Justin Thomas grew up as a golf enthusiast, having met Jack Nicklaus as a child at the 2000 PGA Championship. Despite only being 7 years old at the time, Thomas vividly remembered getting Nicklaus’ autograph and proudly telling his classmates about it. As Thomas became a professional golfer and close friends with Tiger Woods, the memories of that encounter remained with him. He often reminded Woods of his close call at Valhalla in 2000, where he narrowly avoided losing to Bob May and missing out on the Tiger Slam.
Now, with the PGA Championship returning to Valhalla, Thomas hopes to follow in the footsteps of Woods and claim the Wanamaker Trophy in his hometown. While it is not uncommon for golfers to compete in their hometown events, it is a rare opportunity for a multiple-major winner like Thomas to have a shot at victory where he grew up. Thomas, a former high school state champion, is one of Kentucky’s most accomplished golfers, with only Bobby Nichols and Kenny Perry having won major championships from the state.
As Thomas prepared for the Wells Fargo Championship ahead of the PGA Championship, he tried to stay focused on the task at hand. With his father and family eagerly anticipating his homecoming, Thomas felt the pressure of performing in front of a hometown crowd. Despite a recent T-5 finish at the RBC Heritage, Thomas was determined to refocus and build on his previous successes. His win at the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma, gave him confidence heading into Valhalla.
Reflecting on his game, Thomas acknowledged the need to combine his skills and mental approach to compete at the highest level. With Valhalla being a familiar course for him, Thomas took the opportunity to visit ahead of the tournament to reacquaint himself with the layout. While seeking advice from Woods proved challenging, Thomas understood that sometimes the best performers struggle to articulate their methods. Instead, he focused on his own preparation and history at Valhalla to pave the way for success.
As Thomas looked forward to the 2022 PGA Championship at Valhalla, he aimed to draw on his memories and experiences to create new moments of triumph. With a renewed focus on his game, Thomas hoped to recapture the form that led him to victory in previous tournaments. As a native of Kentucky, Thomas carried the hopes of his hometown supporters as he geared up for a shot at glory on familiar turf. Whether he could replicate the success of Woods at Valhalla remained to be seen, but Thomas was determined to leave his mark on his home course.
