Justin Thomas won this year’s RBC Heritage event at Harbour Town. This win represents a considerable turnaround for him, as it’s his first victory in just under three years. It was his 16th career win on the PGA Tour. Hot on the heels of a nail-biter playoff against Andrew Novak, this victory cemented Thomas’ composure and professionalism in a pressure situation.
The final round saw Thomas play a bogey-free game, navigating dry and fast course conditions to finish with a score of 3-under 68. Specifically, he hit a huge 25-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole that set him up to make the playoff. This win was the first in his win drought of 248 races. It increased his world ranking, most importantly earning him a spot in this year’s U.S. Open.
The playoffs victory over Novak ended with a flourish as Thomas made a 20-foot birdie putt to win it. That was a very poignant moment for Thomas. As he lined up the putt, it dawned on him that he’d never felt the pressure of making the last long putt on the 18th to seal the championship.
“This is as fun as I thought it would be,” said Thomas after his win, reflecting on the excitement of competing under such high stakes.
With a consistent blend of tenacity and finesse, Thomas had ice in her veins during the tournament. His bogey-free round was a masterclass not only in his technical skills but on his mental discipline. His triumph underscores how tough he’s proven to be. With being snubbed from the Presidents Cup team last year, along with a stretch of subpar play in recent events, he came roaring back with a vengeance.
Prior to the RBC Heritage, Thomas showed signs of a turnaround at the Valero Texas Open. He kept it competitive all the way through the tournament, coming just a point short of securing his spot as champion. His victory at Harbour Town was an inflection point for the high-flying competitor. It illuminates how swiftly fortunes can collide in the world of professional golf.
Winning is tough. I mean, difficult isn’t even the word,” Thomas laughed, recognizing the intensity of high-level competition.
That victory has changed Thomas’s mindset to ensure he can hold his own at the top of the world rankings. To earn a spot at the British Open, he must end up inside the top 50 during this next month. His T-3 at Harbour Town has put him in favorable form, and we saw the self-belief exhibit itself as he made confident swings into the grainy greens.
Thomas’s previous victory prior to this came during the PGA Championship at Southern Hills back in May of 2022. 2023 provides one silver lining in the form of this substantial success — a major victory for Thomas. It additionally foreshadows a career comeback of sorts for him. If he’s been quiet, his fans and peers have not, picking up on this extraordinary turning point. They’re even more excited to see how it will influence his future performances.
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