Rory McIlroy stays in the hunt at the DP World Tour Championship, while Penge struggles and Von Dellingshausen remains steady.
Tag: Justin Thomas
Jeremy Paul opened the Butterfield Bermuda Championship with a 69 (-2), while Rosenmüller and Schmid sit in the middle of the pack.
Two researchers have analyzed why golf balls lip out. Their study shows it’s more physics than bad luck.
Linn Grant dominates The ANNIKA for her second LPGA title, while Henseleit shines and Krauter narrowly retains her tour card.
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Justin Thomas Is Going to Be a Dad
Justin Thomas announced on Instagram yesterday that he will become a father for the first time at the end of November. In the post, he first wrote about his 2024 season, Scottie Scheffler and not being nominated for the Presidents Cup. In the final paragraph, JT announced the event briefly: “It will be nice to have some time to work on things, foundation event, some Rest and Recovery, and even become a dad at the end of November!” He did not reveal whether it would be a boy or a girl. It is the first child for Justin Thomas and his wife Jillian, who married in 2022. No further information about the birth was revealed in the social media post, but there were other interesting sections in his post.
JT about his season and the Presidents Cup
The two-time major champion started his statement with his 2024 PGA Tour season: “2024 season is a wrap. I’m very proud and happy about some signs of improvement that were shown. Although (per usual), I am far from satisfied. Finishing the year in Atlanta at the TOUR Championship is something I never want to take for granted. I look forward to working to get back there next year.”
Furthermore the 31-year old wrote about not being nominated for the Presidents Cup 2024: “I’m obviously very bummed to not be joining the boys in Canada for the Presidents Cup, but completely understanding. Jim has put together a great team. I will be the first one pulling for them and watching, while using it as motivation to not miss a team event again as they are some of my favorite weeks I’ve had.”
No captain’s pick for Justin Thomas
The teams for the 15th edition of the Presidents Cup were also finalized on Tuesday. Thomas, who had not qualified, did not receive one of the six captain’s picks from US captain Jim Furyk. Instead, the picks went to Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns, Tony Finau, Brian Harman, Russell Henley and Max Homa. The Presidents Cup will take place from September 24-29, 2024 at The Royal Montreal GC in Montreal, Canada. The US team will compete against the international team (rest of the world, excluding Europe). Of the 14 editions so far, the USA has won twelve times, the internationals have won once and one duel ended in a draw.
Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, Eli Manning and Theo Epstein took a stroll at the famous Pine Valley Golf Club in Pine Hill, New Jersey. The “Spring Break” boys trip is a tradition Fowler and Thomas engage in every year. In previous years Jordan Spieth joined his colleagues. With wild golf rounds and lots of funny videos the trips are well known among fans. This year the pros take a more layback approach, but Fowler crowned it with a one in a lifetime shot, well for pro’s it’s more like a few in a lifetime at this point.
Rickie Fowler Makes Hole in One in Pine Valley
From 182 yards, according to Golfweek, Fowler aced the par 3 third hole with a relaxed 7-iron. After a few seconds of hoping and cheers from his flight, the ball went in and on goes the celebration.
? #NEW — Here is video of the Hole in One Rickie made at Pine Valley yesterday. ?? pic.twitter.com/MsqmcvzqGu
— Rickie Fowler Tracker (@Rickie_Tracker) April 25, 2024
A little over a week before the Masters in Augusta, Justin Thomas has now announced his split from his caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay. Who will stand on the side of the 30-year-old from now on is not yet known.
End of Collaboration between Justin Thomas and Jim Mackay
As Justin Thomas has announced, the collaboration between him and his caddie Jim Mackay has come to an end. Their three-year-partnership marked a quite successful period for the 58-year-old caddie alongside the former world number one. In 2022, Thomas secured his second major title at the PGA Championship after 2017. “The things we’ve been able to accomplish together – the PGA Championship in 2022, the Presidents Cup, the Ryder Cups were all unforgettable experiences,” writes Thomas via Instagram. However, after Thomas failed to win a PGA Tour title in 2023 for the first time since 2015, it was perhaps time for a change for the American. Although Justin Thomas achieved four top-12 finishes in his first five tournament appearances this year, he recently missed the cut at the prestigious Players Championship in Sawgrass.
Jim Mackay: One of the most experienced caddies on the Tour
Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay is one of the most successful caddies on the PGA Tour and is known to golf fans primarily for his long-standing partnership with Phil Mickelson. The partnership with the five-time major champion lasted a total of 25 years, ending in 2017. “While incredibly difficult for me to say, Bones and I have parted ways. I’m going to be forever thankful for him joining me on the bag in 2021,” explains Justin Thomas. “His wisdom on and off the course has been a blessing during a tough stretch of my career and he was there every step of the way. I know there are great things coming for both of us down the road. I wish him the best of luck and will always count him and his family amongst my friends,” Thomas adds.
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) April 3, 2024
Justin Thomas was recently a guest on Stephen Colbert’s ” The Late Show” and chatted about his appearance in the second season of the Netflix series “Full Swing” and his love of the Ryder Cup. He also explained how he ended up on the golf course alongside basketball legend Michael Jordan at the age of 15.
Justin Thomas: At the age of 15 at Michael Jordan’s side
Through a mutual friend, Michael Jordan ended up playing golf for several years in a row at the golf club in Kentucky where Justin Thomas’ father Mike was head coach. Justin Thomas himself initially had the task of accompanying the golfers as a caddie – until he was allowed to swing a club in the flight himself at the age of 15. He was allowed to play seven holes in a team with Michael Jordan, surprised everyone, holed out four times for birdies and won a lot of money. The money with which he was subsequently able to finance his first car. Watch the video for the whole story:
As the LIV Golf Tour unveiled a new team just ahead of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, boasting the likes of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy shared his thoughts on these significant player migrations. McIlroy, a staunch supporter of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, surprised many with his altered perspective on players making the transition to LIV Golf.
