Curtis Luck rediscovers artistry at PGA Championship
The hole-in-one certainly aided Luck’s cause but his play was impressive nonetheless – image AGM
Admittedly aided by a hole-in-one at the 8th hole of his morning round on day two of the Australian PGA Championship, 27-year-old West Australian, Curtis Luck, took a share of the lead at the completion of his second consecutive round of 67, joining Lucas Herbert at the top of the leaderboard around midday on day two.
“It was obviously a rough start out there for me, so it was a bit of a grind early,” said Luck referring to a couple of early bogeys on day two.
“But I think basically from hole 16 through 9, just there I had good looks the entire way. I think it would be fair on my part to say I could have actually ended up going a bit deeper. Had a lot of putts ride over the edge of the hole, but having a hole-in-one and kick-starting it back on track when you’re 1-over in pretty tough conditions was what I needed. Just managed to stick with it and make a few more out there.
Luck, a former US and Asia Pacific Amateur Champion and West Australian Open winner as an amateur, played his way onto the PGA Tour a couple of years ago but in 2023, despite a strong finish to his season on the Korn Ferry Tour, he had not done enough to return to the PGA Tour in 2024.
Having witnessed first-hand, in my role as on-course commentator at the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship he won in 2016, the considerable skills and artistry he possesses, it is perhaps a surprise Luck has not done better in the US but his time will surely come and a strong showing this week might be just what he needs to get things moving in the right direction.
Despite his results, Luck feels there is improvement in his game referring to better driving as the catalyst.
“I think one of the things I’ve done better this year compared to previous years is my driving’s improved considerably. I’m not costing myself as many shots off the tee as I have been in the last few years.
“My wedge play this week particularly has been unbelievable but I think playing out there on that Tour you sort of almost get a bit like, you don’t realise how good you’re wedging it because everyone seems to wedge it so good out there. Then I’ve come here and I’m like, actually, I’m wedging it amazingly. Let’s keep it up. So, yeah, wedge play’s just been really good so far this week.”
