Justin Thomas Takes Bad News Following Open
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
‘Tired’ Justin Thomas comments on ‘really slow’ play at The Open and offers his explanation over why it’s happening
Justin Thomas shot an opening round of one-over par 72 at Royal Portrush. The American is currently in a tie for 45th after day one of The Open Championship. Thomas has been in poor form recently, with just one top-10 to his name since mid-May. The 32-year-old practiced for The Open without a driver, instead opting for a new mini driver in order to keep the ball low out on the links. The pace of play was truly painful to watch on day one in Northern Ireland. Robert MacIntyre shot a round of even-par 71 on Thursday, and he was not happy with the pace ofplay either. The Scot said rounds were taking around six hours on day first. Thomas’s theory that the ‘busy city’ theory makes far more sense than the bottom line is that the speed of play at The Open on Thursday has drastically changed.
Thomas shot an opening round of one-over par 72 at Royal Portrush, and he’s currently sitting in a tie for 45th after day one at The Open Championship.
The 32-year-old has actually been in poor form recently, with just one top-10 to his name since mid-May.
His performances in the majors have left a lot to be desired as well, with two missed cuts and a T-36th at The Masters.
Thomas practiced for The Open without a driver, instead opting for a new mini driver in order to keep the ball low out on the links.
Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images
The American has been struggling with his game in general over the past two months, so he was clearly looking for different ways to turn things around.
However, it was slow play that was his biggest issue on day one in Northern Ireland.
The pace of play was truly painful to watch on day one at The Open.
The conditions and the difficulty of the golf course obviously don’t help matters, but six hours is far too long to be out on a golf course.
More Golf News
Firstly, Thomas was asked what he thought of the slow play out on the course on Thursday.
He said: “I’m just tired right now. It’s a long day. Yeah, I played really well. I feel like that’s just kind of the weather you can get so easily here. I’ve played a couple times in Northern Ireland, and you very often get a lot of seasons in one day.
“Yeah, just kind of have to take what you’re given at that specific or certain time kind of thing.
Photo by Stuart Franklin/R&A/R&A via Getty Images
“It’s no different than a normal round. I don’t know, just kind of every day is different. Some days it’s easier or harder than others. More than anything, it’s just once you kind of get back into your shot or whatever, then it’s time to just step back into that focus and that zone and focus on what I’m trying to do, and I feel like I did a really good job of that today.
“It seemed really slow. Once we got to the back nine, it just seemed — yeah, it just — I mean, the back nine’s so tough with all the cross-winds. It’s really, really hard to hit fairways. Then when you miss the fairway, it’s hard to hit the green. It’s a grind, so everyone’s going through it.
Then Thomas was asked to provide an explanation as to why rounds were taking so long.
He explained: “Yeah, it’s a lot of people in a golf tournament, and that’s going to create — I mean, a city that has a lot more population. Traffic is going to be a lot worse than it is in Pikeville, Kentucky, that’s just the way it is. Then you add the elements and add everything, it’s just going to be a long day.“
Robert MacIntyre has a different theory to Justin Thomas on slow play at The Open
MacIntyre shot a round of even-par 71 on Thursday, and he was not happy with the pace of play either.
The Scot was asked to explain why he thought rounds were taking around six hours on day one.
He said: “Aye, I thought six hours in a practice round the other day was a long time. I didn’t think six hours in a tournament.
“We couldn’t have went any faster with — I was speaking there to the guys, and they’re saying pretty much everybody’s five hours 55. I guess golf courses are too long.“
Thomas’s ‘busy city’ theory makes far more sense than MacIntyre’s does.
However, the bottom line is that the pace of play at The Open on Thursday proved that something has to drastically change.
