Justin Thomas says he’s ‘honestly surprised’ by what Scottie Scheffler failed to do on day two at the Hero World Challenge

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Over the past two years, Scottie Scheffler’s presence at the top of a leaderboard has become somewhat of a norm within professional golf.

And, to the surprise of absolutely nobody, the metronomic 28-year-old holds the lead after two rounds of the Hero World Challenge in Albany.

Scheffler stunned fans after deploying a new putter grip during the first round. The American’s new technique appeared to work, however. Scheffler carded six birdies on his way to an opening five-under 67.

Scheffler went through the gears on day two, firing an eight-under 64 to take control of Tiger Woods’ event. Justin Thomas, who watched Scheffler’s round up close, even suggested the 28-year-old left shots out on the course.

Justin Thomas reacts to Scottie Scheffler’s eight-under round at Hero World Challenge

Speaking during his post-round press conference, Thomas admitted Scheffler could have gone lower at Albany.

“I mean, out here, it’s so doable; you literally can birdie every hole as soft as the greens are,” Thomas said.

“I mean, he’s a great — obviously a great player but a great wedge player and you have a lot of birdie holes to start. I’m honestly surprised he only shot eight under. I would expect him — not that it was a lack of effort to kind of keep the pedal down, but it’s a sneaky course because if you fall asleep on some shots, you can get out of position.

“But if you’re on and focused and really in control of everything, like these last two days with no wind, you can just make so many birdies. It wasn’t a big surprise to me at all.”

• READ MORE: Scottie Scheffler picks the round which he believes was the ‘best’ he played during the whole of 2024

Justin Thomas also in contention at Hero World Challenge

Of course, Scheffler’s form will take the headlines after the second day’s play in the Bahamas. Thomas, however, is one to watch ahead of the new PGA Tour season starting at The Sentry next month.

Thomas has been working hard on his game behind the scenes, and, tee-to-green, the two-time major winner looks somewhere near his best.

He’s added length and seems to finally have his driver under control. If Thomas can find his touch on the greens, he stands every chance of competing in some of 2025’s most significant events.

When he’s at his best, the Louisville-born star is more than capable of competing with the likes of Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy.