Justin Thomas once again failed to get over the line in a PGA Tour event as he allowed Viktor Hovland into the mix over the final few holes at the Valspar Championship to throw his chances away.
Thomas was three shots ahead with just four to play but bogeyed two of three to let Hovland in, who subsequently birdied 16 and 17 to claw back and overtake the American.
Thomas had played well all weekend and coming down the stretch, appeared to be in control and cruising to a first win in more than two years.
However, a resurgent Hovland ensured it wasn’t to be for Thomas and speaking after the round, the American gave his immediate thoughts on proceedings.
Justin Thomas reacts after losing out to Viktor Hovland at the Valspar
It’s never easy to come so close to winning a golf tournament and even more so for Justin Thomas, who has come agonisingly close to ending his bad run.
However, speaking to the media on the course after his round finished, Thomas admitted that he still felt good to be in the mix.
‘It was a blast. I’ve had plenty of chances this year but nothing quite like that,” Thomas admitted. ‘That’s erm, exactly why we play and practice.
“I felt so good out there, so comfortable and excited for every shot in this entire moment. There’s not much I can do, he birdies 16/17 and I make it a lot easier on him but yeah, it’s fun, really really fun, but really hard trying to win golf tournaments.”
- READ MORE: What Jordan Spieth did twice at the Valspar Championship which sums up his game at the moment
Viktor Hovland produces when it matters to beat Justin Thomas
Viktor Hovland’s journey the last 18 months or so has been well documented and he’s been very open in just how poor his game has been at times.
However, when it mattered and when the pressure was on, Hovland delivered.
For Justin Thomas though, he’ll look at it as having a stroke of bad luck. According to Justin Ray, Hovland’s win at the Valspar means he’s the first player in over a year to miss three cuts in a row and then win his next tournament.
With the Ryder Cup this year, Hovland will be delighted to get back in the winner’s circle.
As for Justin Thomas, his time will eventually come and based on his form in 2025 so far, that win is not far away.
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