Justin Thomas, a 15-time PGA Tour winner, has enjoyed success in Asia, with four of his victories coming on the continent. His first two wins in Asia came at the CIMB Classic in Malaysia in 2015 and 2016, followed by a win at the CJ Cup in South Korea in 2017. In 2019, he added a second CJ Cup victory in South Korea to his resume.
This week, Thomas is competing at the 2024 Zozo Championship in Chiba, Japan, his first event in Asia since 2019. This tournament holds special significance for Thomas as it is his last start before becoming a father. His wife, Jillian, is due to give birth to their first child, a girl, in late November.
Despite the impending arrival of his daughter, Thomas is focused on his golf game and securing his 16th PGA Tour victory. In the 2019 Zozo Championship, Thomas finished T-17, with Tiger Woods capturing the historic win, tying the PGA Tour’s all-time wins record with his 82nd victory.
The 2019 tournament is also memorable for the extreme weather conditions, with a typhoon hitting Japan and bringing torrential downpours. Thomas described it as the most rain he had ever seen in a single day. However, this year’s forecast for the event is more favorable, with possible showers early Friday morning but overall good weather expected for the players and fans.
Thomas is looking forward to the opportunity to play in front of different fans and is excited about the warm welcome that players receive in Asia. He is focused on finding fairways and greens on the golf course as he aims for a strong performance at the Zozo Championship. This event is likely to be his final start of 2024 as he prepares to transition into the role of fatherhood.
While Thomas acknowledges that he may not feel fully prepared for the challenges of parenthood, he is committed to making the most of every situation and embracing the new chapter in his life. He understands that being a father will present unique challenges, but he and his wife are excited for this new journey and eager to see what the future holds.
As Thomas competes in the Zozo Championship and prepares for the arrival of his daughter, he remains focused on his game and determined to add to his impressive list of PGA Tour victories. This event in Asia holds special significance for Thomas, who has found success on the continent before and hopes to continue that trend in Chiba, Japan. With his wife’s due date approaching, Thomas is balancing his golf career with the impending arrival of his first child, a challenge he is ready to embrace with enthusiasm and determination.
