In a landscape dominated by branding, contracts, and social media personas, Tom Hoge’s genuine act of giving away U.S. Open tickets feels like a breath of fresh air
It’s a reminder that not everything in professional sports needs to be monetized, packaged, or sold.
Sometimes, a simple “I have some extra tickets, anyone interested?” is all it takes to remind us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.
And for that, Tom Hoge deserves more than just a thank-you—he deserves applause.
With four top-10 finishes—including one at THE PLAYERS—and solid showings at both Augusta and Muirfield Village, he has proven his ability to contend at elite levels.
Though inconsistencies remain, particularly on tougher tracks, the overall trajectory of Hoge’s game suggests a player peaking in experience and confidence.
If he sharpens his final-round focus and continues to capitalize on scoring opportunities, don’t be surprised to see him in contention for a PGA Tour victory—or a Ryder Cup conversation—by season’s end.
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Table of Contents
Tom Hoge’s Ticket Generosity
A Genuine Gesture Amid Golf’s Prank History
In a sporting world where fan engagement can sometimes blur the lines between fun and frustration, PGA Tour golfer Tom Hoge has earned praise for doing something refreshingly sincere—offering free tickets to the upcoming U.S. Open.1
Unlike the prank that Byeong Hun An pulled earlier this year, Hoge’s giveaway was the real deal, a move that has only elevated his popularity among golf fans.
Let’s take a closer look at what happened, why it matters, and how it connects with a broader narrative involving both players’ relationships with their fans and the tournaments they’ve competed in.
Sorry all gone may have some later in week https://t.co/RFB5X0gLGd
— Tom Hoge (@HogeGolf) June 10, 2025
Byeong Hun An’s April Fool’s Day Joke That Didn’t Land
Before we delve further into Tom Hoge’s kind gesture, it’s worth revisiting the now-infamous April Fool’s Day prank by Byeong Hun An.
Ahead of the Masters Tournament, Hun An took to social media to post what seemed like a dream opportunity—free passes to the revered Augusta National.
For many fans, the possibility of stepping foot on the hallowed grounds of Augusta is nothing short of a bucket-list dream. So naturally, excitement spread quickly.
But that excitement was short-lived. As the date on the calendar revealed, it was all an elaborate prank—a tongue-in-cheek April 1st joke with no real tickets up for grabs.
The backlash, though light-hearted in some corners, was palpable. For those who took the bait, it felt like an emotional rollercoaster. Realizing the impact of his joke, Hun An later made amends by offering two real Wednesday tickets to a father-son pair, turning a misstep into a chance to build goodwill.
Tom Hoge’s Authentic Giveaway
Fast forward a few months, and we see a different kind of post making rounds on X (formerly Twitter).2
Tom Hoge, known more for his precision iron play than flashy social media antics, surprised fans with a simple yet heartwarming message:
“Anyone want to go to @usopengolf Tues or Wed? Have some extra tickets.”
No tricks. No gimmicks. Just a golfer offering up a rare opportunity to attend one of the sport’s biggest events. The post quickly gained traction, with fans praising the transparency and generosity of Hoge’s gesture.
Unlike Hun An’s prank, Hoge’s post didn’t carry the weight of uncertainty. It was straightforward—and the contrast between the two incidents only emphasized the sincerity of Hoge’s move.
A Look at Hoge’s U.S. Open Struggles
While Tom Hoge has steadily built a reputation as a reliable PGA Tour professional, his track record at the U.S.
Open has been less than stellar. In fact, he’s missed the cut in three of his last four appearances at the tournament.
His only complete performance in that stretch came in 2021, where he managed to grind through all 72 holes.
At the 2021 U.S. Open, Hoge posted a T46 finish at Torrey Pines, ending with a 7-over-par total. His rounds of 72, 71, 76, and 72 showcased the difficulty of the course and the mental grind required to survive a U.S. Open weekend.
Though not a standout result, making the cut was a minor triumph in itself, especially given the brutal nature of U.S. Open setups.
