Justin Thomas explains key reason why he’s not at the same level as Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler

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Justin Thomas looked back to somewhere near his best at the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon but was left to rue a disastrous second-round front nine on Scotland’s west coast.

The two-time major winner carded an impressive three-under 68 on day one before struggling during his second 18 holes.

However, Thomas bounced back with his joint-lowest Open Championship score on Saturday to provide himself with a glimmer of hope heading into the final round.

After failing to mount a charge and witnessing Xander Schauffele lift the Claret Jug, Thomas has now spoken about why he’s currently outside the world’s elite group.

Justin Thomas’ bad is not good enough at the moment

Speaking to the No Laying Up Podcast, Thomas claimed that when he’s at his best, he can compete with the game’s elite, which includes the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Schauffele.

But, the 2022 PGA Championship winner went on to suggest his bad performance is well below the standard required.

“My good is extremely, extremely good right now, which is great,” said Thomas. “At the same time, the differentiator between the top players in the world and the people who are in their 20s and 30s is how good their bad is.”

He added: “My bad has just not been good enough lately. It’s hands down. Some of it is putting too much pressure on myself versus just trusting it and letting it happen.”

Despite missing out on his maiden Claret Jug, Thomas sent a heartfelt message to eventual winner Schauffele after the final round.

FedEx Cup offers Justin Thomas chance to turn 2024 season around

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Thomas’ comments on his performance feel valid. It was a similar story at the Scottish Open when he started in stunning fashion before falling down the leaderboard.

Clearly, consistency is required, and looking to avoid his worst golf is a must.

But, despite his poor form, Thomas sits 19th in the FedEx Cup standings and in with an excellent shout of making the Tour Championship at East Lake.

If the 31-year-old can finally put a run of form together in the playoffs, then there’s no reason why he can’t challenge Scheffler and Schauffele in Atalanta.