They Had Our Attention in March, But Did They Deserve It?

If you’re new here, first of all, welcome and we hope you stay a while! Ahead of each PGA TOUR event the "You Have Our Attention" series highlights one player to watch and that I personally can't wait to follow that week. Whether that be because of a spicy storyline, the stars aligning, or some other reason to be excited, this is the player you'll want to name drop in the group chat and maybe put a few dollars down on.

With Q1 coming to a close, let's review the players who earned our attention and how they've faired. For reference, in March I highlighted Rory McIlroy at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Collin Morikawa at THE PLAYERS, Tommy Fleetwood at the Valspar Championship, and Min Woo Lee at the Texas Children’s Houston Open—I absolutely nailed that one, huh? But I’ll get to that in a minute.

Rory McIlroy at the Arnold Palmer Invitational

Rory McIlroy. Arnold Palmer Invitational 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Why he had my attention: McIlroy dominated at Pebble Beach and because of that, fans and media members alike quickly dubbed 2025 as the Year of Rory. Could he turn in a campaign similar to the one Scottie Scheffler put together in 2024? After a top-20 finish at the Genesis Invitational, I thought the Arnold Palmer was the perfect spot for him to get win No. 2 on the season. He’d flourished at Bay Hill since 2015, finishing T-27 or better in all 10 starts heading into the ‘25 edition, including a win back in 2018. If he wanted to put the golf world on notice, I thought this was a great spot for him to get it done.

Did he deserve it?: He was in the mix after back-to-back 2-under 70s to open the tournament, but he played the final 36 holes at 1 over and never gave himself a chance to win. Of course, I was one week early as he went on to win THE PLAYERS for his second win of the season. For the first time in his career, he’ll enter the Masters with two wins.

Collin Morikawa at THE PLAYERS

Collin Morikawa. THE PLAYERS 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Why he had my attention: Morikawa was in control of the API until Russell Henley chipped in on the 70th hole of the tournament and stole the red cardigan from the two-time major champion. Heading into THE PLAYERS, I loved his chances of putting that tough loss behind him and rebounding at a golf course built for the TOUR’s best ball-strikers.

Did he deserve it?: He played three great rounds of golf: 70 on Thursday, 65 on Friday, and 69 on Sunday. But a 77 in tough conditions on Moving Day ruined any chances he had of winning the tournament. It was good to see him come out and battle after Bay Hill, but he just didn’t do enough over the weekend to hang with McIlroy.

Tommy Fleetwood at the Valspar Championship

Tommy Fleetwood. Valspar Championship 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Why he had my attention: The Englishman was more than overdue for a win on TOUR. It’s still crazy to me he hasn’t won yet. But heading into the Valspar, Fleetwood had four great finishes to open the year. He tied for 22nd at Pebble, for fifth at the Genesis, for 11th in Orlando, and for 14th at Sawgrass. Plus, his history at Copperhead was great. He finished T-16 in 2022 and T-3 in 2023.

Did he deserve it?: Conditions outside Tampa were tough, but Fleetwood just couldn’t get much going. When he took a few steps forward, he took a step back. After rounds of 72-70-69-69, Fleetwood tied for 16th. Still, he’s in great form going into the Masters and he tied for third at Augusta last year. Definitely a name to watch next week.

Min Woo Lee at the Texas Children’s Houston Open

Min Woo Lee. Texas Children's Houston Open 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Why he had my attention: Memorial Park Golf Course is a perfect fit for Min Woo’s game. He can bomb it off the tee and he has one of the best short games in the sport. He was one of the 36-hole leaders at THE PLAYERS before a third-round 78 sent him tumbling down the board, so I liked his form. The only thing going against him was that it was going to be his first time playing MPGC, but I didn’t care too much about that.

Did he deserve it?: In one word: Yes. He pulled away from the pack on Saturday, a group that included the World No. 1. With a four-shot lead with 18 holes to play, Lee was in control all day long until an errant tee shot on the par-5 16th shrunk his lead to one. But a couple nice pars coming home were enough to get the job done. The best part? He trolled everyone with a little AimPoint read from six inches. Golf needs more characters, performers, and Min Woo fits the bill. Also doesn’t hurt that I picked him to win in my weekly picks piece.