While Nick Dunlap was busy making history on Sunday as the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event in 31 years, Michael Thorbjornsen, another amateur with unlimited potential, made his return to competitive golf in the DP World Tour's Dubai Desert Classic.
The Wellesley, Mass., native and Stanford senior had not played a competitive round since early August due to a stress fracture in his back. It was a tough time to step away from the course, as he missed the U.S. Amateur, the Walker Cup and his entire Stanford fall season.
Golf is a game where low expectations can lead to playing well. For many people, some of their best golf comes early in the season when swing thoughts are few and expectations are low. Following his four-month break, Thorbjornsen was rather impressive. He shot 72-70-70-68 to finish T11, beating the likes of Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton.
Following his second round on Friday, Thorbjornsen said he struggled with the driver, but he battled to make the cut. He was asked how his back felt.