Justin Thomas is on the cusp of potentially ending his nearly two-year winless drought at the Zozo Championship. The question looms – is he on the brink of breaking through with a victory for the first time in 2.5 years or is he facing another tough loss that could extend his winless streak into a third consecutive season? As the final round of the Zozo Championship approaches, Thomas finds himself in solo second place, just two shots off the lead. Despite the uncertainty, there are reasons to believe Thomas has a strong chance of capturing the title.
One key factor working in Thomas’s favor is his exceptional strokes gained data at the Zozo Championship. Through 54 holes, he has gained over 10 shots on the field in strokes gained: tee-to-green, the best in the field by a considerable margin. This resurgence in his ball-striking prowess could be a significant asset as he seeks to secure a victory at the tournament. In seasons past when Thomas reached the peak of his powers, he excelled in the tee-to-green category, a trend that seems to be resurfacing at a critical juncture in his career.
Another reason to be optimistic about Thomas’s chances is the positive trajectory of his game leading up to the Zozo Championship. While he may not have amassed a string of wins like in past seasons, Thomas has shown flashes of inspired golf in recent months, including Top 10 finishes at notable events. Additionally, a rejection from the U.S. Presidents Cup team earlier in the year has likely fueled his motivation to perform at the highest level. With a combination of motivation and recent success, Thomas could be poised for a breakout performance.
Furthermore, Thomas has made improvements in one of his weaker statistical categories – bogey avoidance. In the 2024 PGA Tour season, he struggled in this area, ranking 78th in bogey avoidance. However, at the Zozo Championship, Thomas leads the field in this statistic through 54 holes, showcasing a newfound ability to limit mistakes and maintain consistency. This improvement could be a key factor in his quest for a victory at the tournament.
Despite all the reasons to be optimistic about Justin Thomas’s chances at the Zozo Championship, there is a lingering concern of late-week collapses that have plagued him in previous events. Thomas has found himself in contention at multiple events throughout 2024, only to falter in the final rounds and fall short of victory. To secure a win on Sunday, Thomas will need to overcome his past struggles with maintaining performance after strong starts and avoid costly mistakes that could derail his chances.
In conclusion, Justin Thomas’s performance at the Zozo Championship is poised to be a pivotal moment in his career, with the potential to end his winless streak or face another setback. His exceptional strokes gained data, positive trend in recent play, and improvements in key statistical categories all point towards a strong opportunity for victory. However, the specter of late-week collapses remains a legitimate concern that could impact his chances. Golf fans will be eagerly watching as Thomas navigates the final round of the Zozo Championship, hoping to witness a triumphant return to the winner’s circle for the talented two-time major champion.
