In 2017, Thornberry made waves with a stunning T4 finish at the FedEx St. Jude Classic on the PGA Tour, a performance that proved he could hold his own against the best professionals in the world. He also represented the U.S. in the Walker Cup, contributing to the team’s victory over Great Britain & Ireland at Los Angeles Country Club.

Even in his final year as an amateur in 2018, Thornberry continued to impress with his consistency. He captured wins at the Old Waverly Collegiate Championship and the Hootie at Bulls Bay Intercollegiate while adding a top-five finish at the Pacific Coast Amateur. Thornberry also made a run to the final 64 at the U.S. Amateur and successfully qualified for the Web.com Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour) via Q-School.

2018 to Present: The Professional Journey

Despite the expectations that surrounded Thornberry as he turned pro in 2018, his transition wasn’t without its hurdles. Early on, he faced the challenge of living up to the lofty standards he had set as an amateur, while competing in the ultra-competitive environment of the Korn Ferry Tour.

His early professional years were characterized by flashes of brilliance but also a learning curve that many top amateurs experience when making the leap to the pro ranks. Thornberry found success at times, notably with a T22 finish at the North Mississippi Classic in 2018 and a series of solid performances on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Yet, the instant success that players like Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland achieved eluded him. He played in multiple PGA Tour events, including the U.S. Open and FedEx St. Jude Classic, but failed to make a significant impact in those appearances.

The road to the top took time, but Thornberry never wavered in his determination. Year after year, he grinded on the Korn Ferry Tour, gaining valuable experience and continuing to fine-tune his game. In 2023, his perseverance began to pay off as he made deeper runs in tournaments, setting up his opportunity at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship in 2024.

That final round at French Lick Resort marked the culmination of years of hard work. With a spectacular 6-under 66, Thornberry secured his PGA Tour card for 2025, ending a long stretch of near-misses and reaffirming his place as one of golf’s most promising talents. His journey may not have been as meteoric as some of his peers, but it was a testament to the resilience and determination that have defined his career.

"It's amazing," Thornberry told the Golf Channel as he fought back tears. "I have played good all year and haven't got it to work out for me. For this all to come together today is just special."

Thornberry added, " I have worked so hard to get here and I feel like some things haven't gone quite my way over the last five years or so. To have something go my way and play well at the right time is amazing."

Now, as Thornberry prepares to compete on the PGA Tour, his victory serves as a reminder of the unique challenges many players face in the professional ranks. His story is one of perseverance, where the highs and lows have only strengthened his resolve. The 2025 season represents a fresh start, and after his breakthrough win, the sky's the limit for this once-dominant amateur who has finally arrived on the biggest stage.