Former LIV Golf player wins prestigious Michigan tournament

Last year, James Piot played in the Rocket Classic.

And you bet he would’ve loved to have been back for this week’s PGA Tour tournament in Detroit.

But still trying to build up his standing on PGA Tour Americas with an eye on possibly earning Korn Ferry Tour status for 2027, he was playing in a tournament in Toronto last week that conflicted with the Rocket Classic pre-qualifier.

That meant Piot, the former Michigan State star and LIV Golf player, had this week free to play in the Tournament of Champions at Boyne Resorts in northern Michigan. Good thing. Piot won the prestigious tournament Wednesday, rallying from two shots back entering the final round. He shot a final-round 7-under 65 on the Alpines Course for arguably his biggest win as a pro. It’s certainly his most meaningful win since he won the U.S. Amateur in 2021.

“It’s awesome,” Piot said in an interview with The News this week. “Obviously, it feels great to get a win in the hometown start. I’m just super grateful.

“Honestly, it hasn’t been the best season. It just feels like I’ve had a lot of weeks I could’ve turned it around, but it just hasn’t clicked. Getting it done this week, it felt awesome to have some success.”

More: Former Michigan State golfer James Piot is blundering by playing in LIV series

James Piot, a the former Michigan State star and LIV Golf player, won the Tournament of Champions at Boyne Resorts in northern Michigan

Piot, 27, made a strong early push in his final round Wednesday, reeling off four straight birdies from Nos. 10-13 to take over the top spot. Piot then made a 20-foot birdie putt at No. 16, and finished the tournament at 14 under.

Matt Thompson, a teaching pro from Jonesville who shared the lead entering the final round, had a 10-footer for birdie on the par-5 18th to tie Piot, but he missed to finish runner-up. Alex Scott from Traverse City, Bryce Wheeler of Augusta and Wayne State’s Jack Julian of South Lyon tied for third, two shots back.

Piot took home first prize of $10,500 — a little more than half of what he earned for tying for 73rd at last year’s Rocket, for which he received a sponsor’s exemption — and the Walter Burkemo Trophy. He also received a lifetime membership to the stable of Boyne Resorts courses. The tournament is sponsored by Boyne and the Michigan PGA.

“That’s a really cool gig. I’m super grateful for that,” said Piot, a Canton native and former Golf Association of Michigan Championship winner. “Boyne’s always been special to me.”

Piot hopes the TOC win might help springboard him toward a strong finish on PGA Tour Americas, where he’s traveled all over North America and South America this season, with limited success. He’s made six of 10 cuts, but has just two top-20 finishes, and is 44th in the points race with five tournaments left.

The top 10 in the points standings at the end of the season earn membership on the Korn Ferry Tour as well as an exemption into the final stage of PGA Tour Q-School. The PGA Tour always has been the dream for Piot, even though he joined LIV Golf in 2022 and played for the rival league through 2023. LIV Golf was his only option for guaranteed playing status after he left Michigan State, and he was paid several million dollars to join the league.

Piot was relegated after the 2023 season, and has been chasing the PGA Tour since. He played on the Asian Tour last year, before playing PGA Tour Americas this year. His next tournament is in Canada in a few weeks.

James Piot of the High Flyers on the range before the first round of a LIV Golf event at Orange County National. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

“A nice little reset,” said Piot, who plans to visit his girlfriend in Canada during the break. “Then I’ll get back to work.”

The TOC brings together the top men, women, professionals, seniors and juniors — all of whom have won significant Michigan championships — to play for the title, from different tee positions.

Julian was the low amateur, defending TOC champion Jay Jurecic of Crystal Falls was the low senior professional, Doug Hoey of West Olive was the low senior amateur, Ferris State’s Kamryn Shannon of Jackson was the low female amateur and Michigan Hall-of-Famer Suzy Green-Roebuck of Ann Arbor was the low female professional.

tpaul@detroitnews.com

@tonypaul1984

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Former LIV Golf player wins prestigious Michigan tournament

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