Rory McIlroy: “At the end of the day, everyone has to do what’s right for them.”
Days before teeing off at the iconic Pebble Beach Links in California, McIlroy delved into the topic during a press conference on Tuesday. Expressing his views on Tyrrell Hatton’s move, McIlroy emphasized the importance of each golfer making decisions that align with their personal journey. “At the end of the day, everyone has to do what’s right for them. I had a lengthy conversation with Tyrrell on Sunday, and I completely understand where he’s coming from. They’ve reached a point in negotiations where he feels comfortable. He has to do what he believes is right, so I won’t stand in anyone’s way of making a living. And if they view it as life-changing money, absolutely,” McIlroy stated.
The multiple Major-winner also touched upon the topic of potential sanctions for players looking to return to their original tours. McIlroy firmly stood against punitive measures, advocating for mutual understanding and collaboration between tours to propel the sport forward. This marked a significant departure from his earlier stance, as McIlroy emphasized his changed perspective, fueled by a desire to ensure the best for the sport as a whole.
?️ "I don't think there should be a punishment"
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 31, 2024
Rory McIlroy admits he has changed his tune by saying returning LIV Golf players shouldn't be punished ❌ pic.twitter.com/drKmaEp3Wo
Justin Thomas on the latest additions to LIV Golf: “I’m done with it”
Adding to the discourse, Justin Thomas shared his thoughts on the recent influx of players into LIV Golf during the Pebble Beach event. “I feel like at this point, I’m done with it. It is what it is,” Thomas commented. Reflecting on the diversity of opinions surrounding the moves, he acknowledged that people make decisions based on what they believe is best for them. While expressing disappointment over Hatton’s departure, Thomas displayed understanding and refrained from passing judgment, acknowledging the individuality of each player’s choices.
Justin Thomas was named by captain Zach Johnson to the squad for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome. This has caused quite a stir as he has not played a good season. Still, his Ryder Cup history speaks for itself. In the past two Ryder Cups in which he has taken part, he has suffered only one defeat in nine matches. In the Dream Team with Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas is also one of the mood setters and pulls the whole team along with his passion.
Justin Thomas at the 2023 Ryder Cup
It was a very mixed season for Thomas. He failed to make the cut in three of the four major tournaments. He was unable to win a tournament and failed to make the FedEx Cup Playoffs at the end of the season for the first time since he started his career in 2013. His best finish was fourth at the World Cup Phoenix Open.
So why would Zack Johnson give one of his captain’s picks to Justin Thomas, who is in a slump of form? Zack Johnson trusts “JT” because he has the skills to compete against the best players in the world. This is also proven by his Ryder Cup statistics, he won six out of nine times and only had to admit defeat once. Over the years, Justin Thomas has earned an outstanding reputation for his consistent performance and team spirit in the Ryder Cup. His contribution to the victory of Team USA 2021 and his commitment to the competition have made him one of the most respected golfers in the prestigious tournament.
Justin Thomas the conqueror of Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup
The 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome will be the third of JT’s career. Two years ago, he contributed to the overall victory of the USA with his victory in the singles match against Tyrell Hatton and with his victory in the foursome, together with Jordan Spieth. In the previous Ryder Cup 2018, the USA had to admit defeat, but Justin Thomas was victorious in four of his five matches. The highlight was undoubtedly his victory over Rory McIlroy in the singles match.
Captain Johnson chose Thomas not only for his skills, but also for his passion and character traits. In previous years, he already pulled the entire team along with him and constantly ensured a good mood and motivation with his heart and soul. In an interview, Johnson said, “You don’t just leave JT at home.”
“He has without question been the heart and soul of [the U.S. Team].”
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) August 30, 2023
A closer look at why Captain @ZachJohnsonPGA dubbed @JustinThomas34, @BKoepka and four others as the final pieces of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team.
Justin Thomas’ greatest successes and prize money
Thomas’ track record is reflected not only in his victories, but also in his impressive prize money. Since entering the professional golf scene, he has earned around $55 million. Throughout his career, he has claimed some of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour, including the “PGA Championship” in 2017, where he secured the title for the first time and earned major-winning glory as one of the youngest players in history. His fearless style of play, combined with a precise stroke technique, has allowed him to stand at the top of the world rankings and win the PGA Championship for a second time in 2022.
A look inside Justin Thomas’ bag – this is the equipment he wants to use to shine at the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Justin Thomas also joins Brian Harman in his choice of equipment. Equipped with the latest models from Titleist, the recently stumbling Major winner wants to score points at the Ryder Cup 2023. Thomas will be using the TSR3 driver, one of the latest additions to the Titleist Speed Project. He also relies on the TSR3 series for his woods, in this case a 15-degree 3-wood. For the irons, the American uses the latest variant of the T100 irons as a 4-iron, and from the 5-iron onwards he relies on the Titleist 620 MB Players irons. Thomas also uses the Vokey Spin Milled 9 47 degree, 52 degree and 57 degree wedges. In addition, a Lob wedge from Titleist-Wedgeworks completes the bag. For the putter, Thomas switched back to the Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 Tour in July. The model is inspired by his prototype and features a short slant neck. As a playing ball Thomas chooses the Pro V1x from Titleist.