Justin Thomas Shines with Historic Round at TPC Sawgrass
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida – Justin Thomas put on a spectacular display at TPC Sawgrass, particularly at the iconic 17th hole, where he made an impressive 18-foot putt on the island green. This moment occurred during the second round of the Player Championship, following a challenging start with a six-over par on the previous day.
A Stunning Turnaround
After starting his second round 12 shots behind the leader, Thomas transformed TPC Sawgrass into his playground, recording an astonishing 10 birdies over 16 holes. This impressive performance saw him shoot a score of 62, tying the course record previously set by Tom Hoge in 2023. Despite a bogey on the 18th, the day showcased a remarkable 16-stroke improvement from his first-round score of 78.
Quotes from the Champion
“It was one of the best rounds I’ve played,” Thomas reflected. “I felt like I did an incredible job of moving my eyes forward and not looking backwards. It was free play. My only thought was, how can I hit this tee shot and make another birdie?”
Challenging the Record
As he approached the 18th tee, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Although Thomas began to grasp that he could potentially set a course record, his primary focus remained on making another birdie. However, after sending his drive into the rough, he faced a challenging shot.
“After missing the fairway, the birdie feels a bit elusive,” he explained. “When the ball is in the rough, you have to be careful not to make any mistakes, or else it could easily end up in the water.”
Support from Family
From behind the 18th green, Thomas’s father and coach, Mike, watched intently as his son navigated a penalty drop. With a precise pitch shot that left him just 22 inches from the hole, Thomas secured a bogey, concluding his round at 62.
“It’s just special there,” he said, reflecting on the significance of the moment.
A Lesson in Resilience
Discussing his previous day’s struggles, Thomas noted that Thursday’s 78 was “frightening” in every aspect. He spent time that evening discussing his performance with his wife, Jill, who offered unwavering support and positivity.
“Jill was amazing, reminding me that I’ve played excellent golf in the past,” he said, indicating how her encouragement helped him refocus.
Preparing for the Weekend
With his remarkable performance, Thomas now finds himself tied for 29th place, only seven shots behind leaders Min Woo Lee and Akshay Batia. Eyeing the weekend, he expressed excitement over the windy conditions forecasted for Saturday, which he enjoys playing in.
“I love those conditions; you have to be creative out there,” he remarked. “I’m looking forward to the challenge, but for now, I’m just going to enjoy today.”
A Noteworthy Improvement
Thomas’s 16-stroke leap ranks as the third-best stroke improvement between rounds in Player Championship history:
- 17 strokes – Bob Friend (1999: 87 to 70)
- 17 strokes – George Burns (1987: 84 to 67)
- 16 strokes – Justin Thomas (2025: 78 to 62)
