Justin Thomas is an hour late for our Zoom call, but he has a good excuse. He has just won perhaps the most exclusive tournament in golf, the Pro-Member at Seminole Golf Club in Florida. This year, 94 pros turned up, including 12 of the world’s top 20, and JT beat them all alongside his playing partner, Mike Walrath. Davis Love III once referred to it as the first Major of the year. No one seriously counts it as such, though Justin would probably like it if they did.
If there is one trait that has defined Thomas throughout his 20s, it is winning. He has claimed at least one title every year since 2015. They include two Majors, two World Golf Championships, the Players Championship and the FedEx Cup.
He knows he should be happy. Instead, he is at odds with himself, conflicted by greed and his own ambitions. Those closest to him will tell you that it has been that way ever since he was kid, trying to live up to the standards set by his father, Mike, and his grandfather, Paul, before him. Both were talented players in their own right.
Paul played in the 1962 US Open, while Mike was the head pro at Harmony Landing Country Club in Kentucky for more than 30 years. Justin was barely two when Mike gave him a cut-down driver, a persimmon MacGregor. He’s been his coach ever since and jokes that the first words out of his son’s mouth were “bag of balls”.
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Golf Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Golf Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Find Balance To Beat Pressure
Be the golfer who treats triumph and disaster just the same
HOW GRAYSON MURRAY RECLAIMED HIS LIFE AT THE SONY OPEN
The American overcame anxiety attacks on a recovery that helped him claim a win in Hawaii.
NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT
The Sentry winner Chris Kirk rediscovers joy in his craft.
WELLNESS FROM THE SOURCE
Planning a wellness holiday but don't know where to start? Consider VistaJet's programme that will connect you to ancient and cutting-edge wellness practice across the globe
INSIDE AND OUT
Skincomm's new product AgeREcode™ professes revitalisation from within.
VIVA LA ROSSA
From a narrow strip just 12km long and 1k wide comes some of Australia's - and the world's best red wines. Here's why Coonawarra's juicy exports are perfect for leisurely sipping.
ANNYEONGHASEYO IN LANG CO
Laguna Lang Co introduces Korean fare.
MORE THAN AN IDEA
The MINI Concept Aceman sheds light on what is to come.
EVERYDAY SUPERCAR
The new McLaren GTS offers the best in driveability in a supercharged package.
HIGH PERFORMANCE ON THE OPEN ROAD
The Pagani Imola Roadster combines high-tech panache with the pleasures of a convertible.