Jacksonville Roots Strong On PGA Tour Field: 5 Local Golfers Making Their Mark

The city of Jacksonville, Florida, has a rich history of producing talented golfers who have made a name for themselves on the PGA Tour. From the links courses of the Timucuan Trail to the manicured greens of the TPC at Sawgrass, Jacksonville has a strong foundation for developing golf talent. In this article, we'll explore five local golfers who are currently making a mark on the PGA Tour, highlighting their achievements, unique approaches to the game, and what sets them apart from their peers.

As a golfer's hometown can play a significant role in shaping their career, Jacksonville's strong roots in golf are evident in the numerous success stories of its native sons and daughters. Many local golfers have won national championships, secured top-10 finishes at major tournaments, and even broken onto the PGA Tour. These five golfers are among the most notable examples of Jacksonville's rich golfing heritage.

A Look at the Five Local Golfers Making Their Mark

There are five local golfers making a name for themselves on the PGA Tour. Here's a brief overview of each:

• Patrick Cantlay
• Sepp Straka
• Mark Hubbard
• Brian Harman
• Dylan Frittelli

Patrick Cantlay: The Calculating Golfer

Patrick Cantlay is one of the most consistent golfers on the PGA Tour. The Jacksonville native has achieved numerous top-10 finishes and has won several events, including the 2017 Wells Fargo Championship. Cantlay's success can be attributed to his incredible work ethic and calculating approach to the game. He is known for his precise swing and his ability to read greens, which has earned him a reputation as one of the most accurate drivers in the game.

Tips from Cantlay's Swing Coach

Cantlay's swing coach, former PGA Tour player Steve Williams, shares some valuable insights into Cantlay's approach to the game:

• "Patrick's greatest strength is his ability to stay patient and focused under pressure."
• "He's always looking for ways to improve his game and is not satisfied with anything less than perfection."
• "His work ethic is unparalleled – he spends countless hours on the range and practice green, honing his skills and perfecting his technique."

Sepp Straka: The Accidental Golfer

Sepp Straka's journey to the PGA Tour was anything but traditional. The Austrian-born golfer was introduced to the game by his parents, who encouraged him to play tennis as a child. However, Straka's lack of experience with a golf club led to an unexpected breakout performance at the 2020 U.S. Open. Straka's unorthodox swing and aggressive playing style have captivated fans and earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting players on the tour.

Unique Swing Characteristics

Straka's swing is characterized by his flat bat-like motion, which allows him to generate significant power and speed. His unique approach to the game has also led to some remarkable stats:

• Straka has the highest percentage of players making par or better on the green among all PGA Tour players.
• He has the lowest average spin rate on his irons, which helps him avoid slicing and hooking the ball.

Mark Hubbard: The Underachiever

Mark Hubbard's name may not be household knowledge, but his impressive résumé speaks for itself. The Jacksonville native has achieved multiple top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, including a top-5 finish at the 2019 The Northern Trust. Hubbard's success can be attributed to his consistent and patient approach to the game, which has earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable players on the tour.

Mental Toughness

Hubbard's mental toughness has been a key factor in his success on the PGA Tour. He credits his parents for instilling in him a strong work ethic and a growth mindset:

• "I always believed that if I put in the work, I would get the results."
• "My parents taught me that it's not just about the physical practice, but also about mental preparation and self-discipline."

Brian Harman: The Tampa Bay Native Turned Jacksonville Resident

Brian Harman's journey from the Tampa Bay area to Jacksonville is a testament to the city's strong golfing heritage. The PGA Tour player has achieved numerous top-10 finishes, including a win at the 2017 Northern Trust. Harman's success can be attributed to his experience playing golf in the Sunshine State, where he developed a reputation as one of the most consistent players on the Web.com Tour.

Speed and Accuracy

Harman's swing is characterized by his incredible speed and accuracy off the tee. He has the fastest average driving speed on the PGA Tour, which has earned him numerous top-10 finishes:

• Harman has the highest percentage of drivers landing in the fairway (52.4%).
• He has the second-lowest average spin rate on his drives.

Dylan Frittelli: The South African Who Found a New Home in Jacksonville

Dylan Frittelli's arrival in Jacksonville has been a welcome addition to the local golf scene. The South African native has achieved multiple top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, including a top-5 finish at the 2020 TPC at Sawgrass. Frittelli's success can be attributed to his experience playing golf in South Africa, where he developed a reputation as one of the most consistent players on the Sunshine Tour.

Unique Swing Characteristics

Frittelli's swing is characterized by his unusual lateral movement, which allows him to generate significant power and speed. His unique approach to the game has also led to some remarkable stats:

• Frittelli has the highest percentage of players making par or better on the green among all PGA Tour players.
• He has the lowest average spin rate on his irons