PHOENIX — In the world of the PGA Tour, it’s uncommon to see professional golfers come out of a cold-weather climate.

According to the USGA, the inability to practice year-round is a major factor in the shortage of golfers from cold states. 

However, Michael Thorbjornsen, who grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts, a town just west of Boston, is an exception.

“I grew up playing a lot of golf on TPC Boston, so I'll probably have to say that one,” Thorbjornsen said regarding his favorite local course. “Been a while since I've been back there, but that was my favorite spot growing up.” 

Even with New England’s harsh winters, Thorbjornsen persevered, making his childhood dreams come true. 

As a member of Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) and the tour, Thorbjornsen has burst onto the professional world of golf as the No. 1 Player out of the 2024 PGA Tour Collegiate Class. By learning from his mistakes and blocking out the noise, he’s become one of the tour’s future stars. 

From a young age, Thorbjornsen said he found a passion and talent for golf despite Mother Nature’s challenges. 

Although the weather tried its best to limit his ability, one of Thorbjornsen’s earliest achievements came in 2018, winning the U.S. Junior Amateur over future tour member Akshay Bhatia at just 16 years old. 

A year later, he became one of the two youngest players ever to make the cut for the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach — all before attending college. 

Thorbjornsen went on to attend Stanford University in 2021, playing golf and kickstarting a successful college career: A resume highlighted by a 2023 Ping All-America First Team, 2023 Pac-12 Golfer of the Year and a two-time Pac-12 First Team member in 2022-23.

Following his time as a Cardinal, he joined the tour in 2024 and is currently the No. 43 golfer in the world, according to Official World Golf Ranking.  

Yet, his young career has had its fair share of disappointments. 

Recently, the 24-year-old excelled at the 2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open despite falling just short of capturing his first win, finishing in a five-way tie for third. 

“I don't think I failed out there. I'm just learning,” Thorbjornsen said. “I put myself in that position.

“I was leading after 70 holes, 69 holes, whatever it was. We're inching our way closer and closer. It'll happen at some point.” 

While searching for his first win in the elements, Thorbjornsen has asserted himself within TGL.

The rising star represents Boston as a rookie on Boston Common Golf, a team in the virtual golf league known as TGL —  founded by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.

In just a month, Thorbjornsen has become one of the league’s hottest players on the green, currently sitting tied for the best short-distance putter at 100% and in first place for medium lengths at 71.4%.

While the tour and TGL are vastly different, Thorbjornsen notes how he’s mentally improved competing in both leagues.  

“I wish I could putt as well as I did on these greens here (WM Phoenix Open), as I do on TGL,” Thorbjornsen said jokingly. “I feel like it definitely helps giving me some confidence out here on the greens.

“I know I can make putts on Astroturf or grass. It can be done. Again, just having people kind of hanging over you and getting booed when you hit a poor shot, you just kind of deal with it now.”

Although putting may be a little harder on the tour, the ability to handle pressure from fans is a skill like no other in a heavy spectator sport. 

As the old saying goes, pressure makes diamonds. 

Thorbjornsen remains a player to watch in the coming years and could be the tour’s next big star. His upbeat attitude and determination to improve serve as a recipe for success. 

After all, there’s a reason why Boston is often nicknamed “The City of Champions.” 

Thorbjornsen might just be Boston’s next champion. 

“I feel like I've gotten close a few times now ... When I do win, it's just going to make it sweeter,” Thorbjornsen said.