Justin Thomas, the two-time major winner, is still on tenterhooks for a win despite a tantalising glimpse of his peak prowess at the Zozo Championship in Japan.
During Saturday’s play, one particular stroke left the crowd at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club utterly spellbound, with debates raging over whether it was a fluke or a masterstroke likely a bit of both.
Thomas’ tee shot at the par-four fourth veered off course, leaving him to navigate a minefield of challenges including trees and a pond. Faced with low branches that ruled out a high shot, he executed a daring low stinger that skimmed perilously towards the water hazard.
Cameras caught Thomas imploring his ball to “skip, skip” across the pond. Miraculously, it obeyed, bouncing off the water and onto the fairway, much to the amazement of all watching.
This set him up for an easy finish for par, which he nailed, capping off a remarkable save.
An announcer exclaimed during the live coverage, “Give him the trophy now”, as Thomas held second place, hot on the heels of leader Nico Echavarria. Yet, the 31-year-old missed a prime chance to break his two-year drought this Sunday, having not tasted victory since his PGA Championship triumph in May 2022, after a noticeable dip in form.
Despite a strong performance in Japan, it wasn’t enough for Thomas to secure the trophy as he ended up tied for second place with Max Greyserman, just one shot behind Echavarria. Despite starting his final round two shots behind the leader, his four-under-par final round couldn’t catch up with the Colombian.
The Kentucky-born golfer had numerous opportunities, but narrowly missed several times during his final round.
“It’s a mixture of obviously bummed and disappointed, but I played so well,” Thomas confessed.
“I played plenty well enough to win the tournament. I gave myself a chance. Hit so many good putts today that just didn’t go in. That’s the difference. I needed some of those ones that burned the edge to fall.”
“I did a lot of things really well. The stuff I’ve been working on, everything I’ve been doing is obviously the right stuff and I’m still going the right direction. Just got to keep trying to put myself in contention and right there as often as I can. Just kind of hope for a law of averages thing, eventually you end up getting it done, but it’s just about putting yourself there more.”
