PGA Tour veteran (and legend’s grandson) calls time on career

After 320 starts in PGA Tour-sanctioned events, one tour pro has decided to call time on his career. 

And wouldn’t his grandfather be proud of his achievements.

Sam Saunders took to social media to confirm his retirement after missing the cut in the Korn Ferry Tour’s Magnit Championship in New Jersey.

The 37-year-old has made only four cuts in 19 starts on the PGA Tour’s second tier this year after being blighted by injuries over the past few seasons.

“I started this career over 15 years ago and today was my last professional round,” wrote Saunders.

• Anthony Kim reveals USGA refused to reinstate him as an amateur

• Golf legend has “no time for LIV whatsoever”

“I didn’t want to post anything or make a big to do of it, but I have too many people I want to thank, and acknowledge what a treat it has been.

“It was never easy for me, and I never reached my playing goals, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

“I have made so many friends, and created relationships that will last forever. I am excited for the next chapter of my life, and I will always be involved in this great game of golf that has given me so much.”

• Scottie Scheffler hits out at ‘silly’ FedEx Cup

• Tyrrell Hatton outlines path from LIV to Ryder Cup

Saunders made his PGA Tour debut in 2006. The grandson of the great Arnold Palmer, he featured in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill as an amateur. He attended Clemson University in South Carolina before turning pro in 2009.

He made the first of his three major appearances in the US Open in 2011 and, in May 2018, he reached a career high of 168th on the Official World Golf Ranking after finishing in a tie for ninth at the Wells Fargo Championship.

“This may be the end of this chapter but I think the best to come,” he added. “Thank you to everyone that has shown me so much kindness and support. I would not have made it this long without you.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor