Connor Henry had a storybook finish at Sterling Grove Golf + Country Club—and he did it under playoff pressure.
The Middle Tennessee State redshirt sophomore, and son of three-time PGA Tour winner J.J. Henry delivered a brilliant closing 6-under 65 on Sunday to win the 4th annual Thunderbolt in nearby Surprise, Arizona. Henry’s rounds of 73-66-65 totaled 9-under 204, matching Oregon State senior Rylan Johnson (74-63-67) and setting up a playoff.
Henry began the final round two shots off the lead, but played nearly flawless golf to erase the deficit and force extra holes against the 36-hole co-leader. On the first playoff hole—the par-4 18th—Henry made par, and it was enough to clinch the title and secure his first collegiate victory.
“Just being able to come out here and represent our fallen American heroes… it really puts things into perspective,” Henry said. “We’re blessed just to be able to play golf… to come out with the trophy and what that means, it’s all a bonus.”
Henry, a Fort Worth, Texas native, set the tone early by holing a wedge shot on the opening hole—then kept building momentum until he had the trophy in hand.