More than two years later. J.T. Poston won a PGA Tour tournament again. He did it last night at the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas. But this time, with a very special feeling, different from his previous two titles on the circuit. It was the first time he lifted a trophy since becoming a father. A radical change in his life that, as he himself confessed, has made him completely rethink his priorities.
The ‘postman’ hadn’t played since the BMW Championship last August. And he didn’t take long to explain it, just after certifying his success at TPC Summerlin. “We’ve had an incredible few weeks at home since the playoffs. My daughter was born in March, mid-season. It’s been amazing to spend so much time together, she changes every day, every week, being able to see her, be with her and my wife during this time has been fantastic.”
The nerves were high …
Both on the course and in the Poston house. pic.twitter.com/YgPvKCSeHm
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 21, 2024
Poston’s new life has made him approach the game in a very different way: I would say perspective is the key to performing here. I think sometimes I took it too seriously or was too hard on myself. Since Scottie was born, I think I’ve done a 180-degree turn and realised that golf is not the most important thing. Honestly, it’s quite far from being so.”
Before his previous victory at the John Deere Classic, the golfer from South Carolina started the final round with a three-shot lead, like this Sunday, but said it was “tough playing with the lead.” This time it didn’t seem to weigh him down as much, with a birdie right at the start and hitting the key moments to always stay ahead of Doug Ghim, his main pursuer in the standings. Avoiding major mistakes was crucial for Poston.
In his first title, the 2019 Wyndham Championship, he achieved the curious distinction of being the first player since 1974 to win a PGA Tour tournament without a single bogey. This time, he will remember that the victory at the Shriners, which surely won’t be the last if he keeps playing like this, was the first since becoming a father: “It has given me a bit more freedom on the golf course knowing that, regardless of how I play, I can go home to hold her, hug her, and be with her. That for me is a great victory.” Katherine Scott Scottie Poston has changed the life of good old J.T.