It’s worth noting that Hoge’s playing style—controlled, tactical, and precision-driven—doesn’t always thrive in the penal conditions the U.S. Open is known for. Yet his love for the game and appreciation for fans remain unwavering.
Fan Engagement: The Human Side of Pro Golf
Hoge’s act of generosity isn’t just about a few extra tickets—it’s a symbol of how professional golfers can create genuine connections with fans. In an era where athletes are increasingly conscious of their digital presence, small acts like this go a long way in humanizing them.
Compare that to other major sports, where player-fan interactions can often feel filtered or curated by PR teams. In golf, many pros handle their own social media accounts, making such interactions more authentic and heartfelt.
By offering something as coveted as U.S. Open tickets without asking for anything in return, Hoge reminded everyone that even a PGA Tour pro can be a fan at heart—someone who understands the magic of witnessing live championship golf.
Tom Hoge: Contrast in Personality with Hun An
Though both Tom Hoge and Byeong Hun An are respected on tour, they offer distinctly different personalities when it comes to public interactions.3
Hun An is more of a joker. His April Fool’s prank reflects a playful personality that’s always been a part of his social media presence. While that sometimes gets him into lighthearted trouble, it also endears him to fans who enjoy the casual side of athletes.
Hoge, on the other hand, leans toward quiet generosity. He doesn’t post much on social media, and when he does, it tends to be direct and devoid of flair. This makes his recent ticket giveaway all the more special—it broke his usual digital silence in the best way possible.
Together, they represent two sides of the same coin: the entertainer and the professional. Both are important to the modern game, and both have shown, in their own way, how much they value fans.
The Importance of Access in Golf
One of the major criticisms of elite golf tournaments is the limited access they offer to fans—especially those without corporate connections or deep pockets.
Tickets to events like the Masters or the U.S. Open are notoriously difficult to obtain, either due to cost or availability.
When pros like Hoge use their position to offer access to everyday fans, it disrupts that dynamic in a positive way.
It says, “Hey, I know you love this game as much as I do—come be a part of it.” That type of grassroots engagement can help grow the game in ways that big marketing campaigns never could.
A Gesture That Will Be Remembered
Tom Hoge may not be a household name like Rory McIlroy or Scottie Scheffler, but moments like this ticket giveaway reveal why he’s respected both inside and outside the ropes.
For the lucky fans who responded to his post and got those tickets, it will likely be a memory of a lifetime—not just attending the U.S. Open, but receiving the invite directly from a PGA Tour player.
This act may not make headlines in the same way as a tournament victory or a viral prank, but in the long run, these personal gestures shape how players are remembered.
With the 2025 U.S. Open on the horizon, fans will once again gather to watch the world’s best take on one of golf’s toughest tests. Whether or not Hoge makes the cut this year, he’s already left his mark in a meaningful way.
For fans, it’s not just about who lifts the trophy on Sunday—it’s about the shared passion for the game, and gestures like Hoge’s ensure that spirit stays alive.
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Tom Hoge at Kapalua and Waialae
Tom Hoge began his 2025 season with a bang at The Sentry at Kapalua Resort. He carded rounds of 64, 68, 68, and 69 to finish at 269 (-23), securing a T8 finish.
This early top-10 showed that Hoge’s form was sharp, especially in an event that attracts many of the tour’s elite.
He followed that up at the Sony Open in Hawaii with a more modest performance, finishing T45 after opening with a scorching 64 but slipping in later rounds. His final score of 273 (-7) showed consistency, but not quite the finishing kick needed for a higher placement.
Desert Action: The American Express and Pebble Beach
At The American Express, Hoge showed signs of steadiness, posting four sub-70 rounds (69-69-68-68) to finish T29 at 274 (-14). While not in contention to win, it was a solid showing in a low-scoring event.
Then at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a fan-favorite stop on tour, Hoge impressed with rounds of 68-70-71-68 for a T17 finish at 277 (-11).