Justin Thomas may be about to suffer another big blow straight after failing to make the cut at the US Open
Justin Thomas missed the cut by a wide margin at the US Open. The former world number one was five strokes behind the cut line. His place in Keegan Bradley’s team for the 2025 Ryder Cup looked certain a few weeks ago. Now, after a run of poor results, and with his competitors doing well at US Open, it’s suddenly in doubt. He will now need to have at least one more strong performance at either the Travelers Championship, the Open Championship, or in the FedEx Cup playoffs to qualify. The 32-year-old could have locked up his Ryder Cup spot if not for missing the cut at the PGA Championship and theUS Open. He is currently in a tie for 39th place in the Ryder Cup standings.
He shot back-to-back six-over-par 76s at Oakmont Country Club, with three double bogeys, and was five strokes behind the cut line.
Thomas was then spotted practicing on the driving range on Saturday, an obvious sign that he’s frustrated with his game.
Now, the former world number one could be about to suffer another setback, and it’s totally out of his control.
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Justin Thomas’ Ryder Cup spot could be in danger after US Open
With the top six set to qualify automatically, Justin Thomas’ place in Keegan Bradley’s United States team for the 2025 Ryder Cup looked certain a few weeks ago.
Now, after a run of poor results, and with his competitors doing well at the US Open, it’s suddenly in doubt.
Collin Morikawa is already close behind him, and he could narrow the gap with a strong final round at Oakmont. He’s currently in a tie for 39th.
Rank Selected Players Ryder Cup Points 4. Justin Thomas 9457.69 5. Collin Morikawa 9167.77 6. Russell Henley 8677.80 7. Ben Griffin 7343.86 13. J.J. Spaun 5461.85 15. Sam Burns 4332.51
Russell Henley is in sixth position in the Ryder Cup standings and T11 at the US Open, so he will at least reduce the gap to Thomas, with the potential to overtake him.
Ben Griffin probably lost his chance to win the tournament with a +4 third round, but a top 10 finish is still on the cards. He will fancy his chances of catching Thomas as he is arguably the most in-form player on the PGA Tour besides Scottie Scheffler.
More Golf News
Then, there are the top two at the US Open: Sam Burns and J.J. Spaun. They are currently 13th and 15th, respectively, in the standings and a long way off the qualification places.
However, the prize money at the US Open is so great that a win for either could see them leapfrog Thomas into the top four or five.
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Justin Thomas’ recent form will worry Keegan Bradley
Thomas was trending in the right direction in the early parts of the 2025 season, with solid results at the Genesis Invitational (T9) and Valspar Championship (2nd).
He then eventually ended his three-year winless drought with an impressive victory at the RBC Heritage, beating Andrew Novak in a playoff.
Thomas followed that up with a runner-up finish at the Truist Championship before his recent torrid run.
Justin Thomas last three tournaments
Tournament Final Score Position PGA Championship +3 CUT Memorial Tournament +5 T31 US Open +12 CUT
The 32-year-old could have locked up his Ryder Cup spot if not for missing the cut at the PGA Championship and the US Open.
He will now need to have at least one more strong performance at either the Travelers Championship, the Open Championship, or in the FedEx Cup playoffs to qualify.
Rory McIlroy made his feelings clear as poor behaviour sees golfer banned from US Open
Rory McIlroy made his feelings clear as poor behaviour sees golfer banned from US Open. Former US Open winner Wyndham Clark has been indefinitely banned from Oakmont Country Club after he caused extensive damage to lockers in the clubhouse during this year’s Championship. Clark reportedly vandalised several lockers after failing to make the cut by just one stroke, sparking an official inquiry. Images of the damage quickly spread online, igniting a public debate about sportsmanship in golf. Previous comments made by McIlory – who, it’s fair to say, is no stranger to a tantrum on the course – seemed especially pointed. Clark also drew heat earlier this season at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, where he angrily threw his driver and broke signage, nearly striking an official. At the Travelers Championship in June, he took accountability and offered an apology for his outburst.
