Justin Thomas is looking to end his two-year wait for a victory during Sunday’s final round of the ZOZO Championship in Japan.
The two-time major winner is 15 under and two shots back of the lead after carding a bogey-free 65 on Saturday.
Thomas’ driving and putting have impressed at Accordia Narashino Country Club, and the American has admitted he loves this week’s venue.
The 31-year-old’s form, coupled with a course he likes, appears to be the right formula as he looks to end what has been a barren spell.
Justin Thomas wants more PGA Tour events in Japan
Speaking during his post-round press duties on Saturday, Thomas was quick to thank the Japanese fans and insisted the PGA Tour should change its schedule in order to play more events in the country.
“I appreciate all the Japanese fans. It means a lot,” Thomas said.
“The support has been great—the signs, kids, adults, everybody. I wish we had the opportunity to come and play here more often. But to be here now and have an opportunity to win, I appreciate the support thus far, and I would appreciate it even more tomorrow, so thanks to everybody.”
ZOZO Championship: Xander Schauffele also lauds Japanese fans
It’s not just Thomas who has been left impressed by the support this week. World number two Xander Schauffele praised the fans after his second round on Friday.
“It’s been great,” Schauffele said. “The fans have been pushing us along and sharing our good shots and our recovery shots as well.
“It has been very helpful to have the fans pushing us along.”
Officials should look to take the PGA Tour overseas more frequently. A golf-mad nation like Japan should be given the chance to see the world’s best players up close more than once annually.
This week’s course has been lauded, and several elite-level venues dotted around Japan could be used in the future.
It’s undoubtedly something for PGA officials to consider as talk of a global tour emerges.
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