Two-time major champion Justin Thomas produced the eye-catching early round on day one of the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon.
Thomas, who has endured a difficult season thus far, showed signs of life at last week’s Scottish Open. During his first round, he made a 42-foot putt on the 12th hole, his longest in over two years.
The 31-year-old’s work on the greens has been his undoing this season. Currently, Thomas ranks 154th in strokes gained putting on the PGA Tour, which is nowhere near the level required to compete with the elite players.
As a result, the American tested out a new putter during last week’s event at the Renaissance Club, and it appears to have worked.
Justin Thomas shares thoughts on his new putter after shooting 68 at Royal Troon
Thomas made seven birdies during his first round at Royal Troon and appeared to be enjoying his new Scotty Cameron design.
Speaking to Sky Sports after his round, the 31-year-old claimed that the change was needed to rediscover his touch on the greens.
“I mean, sometimes it takes something a little different,” Thomas explained. “I don’t like tweaking stuff but I’m also one who says if it’s not working let’s find something that will.”
He added, “There were definitely some tendencies to it, which help in some aspects. I made some great putts last week and saw a lot of good ones go in today, but I’m a golfer; there is always room for improvement!”
Jordan Spieth is the reason behind Justin Thomas’ putter switch
Thomas’ Scotty Cameron 9.2 prototype is nearly identical to Jordan Spieth’s new putter – and the 31-year-old used his close friend for inspiration.
“I happened to be staying with Jordan a couple of times over that stretch when he got it, and I picked it up and thought it looked amazing,” Thomas told Golf Week.
Tiger Woods was also seen testing out Thomas’ new putter and appeared impressed by what he saw. “It’s got a good feel to it,” said Woods.
The challenge for Thomas is to now push on heading into the weekend. After carding a superb eight under at the Scottish Open, the American faded badly over the remaining three rounds.
A similar scenario cannot happen at Royal Troon this week.
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