Thomas Pieters is one of the most talented players on the European Tour and would have been expected to win more than four European Tour titles in his career. However, he looks like a man reinvigorated and refocussed after his girlfriend gave birth to his first child, Florence, last month.
The Belgian made his return last week in the Celtic Classic after five months out and showed tremendous form with rounds of 64, 68, 70 and 67 to finish tied-third.
The new father reflected on his comeback: “It’s been fantastic. I miss my little baby girl, but I’m thankful I can play golf right now; first time back in five months it feels nice to get out there and put a score down.”
The 28 year old, who played his college golf at the University of Illinois, made a superb Ryder Cup debut in 2016 when he won four points in five matches and set a new rookie record. He formed a formidable partnership with Rory McIlroy and maybe has next year’s Ryder Cup tournament at Whistling Straits in his sights.
Worldwide Golf columnist Pete Cowen has worked with Pieters since he was young and knows just how much of a special player he is: “Apart from Brooks Koepka, who has won four Majors, the most talented player I have got would be Thomas Pieters,” said the Yorkshireman. “I still see him as a project as we started together when he was 12 years old.”
The ‘project’ looks set to make the grade again this season.
