Family, friends, and a familiar golf course are all on Michael Thorbjornsen’s side as he makes his PGA Tour debut at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Conn., on Thursday.
The 22-year-old, who grew up in New England, will be making his third start at TPC River Highlands, where he finished fourth as an amateur in 2022.
“This is definitely my home,” Thorbjornsen said during his media session on Wednesday. “I love this place. It’s close to home. I love the golf course. Travelers does an amazing job hosting the players and the caddies with incredible hospitality. I couldn’t ask for a better start.”
Thorbjornsen played collegiate golf at Stanford and earned his PGA Tour card for the rest of 2024 and all of 2025 by topping the PGA Tour University rankings.
He shot 15-under at the Travelers in 2022, finishing four shots behind winner Xander Schauffele. Due to his amateur status, his $406,700 prize money went to fifth-place finisher Chesson Hadley. Thorbjornsen played all four rounds in the 60s.
Thorbjornsen expects to have plenty of support along the course when the PGA Tour’s final signature event of the season begins.
“My dad, who is obviously my coach, is here, so he comes to all the tournaments,” he said. “But I think my mom’s coming out, and a couple of friends from high school. I kind of live in the area, so I’m sure I’ll see them around here and there.”
He believes that previously playing in this event will help him transition from amateur to professional.
“The past couple of years, I’ve been exposed to more and more of this, so it’s not too much of a shock to the system,” he said. “I guess I’m getting used to it. It’s okay, I really don’t mind it at all.”