumors swirled, texts flew, and the group chat came alive with accusations of sandbagging. Seth Paszke, in classic league fashion, summed up the sentiment:

“Last two winners played by themselves and had their best rounds. Odd!”

Spence added to the chorus, stating:

“Another top 3 finish and someone playing an elite round and getting robbed of 1st place by someone who played alone.”

And just like that, the Solo Round Scandal officially became a crisis. A rule change may be imminent.

Still, credit where credit is due.

Gianni’s 6 pars marked a new personal season high. His game, long viewed as raw but rising, finally broke through — whether you like it or not. And while he may be the face of this week’s drama, Young now owns something no one can take from him: a green jacket and a major title.

Spence Walks, the League Wakes Up

No player earned more respect this week than Jack Spence, who posted a gross 78 — best of the event — walking the entire 18. Spence took each step with purpose, intent on proving he’s more than just a consistent mid-pack finisher. With 2 birdies and 9 pars, he led by example — and delivered his fourth Top-3 finish of the season. The win may have been snatched away again, but Spence's credibility is rising like the early-morning fog on Lancaster Golf Club. And while Spence had the best raw score, he wasn’t alone in making waves.

The Eyman Roar

Let’s not bury the lead. Will Eyman nearly stole the show in heroic fashion. Needing something special on the final hole to secure solo second, he delivered a 30-foot birdie bomb on 18, electrifying the final group and locking in a +3 net score. It tied Eyman’s highest finish of the season and continued his trend of clutch play when it matters most.

Kyler Messner, the reigning Masters champion, made his long-awaited return from injury. He showed some early rust, but rebounded with pinpoint shot-making — including signature slicers that somehow always found daylight. His Grand Slam hopes are still alive: with three majors under his belt, he only needs Turnberry to complete the sweep.

Ryan Arter also made his return to the tour and was a welcome presence on the course — though still waiting to shake off the competitive rust. As for Jamichael Billups, the league continues to wait on his return. His absence is being felt more with each passing week.

Even a Blind Squirrel Finds a Nut

It finally happened. Dylan Sharp carded his first-ever birdie on tour. But don’t let that fool you — most of the day looked like a middle school field trip. He shot a 98, somehow still finished 4th, and continues to coast off the highest handicap in the league.

Around the Grounds

Auston Sorg, played classic Sorg golf — grinding for bogeys, staying upright, and letting everyone else make the mistakes. His 8 bogeys set a new personal season high, and he has taken the official crown of "Back 9 Bandit".
Trevor Monk, while deadly off the tee, struggled with consistency and carded a season-high 5 double bogeys. His power remains unmatched, but damage control is the key to his climb.
Mike and Shea McGuire each struck the ball well from tee to green, but the putter betrayed them again. Three-putts turned solid rounds into head-scratchers. Both walked off shaking their heads — again.
Ryan Arter made his return to the tour after a brief hiatus. The rust was evident, but the energy was high. Playing alongside Harry Gilmore, he couldn’t help but laugh as history unfolded.

"I'm Going Lower Than That, Pal."

Earlier in the week, Harry Gilmore promised a sub-76 round after his breakout solo performance last tournament. When Arter texted “Let’s see that 76,” Gilmore responded confidently: “I’m going lower than that, pal.”

Final score: 96.

The Solo Round Crisis

Make no mistake: this wasn’t just another tournament.

It was the third major of the season. It was the biggest win of Gianni Young’s career. And it may have been the final straw in a growing controversy.

The league is reportedly considering a new rule that would require at least one league member to be present for a round to be eligible for prizes and points. A decision may be made ahead of the next event.

Next Up: The Flag & Anthem Classic

The DGA Tour shifts to Crystal Springs Golf Course for the Flag & Anthem Classic, where players will rep the league’s favorite apparel brand in what’s expected to be one of the most stylish stops of the season.

The event will test consistency, short game, and composure — all things currently in short supply across much of the leaderboard.

Gianni now has a target on his back.

Spence wants revenge.

Kyler’s eyes are on the Grand Slam.

And the league is still waiting for Jamichael to show up.

The season's heating up. The Tour rolls on.

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