While most golfing heavyweights were gearing up for the Masters earlier this month, 27-year-old Nick Hardy was texting fellow golfer Davis Riley to check if the latter was up for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Weeks later, the pair emerged victorious at TPC Louisiana, both getting their first-ever PGA Tour win.
After his win, Hardy took to Instagram to shed some light on the huge milestone. In his lengthy post, the Illinois native expressed gratitude to his team, family members, and friends, among others. The young golfer is now looking forward to what lies in store for him next.
Nick Hardy recaps his Zurich Classic journey
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Before his win at TPC Louisiana, Hardy’s best finish came at the Sanderson Farms Championship last year, where he finished at T5. With his latest win, the 27-year-old has now bagged an incredible $1,242,700 in earnings.
The golfer, who struggled with a wrist injury last year, couldn’t be more happy about the outcome. “They say you always remember your first and I have no doubt that will be true of my first PGA TOUR win!” wrote Hardy on Instagram.
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“I have so much gratitude for my family, my team, my friends, and the countless others who have supported my golf journey to this point,” he expressed in his earnest post. Hardy also thanked his playing partner, Davis Riley, for being a stud throughout the week. The PGA Tour pro hopes to return to action very soon. “While I am going to ride this high for awhile, I can’t wait to get back to work on my journey to get better, continuing to do what I love and chase,” he wrote in his caption.
In the past, Hardy’s wrist injury had forced him out of action for two months. The golfer had to re-earn his PGA Tour card at the Korn Ferry finals. His heart-rendering post about the Zurich Classic win has been met with great love and support from fans.
Golf fans shower support on Hardy after his win
Nick Hardy, who, like many golfers, grew up idolizing Tiger Woods, achieved a thrilling victory at the Zurich Classic. The pair of Hardy and Riley finished with a record total of 30 under 258, which trumps the 259 Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele posted last year.
Fans have also reacted positively to his win, dropping heartfelt comments under his Instagram post. “One of the hardest working dudes on Tour! Big W @nickhardy24,” wrote one fan. Golf enthusiasts are positive that many other accomplishments will follow Hardy’s first-ever PGA Tour win. “First of many to come 🤞🏾🔥,” commented another Instagram user.
Fans also commended the pair for their heroics during the tournament. “Congratulations Nick! Cheers to you and @davis_riley !!! Great teamwork all week. It was fun to watch! 🔹🔸,” read one comment. “So sweet!!! Well deserved win for both of you!”
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“You should be so proud!! Northbrook is proud to call you one of our own! Awesome!!” a fan claimed proudly. The Zurich Classic winner hails from Northbrook, Illinois, and has grown up competing in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA).
“Congratulations Nick. I’ve watched your journey from afar going back to your AJGA days. Me and my family have been rooting for you the whole way and I am sooo happy for you and proud of our local guy who has made it big. Keep it up and best of luck the rest of this season and beyond!!,” shared a longtime fan.
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What was your favorite moment from the 2023 Zurich Classic? Let us know in the comments below.