Justin Thomas is one of a number of players looking to take down Scottie Scheffler at the US Open this week but ahead of tee off, Thomas has been giving the world number one his flowers.
Scheffler is getting back to the dominant form he showed in 2024 and coming off wins at both the PGA and The Memorial, he’s the one to beat around Oakmont.
Right now, Scheffler sits comfortably atop the world rankings and it’s going to take a monumental effort from those behind him to catch up.
Nevertheless, that is something that Justin Thomas has his eye on and ahead of things getting underway at Oakmont, Thomas has paid tribute to Scheffler’s brilliance.
Justin Thomas praises Scottie Scheffler ahead of the US Open
Questioned about the gap to world number one right now while doing media duties on Monday, Thomas admitted it’s very much something on his mind, albeit he has respect for those at the top right now.
“It’s still on my mind. I even had the thought last week of — I’m sure some people will laugh, but if I can even catch him this year. Win however many tournaments the rest of the year, and maybe Scottie doesn’t play or something,” Thomas quipped.
“I think that’s the thing about it is guys are playing unbelievable, like Xander did last year, like Rory is this year, but it’s just that Scottie is also doing that. You can’t really catch that if he keeps doing what he’s doing.
“It’s still on the forefront of my mind, and it’s something that I’m working toward. I obviously can’t do anything about what he’s doing, and he doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down or wanting to. Just try to go win some tournaments, and hopefully get close sooner rather than later.”
Pressed further on what Scheffler is doing right now that is so good, Thomas admitted it’s just so impressive to witness.
“What is he doing? Well, everything. It’s effortless. Every single aspect of his game is unbelievable. I think his mental game is better than anybody out here. To be able to play with those expectations and to stay present as often as he has to me is maybe more impressive than even the golf he’s playing,” Thomas admitted.
“I just think it’s so, so hard to do, and it’s also hard to explain if you’re in his shoes. He just doesn’t make any mistakes and almost kind of lets himself be in contention versus forces himself in contention. He just seems to be playing better.”
Scheffler’s mental capacity is the best in the world
Some players are just completely at ease with their golf game and right now, Scottie Scheffler is as comfortable as anyone on the PGA Tour.
He’s hitting fairways, landing the ball in the right spots on the green, and making putts when he needs to in big moments.
Right now, we’re witnessing a stretch of golf akin to Tiger Woods in his prime and a lot of that is down to how grounded Scheffler keeps himself.
Laura Davies claimed Scheffler’s level-headedness was his superpower recently and you have to say she is bang on in that assessment.
If he can start well around Oakmont and be anywhere near the top ten come the weekend, then the chances are he wins yet again and continues his dominance.
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