Justin Thomas tees off throughout a apply spherical at this week’s Sentry on the Plantation Course at Kapalua in Maui.
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Justin Thomas missed Kapalua final 12 months. He’s again now and hoping that doesn’t occur once more.
And may you blame him? Hawaii in January is unbelievable. Plus, if you’re at the Sentry, meaning you had been good final season. It means you had not less than some success, received a match or superior deep into the playoffs.
Thomas was not at Kapalua final 12 months, as his 2022-23 season was his first with out a victory since his first full 12 months on Tour a decade in the past. He didn’t win final 12 months both, however he did play effectively sufficient to complete within the prime 50 within the FedEx Cup standings, that means he bought a spot in all of 2025’s Signature Occasions.
His play over the past two years — some good, some unhealthy — has additionally made him a bubble boy for the final two group occasions, the 2023 Ryder Cup and 2024 Presidents Cup. For back-to-back seasons he didn’t auto qualify however was simply adequate — and had a robust observe document in these occasions — to warrant captain’s decide consideration.
For the Ryder Cup, he was in. For the Presidents Cup, he was out.
“It’s horrible. I’ve sadly been [on the bubble] for 2 years, and it isn’t a enjoyable place to be in,” stated Thomas, talking to the media Wednesday on the season-opening Sentry. “Not solely ready for the telephone name, however then not realizing how the telephone name goes to go, so it’s numerous anxiousness and numerous stress.”
Thomas was out along with his spouse, Jill, when he bought the decision from captain Jim Furyk saying he didn’t make the Presidents Cup group. Thomas stated it ruined the day and led to a beer at lunch.
“If it was my alternative, if I used to be house, I’d have gone straight to the vary,” he stated. “Like, alright, I didn’t make it, it’s what it’s, however, like, I’m going to show why I don’t suppose that that was a superb determination. Like I stated, it was the suitable determination, however some stuff you simply must form of inform your self.”
That’s partly why Thomas has a newfound method for this season.
“I haven’t had the chance to play pissed off for awhile, so I’m fairly excited to play somewhat pissed off this 12 months,” he stated.
And if you’re questioning what precisely meaning, a reporter on-site was there to ask the comply with up for you.
What’s pissed off golf?
“I clearly, I didn’t should be on the [Presidents Cup] group, however mentally inside my thoughts I all the time suppose and know that I’m going to be a superb addition to a group,” Thomas stated. “So generally you need to inform your self some issues.”
“I like Jim, we talked many instances, and our friendship and relationship hasn’t modified in any respect, however there could be nothing extra I’d love than about 4, 5 six instances this 12 months textual content him and say, ‘Good name.’ [Laughs] However I’m glad that they received and was pulling for ’em like loopy, however fortunately we’re shut sufficient the place I really feel like I can try this and he received’t get too mad.”
Thomas tied for 14th on the Tour Championship final season, however his finest end got here in October, when he traveled to Japan for the Zozo Championship. He shot 66 on Sunday and tied for second, falling a shot behind Nico Echavarria. Final month, he was third on the Hero World Problem.
There’s additionally been one other huge change this offseason. His daughter, Molly Grace Thomas, was born in November.
Two winless years are behind him. However he’s beginning 2025 proper — in Hawaii.
“There’s no place I need to be beginning my 12 months greater than Kapalua, so final 12 months watching I used to be prefer it sucked fairly trustworthy,” Thomas stated. “I’m glad to be again.”
Thomas’ first spherical begins at 4:39 p.m. ET on Thursday alongside Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott. You possibly can comply with from 6-10 p.m. on Golf Channel.