Former US Open champion Wyndham Clark has been indefinitely banned from Oakmont Country Club after he caused extensive damage to lockers in the clubhouse during this year’s Championship
Rory McIlroy’s past comments speak volumes (Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Wyndham Clark is facing serious consequences after Rory McIlroy’s previous remarks resurfaced following his indefinite suspension from Oakmont Country Club. In an unexpected development, the former US Open winner was banned after a temper-fuelled episode during this year’s tournament, which took place at the famed Pennsylvania course.
After failing to make the cut by just one stroke, Clark reportedly vandalised several lockers in a fit of anger, sparking an official inquiry. Images of the damage quickly spread online, igniting a public debate about sportsmanship in golf.
Previous comments made by McIlroy – who, it’s fair to say, is no stranger to a tantrum on the course – seemed especially pointed. Commenting on Patton Kizzire’s emotional outburst at the Valspar Championship in March – where the American booted his putter after missing a short putt – the Northern Irishman had said: “It can be relatable, but at the same time, you want to try to set a proper example.
“Like you don’t want – you don’t want 10-year-old kids punting their putters across the green every time they miss a putt.”
With Oakmont slated to hold the US Open in 2033, Clark may now miss future top-tier competitions. At the Travelers Championship in June, he took accountability and offered an apology for his outburst.
When asked about the situation during the Scottish Open, he responded: “Yeah, I mean, I made a mistake in a moment of rage with, you know, a bad year and everything coming together. And it just was more than anything a good wake-up call for me to say, ‘Hey, you know what, let’s get back on track and things aren’t that bad.’
Article continues below
“I live a great life and I’m not that far off from playing good golf, so I feel like I’ve turned a page and we’re now maybe on the right track of playing some good golf.”
Wyndham Clark has been indefinitely banned from Oakmont Country Club
Oakmont president John Lynch shared a statement with Golf Digest, confirming Clark’s ban and calling his conduct both “unacceptable” and “damaging to the integrity of the sport.”
To re-enter the club, Clark must cover repair costs, contribute to charity, and complete either anger management or counselling. The rare decision to discipline such a high-profile player – a recent Ryder Cup participant – highlights the sport’s increased attention to decorum under mounting pressure.
Clark also drew heat earlier this season at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, where he angrily threw his driver and broke signage, nearly striking an official.
Wyndham Clark apologised after damaging lockers in anger at Oakmont (Image: X: @Cam_Jourdan)
Article continues below
He later issued a social media apology: “I would like to sincerely apologise for my behaviour yesterday on hole 16. As professionals, we are expected to remain professional even when frustrated and I unfortunately let my emotions get the best of me.
“My actions were uncalled for and completely inappropriate, making it clear that I have things I need to work on. I hold myself to a high standard, trying to always play for something bigger than myself.
“I fell short of those standards. For that I am truly sorry. I promise to better the way I handle my frustrations on the course going forward, and hope you all can forgive me in due time.”
Justin Thomas Sends Strong Message to Wife Jillian Wisniewski Before the Masters
Justin Thomas’ caddie, Matt “Rev” Minister, suffered an injury before the tournament. Joe Greiner hopped off the bag of long-time partner Max Homa to take over the bag. Thomas has just over an hour longer before taking to the course for his first round of the Masters on Thursday, April 10. He’s missed the cut in each of the past two Masters after finishing in the top 22 in the previous six.
Thomas was in a pinch after his caddie, Matt “Rev” Minister, suffered an injury before the tournament. For at least the first major of the year, Greiner will be on Thomas’ bag while he looks for a new bag.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
“Unfortunately, my caddie Rev hurt his back this week and isn’t able to be on the bag with me this week at Augusta,” Thomas posted Tuesday night on his Instagram story. “Rev is resting up so he gets better soon. I’m very lucky Joe Greiner is a great friend and able to help me out last minute.”
Just a few days after finding a new caddie, Thomas took to the Par 3 course for some family fun on the Wednesday before the tournament kicked off. Alongside wife Jillian and daughter, Molly, the Thomas family enjoyed getting around the course with the families of Jordan Spieth and … Max Homa.
