Player Profile: Top 5 Rookies on the PGA Tour This Season

With the PGA Tour in full swing and the first trophy of the 2015 season already lifted, golf fans will be looking forward to another year of world-class golf in North America.

For fans who like to keep their eye on the latest new talent on the Tour, this week's player profile takes a look at the top-ranked rookies who will be eager to make their mark at the top level of professional golf this season.

Adam Hadwin

At 27 years old, Adam Hadwin joins the PGA Tour as the top-ranked rookie this season. Born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the Canadian turned professional after graduating from the University of Louisville in 2009. Hadwin won the Chiquita and Chile Classics last season, and also has two Canadian PGA titles to his name.

Derek Fathauer

29-year-old Fathauer hails from Stuart, Florida. After graduating from the University of Louisville in the same year as Adam Hadwin, he weathered the competition on the Web.com Tour to win the Tour Championship last season. Maturity, practice, and a cool head have served this player well since his 2009 debut, and fans will be keen to see his performances on the PGA Tour.

Carlos Ortiz

24-year-old Ortiz was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico and was introduced to the game by his father. He turned professional just two seasons ago after graduating from the University of North Texas with a degree in International Studies. Ortis won three events on the Buy.com Tour last season – the Panama Claro and Mexico Championships and the Portland Open.

Bud Cauley

Since he picked up his first club at the age of 5, Bud Cauley has always loved the game of golf. His parents took the decision to home school him to allow him extra hours of practice each day, and the results speak for themselves. The 24-year-old from Daytona Beach, Florida won the 2014 Hotel Fitness Championship to secure his place on the PGA Tour this season.

Justin Thomas

21-year-old Thomas is the youngest top-5 rookie this season, having turned professional in 2013. Thomas graduated from the University of Alabama and won the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship last season to secure his Tour card. Thomas also finished 10th at the 2014 Farmers Insurance Open as a guest rookie on the PGA Tour.

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