Justin Thomas has recently gone back to using his Scotty Cameron X5 mallet putter, a decision that seems to be paying off as he is in contention for his first win in almost two-and-a-half years at the Zozo Championship. This follows a relatively improved 2024 season compared to his disappointing 2023 performance, where he failed to make the FedEx Cup top 50. Despite his overall better performance this year, Thomas still hasn’t been able to secure a win since the 2022 PGA Championship, largely due to his struggles on the greens. While his ball striking numbers have improved, ranking 11th this year in strokes gained: approach, his putting has suffered, with him losing almost half a stroke per round compared to last year and dropping to 167th on Tour.
Throughout the season, Thomas has experimented with different putters in an attempt to address his putting issues. He started the year with his trusted Scotty Cameron X5 mallet putter, which he used to win major tournaments in the past. However, he switched to other putters such as the T5 mallet, G.S.S. blade putter, and Phantom 9.2 Tour prototype mallet, each offering a unique design and feel. Despite trying various options, Thomas ultimately went back to his familiar X5 mallet putter during the Zozo Championship in Japan. This decision seems to have paid off, as he has seen improvement in his putting performance during the tournament.
Thomas’ feel for the X5 mallet putter is supported by statistics, with him gaining over a stroke on the greens throughout the tournament. This marks a significant improvement compared to his previous performances this season, showcasing the positive impact of his decision to revert to his trusted putter. Thomas emphasized the importance of precision and matching everything up when dealing with greens that have a lot of break, highlighting his ability to adapt and perform well with the X5 mallet. As a result, he has been able to make crucial putts and improve his overall performance on the greens, positioning himself well for a potential victory at the Zozo Championship.
The switch back to the Scotty Cameron X5 mallet putter has breathed new life into Thomas’ putting game, providing him with the confidence and consistency needed to compete at the highest level. His improved performance on the greens has been a key factor in his resurgence and potential success at the Zozo Championship, demonstrating the importance of finding the right equipment that suits his game. As Thomas continues to contend for victory, his decision to trust in his tried-and-tested putter proves to be a strategic move that could potentially end his winless streak and solidify his position as a top contender on the PGA Tour. With the support of his trusted equipment, Thomas is poised to make a strong comeback and showcase his skills on the greens with the Scotty Cameron X5 mallet putter leading the way.