“The par 3 contest @themasters was a little different today than past years! An amazing day with my girls, the Spieths, and the Homa crew. Incredible memories we will cherish forever ❤️Prep work is done, it’s time to get after it 👊🏽,” he said in a message on Instagram.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Thomas has just over an hour longer before taking to the course for his first round of the Masters on Thursday, April 10. He’s missed the cut in each of the past two Masters after finishing in the top 22 in each of the previous six.
Related: Paulina Gretzky Turns Heads With Vacation Photos Before the Masters
Justin Thomas reveals his fury after joining Scottie Scheffler in Travelers Championship lead
Justin Thomas has admitted he still finds it difficult to get over a bad round. The 32-year-old missed the cut at the U.S. Open after carding back-to-back rounds of 76. He is currently tied for the lead at the Travelers Championship with Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood. Thomas also admitted that he opted to take just one day off following his poor showing at Oakmont last weekend. The two-time PGA Championship winner said he still gets ‘pissed off’ about his poor performance at the third major of the year. He added: “I still get pretty pissed off about it and I still — it weighs on me more than it should. I wish that — I think you hear a lot of guys talk about it, their golf defining them, it doesn’t change who they are as a person”
Justin Thomas has explained that despite his experience competing on the PGA Tour, getting over a bad performance like his recent U.S. Open showing is still difficult
Justin Thomas currently sits atop the leaderboard at the Travelers Championship alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Scottie Scheffler
Justin Thomas has admitted he still finds it difficult to get over a bad round a week after his struggles at Oakmont during the U.S. Open.
While the third major of the year was won by J.J. Spaun, who edged out Robert MacIntyre during a chaotic weekend of golf in Pennsylvania, Thomas endured a tournament to forget. The 32-year-old missed the cut at Oakmont after carding back-to-back rounds of 76.
Article continues below
However, following his frustrations at Oakmont, Thomas has bounced back at the Travelers Championship. The two-time PGA Championship winner currently sits tied for the lead alongside world No.1 Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood at TPC River Highlands, with the trio all on nine under.
Article continues below
Kansas City Chiefs get huge update on star seriously injured by Patrick Mahomes READ MORE:
But, despite his strong play heading into the third round of action at the Travelers Championship, Thomas has admitted bad performances, like his at Oakmont a weekend prior, remain hard to get over.
Asked by a reporter whether or not his Oakmont ‘stinker’ was easier to digest due to his experience, Thomas explained that getting over poor play “hasn’t become any easier” with time.
“It unfortunately hasn’t become any easier,” said Thomas told reporters following round two of the Travelers.
“I still get pretty pissed off about it and I still — it weighs on me more than it should. I wish that — I think you hear a lot of guys talk about it, their golf defining them, it doesn’t change who they are as a person, but I still very clearly think of myself as my person of how I’m playing golf.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
“I would like to change that, but it’s just the reality; it means a lot to me. You could say it’s good or bad.
He added: “But yeah, coming to a place that I like and I feel like I kind of know, it’s a lot easier for me to get over last week versus maybe if I was going to a course that I haven’t had success at or I feel like I have a hard time playing, then it could be a little, like, uh-oh, what are we going to do kind of thing.”
And he also admitted that he opted to take just one day off following his poor showing at the U.S. Open, with Thomas opting to take championship Sunday off last weekend.
“Sunday I did,” said Thomas when asked if he took any time off between the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship.
Justin Thomas endured a miserable time at the U.S. Open (Image: Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
“I went out and practiced a good bit Saturday because obviously I felt like I played pretty terribly, but I just wanted to get some work in because I felt like I was really close and I just wasn’t sharp.
“I hit a lot of really good shots, and it’s still kind of similar now. I’m hitting, in my opinion, too many shots that aren’t good enough. It’s just kind of tightening that up. So that’s what I tried to do, and I took Sunday off.
Article continues below
Want to watch more live sports? Peacock has your favorite sports, shows, and more all in one place. Peacock offers plans starting at $7.99 so you can stream live sports like NFL, Premier League, and Big Ten Football.