Pebble Beach often favors precision iron play, and Hoge’s short-game sharpness helped him climb into the top 20.
Bumps in the Road: Missed Cuts and Tough Weeks
Despite his strong early showings, the season hasn’t been without its challenges. At the WM Phoenix Open, Hoge missed the cut entirely, a disappointing result in one of the most raucous atmospheres on Tour.
He followed this with a rough outing at The Genesis Invitational, played at Torrey Pines. His rounds of 77-71-73-79 left him at 300 (+12) and a 54th place finish, reflecting one of the more forgettable weeks of his season.
At the Cognizant Classic, Hoge started well with back-to-back 67s but faded over the weekend with a 76 on Sunday, finishing 67th at even par. Consistency issues again seemed to plague his ability to stay competitive throughout the four days.
Grinding Through the Florida Swing
The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill didn’t offer much relief. Despite a promising 70 on Saturday, Hoge’s week included a closing 77, and he ended up T40 at +4 (292).
The difficulty of Bay Hill was evident, but Hoge’s inability to avoid big numbers on Sunday hurt his chances of a higher finish.
However, he turned things around in a big way at THE PLAYERS Championship, arguably one of the biggest non-major events of the season. With rounds of 71-70-71-66, Hoge posted 278 (-10) and finished T3, one of his best results of 2025.
That Sunday 66 on the challenging TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course showed Hoge’s poise and ability to rise in big moments. His T3 finish also came with a healthy boost in FedEx Cup points and prize money.
Tom Hoge: Peaking in Texas
At the Valero Texas Open, Hoge stayed hot. Despite a final-round 76 that cost him a better finish, he still managed a T5 at 284 (-4).
His strong play during the first three rounds (72-68-68) kept him in contention and validated the upward trend in his form.
This momentum carried into The Masters, where Hoge was surprisingly competitive at Augusta National. He posted 72-72-70-71 for a T14 finish at -3 (285).
Augusta’s demanding greens and elite field make this one of the most challenging tests on Tour, and Hoge’s result there was a clear sign of his growing comfort in major championship settings.
Solid Spring Results: Harbour Town and Philly
Hoge continued to deliver solid performances at events like the RBC Heritage, where he finished T18 at 275 (-9).
The Harbour Town Golf Links demands accuracy and course management—both strengths of Hoge’s game—and he posted rounds of 70-70-66-69.
He followed that with a T63 finish at the Truist Championship in Philadelphia. After an opening-round 68, Hoge couldn’t maintain the momentum, slipping into over-par territory by Sunday.
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Top 10 Finishes Summary
So far in the 2025 PGA Tour season, Tom Hoge has racked up four top-10 finishes, a strong achievement that places him among the more consistent performers this year.
Here’s a quick breakdown of those:
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The Sentry (T8) – 269 (-23)
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THE PLAYERS Championship (T3) – 278 (-10)
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Valero Texas Open (T5) – 284 (-4)
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The Memorial Tournament (T7) – 287 (-1)
These results not only highlight his versatility—competing on different types of courses—but also indicate that he’s capable of contending in elite fields.
Areas of Improvement and Strengths
Strengths:
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Iron Play: Hoge’s performance at Augusta, Pebble Beach, and Harbour Town reflects his strength with mid-to-short irons.
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Mental Fortitude: His ability to bounce back from missed cuts with top-10s shows resilience.
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Putting: Especially in rounds like his Sunday 66 at THE PLAYERS, his flat stick has been a weapon.
Areas to Improve:
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Weekend Scoring: Several tournaments saw Hoge fade on Saturdays or Sundays, such as Valero (final-round 76) and Truist (72).
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Driving Accuracy and Distance: On long, penal courses like Torrey Pines and Quail Hollow, Hoge struggled to stay competitive.
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Cut-line Focus: Reducing the number of missed cuts will help his overall rankings and confidence.
Also Read: Tyrrell Hatton Reflects on US Open Grind: Players Relating to the Pressure
