Justin Thomas reflects on his memories from a year ago when he missed the PGA Tour’s playoffs. Thomas watched the playoffs on TV and laughed at the players struggling in the hot climate. He also visited the BMW Championship in Chicago, where people wished him luck even though he was not playing. This year, Thomas has rebounded with five top 10 finishes, eight top 25 finishes, and a spot in the Tour Championship. He attributes his improvement to taking ownership of his game and reducing the number of coaches he relies on.
Thomas acknowledges that his relationship with his primary coach, his dad Mike, played a significant role in his performance this year. He admits that he had previously become too reliant on external coaches and lost accountability for his own game. By communicating his needs and preferences to his dad, Thomas was able to take back ownership of his playing style and make adjustments on his own during rounds. While Thomas had a mixed season with two major missed cuts and no wins, he is excited to be among the 30 players at the Tour Championship.
Thomas emphasizes the importance of effective communication with his coach, especially when his coach is also his father. By expressing his emotional needs and preferences to his dad, Thomas was able to tailor his coaching experience to better suit his playing style. While Thomas’s season may not have been perfect in terms of performance, he is grateful for the opportunity to compete at East Lake Golf Club and is motivated to continue improving his game. Thomas recognizes the accomplishment of qualifying for the Tour Championship and is excited to compete alongside some of the best players in the world.
As the PGA Tour season comes to an end after the Tour Championship, Thomas reflects on his journey over the past year and the improvements he has made in his game. Despite the challenges and setbacks he faced, Thomas’s dedication to taking ownership of his game and communicating effectively with his coaches has led to a successful season. As he prepares to tee off at the Tour Championship, Thomas is focused on playing his best and enjoying the experience of competing at a high level. He is grateful for the opportunity to showcase his skills and is determined to continue working towards his goals in the future.