Paul Peterson Makes History with Top-10 Finish at Sony Open, Best by an Oregon State Golfer Since 1973
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Former Oregon State golfer Paul Peterson has etched his name in teh annals of PGA Tour history, securing a remarkable tied-10th finish at the Sony Open in Honolulu. This achievement marks the best performance by a Beaver alumnus in a PGA Tour event since Bob Allard placed seventh at the 1973 B.C. Open.
Peterson,36,showcased his resilience and skill throughout the tournament,carding a final-round 3-under 67 to finish with a 72-hole score of 12-under 268. His stellar performance earned him $195,025 and placed him just four strokes behind champion Nick Taylor, who clinched victory in a thrilling two-hole playoff against Nico Echavarria.
A Career-Defining Moment
Peterson’s journey to this milestone has been anything but conventional. After playing for Oregon state from 2006 to 2010, he turned professional and spent much of his career competing on international tours.His persistence paid off last fall when he earned his PGA Tour card by finishing among the top 30 on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour.
This season, Peterson has already made waves. In November, he tied for 25th at the RSM Classic in Georgia, signaling his readiness to compete at the highest level. At the Sony Open, he demonstrated his consistency, opening with a 6-under 64 to share the first-round lead and remaining in contention throughout the tournament.
“It’s a dream come true to compete at this level and represent Oregon State,” Peterson said. “This finish is a testament to the hard work and support I’ve received over the years.”
A Legacy of excellence
Peterson’s achievement is a proud moment for Oregon State, a program with a rich golfing history. The last Beaver to achieve a comparable result was Bob Allard, who played for OSU in the 1960s and enjoyed a brief but notable PGA Tour career from 1972 to 1976.
Allard’s seventh-place finish at the 1973 B.C. Open had stood as the benchmark for Oregon State golfers on the PGA Tour—untill now. Peterson’s performance not only breaks that record but also highlights the growing talent emerging from the university’s golf program.
Breaking Down Peterson’s Performance
Here’s a closer look at Peterson’s standout performance at the Sony Open:
| Round | Score | Position |
|———–|———–|————–|
| Round 1 | 64 (-6) | Tied 1st |
| Round 2 | 68 (-2) | 2nd |
| Round 3 | 69 (-1) | Tied 5th |
| Round 4 | 67 (-3) | Tied 10th |
Peterson’s ability to stay near the top of the leaderboard throughout the tournament underscores his composure under pressure. On Sunday, he inched within two strokes of the lead heading into the back nine but couldn’t close the gap further.
What’s Next for Peterson?
With this top-10 finish, Peterson has solidified his place on the PGA Tour and set the stage for a promising season. His performance at the Sony Open not only boosts his confidence but also positions him as a player to watch in upcoming tournaments.
For fans of Oregon State athletics, Peterson’s success is a source of pride and inspiration. As he continues to compete on golf’s biggest stage, his journey serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and dedication.
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Paul Peterson’s historic Sony Open Finish: A conversation with Golf analyst Mark Thompson
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, former oregon State golfer Paul Peterson secured a tied-10th finish at the 2025 Sony Open, marking the best performance by an Oregon State alumnus on the PGA Tour since 1973. To delve deeper into this historic achievement, Senior Editor Sarah Collins of world-today-news.com sat down with renowned golf analyst Mark Thompson to discuss Peterson’s journey, his performance at the Sony Open, and what this means for his future on the PGA Tour.
Paul Peterson’s Journey to the PGA Tour
Sarah Collins: Mark, Paul peterson’s journey to the PGA Tour has been anything but conventional. Can you shed some light on how he got here?
Mark Thompson: Absolutely, Sarah. Paul’s story is one of perseverance. After playing for Oregon State from 2006 to 2010, he turned professional and spent years grinding on international tours. It wasn’t until last fall that he earned his PGA Tour card by finishing in the top 30 on the 2024 Korn ferry Tour. This is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Sarah Collins: It’s inspiring to see someone like Paul, who’s 36, making his mark on the PGA Tour. How notable is this achievement for him?
Mark Thompson: It’s monumental. At 36, many golfers might feel thier window of opportunity is closing, but Paul has proven that age is just a number. His tied-10th finish at the Sony Open not only solidifies his place on the Tour but also serves as a reminder that persistence pays off.
Breaking Down Peterson’s Performance at the Sony Open
Sarah Collins: Let’s talk about his performance at the Sony Open. He opened with a 6-under 64 and remained in contention throughout the tournament. what stood out to you about his game?
Mark Thompson: Consistency was key for Paul.He started strong with that 6-under 64, which put him in a tie for the lead. Over the next three rounds, he maintained his composure, shooting 68, 69, and 67. His ability to stay near the top of the leaderboard under pressure is a sign of a seasoned competitor.
Sarah Collins: He finished just four strokes behind the champion, Nick Taylor. How close was he to possibly winning the tournament?
Mark Thompson: very close. Heading into the back nine on Sunday, Paul was within two strokes of the lead. While he couldn’t close the gap further, his performance was impressive.It’s a strong indication that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
The Legacy of oregon State Golf
Sarah Collins: Paul’s achievement is also a proud moment for Oregon State.The last Beaver to achieve a comparable result was bob Allard in 1973. What dose this mean for the university’s golf program?
Mark Thompson: It’s a huge boost for Oregon State. Paul’s success highlights the growing talent emerging from the program. it’s a reminder that even smaller programs can produce world-class athletes. This could inspire future generations of golfers at Oregon State to aim for the PGA Tour.
What’s next for Paul Peterson?
Sarah Collins: With this top-10 finish, what can we expect from Paul in the coming months?
Mark Thompson: I think this is just the beginning for Paul. He’s proven he can compete with the best, and this performance will undoubtedly boost his confidence. I expect him to be a consistent contender in upcoming tournaments. He’s a player to watch this season.
Sarah Collins: Any final thoughts on Paul Peterson’s historic achievement?
Mark Thompson: Paul’s story is a reminder that success in golf—and in life—often comes to those who are willing to put in the work and never give up. His tied-10th finish at the Sony Open is a career-defining moment, and I’m excited to see where his journey takes him next.
For more updates on paul Peterson and other PGA Tour news, stay tuned to world-today-news.com.
