Justin Thomas was the latest big-name PGA Tour player forced to watch on as Scottie Scheffler claimed yet another victory, this time coming at Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge in Albany.
It was by no means a bad week for Thomas, who finished third on 18 under. Unfortunately, the world number one was back to his metronomic best and far too good for the rest of the exclusive 20-man field.
Tiger Woods has backed Thomas to enjoy a positive 2025, but it remains to be seen whether the two-time major winner can reach the level required to compete with Scheffler.
Thomas’ game appears to be trending in the right direction, and the American is pleased with how things are shaping up ahead of the new year.
Justin Thomas posts Instagram message after Hero World Challenge
Taking to Instagram after the invite-only event, Thomas painted a positive picture of his current game and also sent a message to Scheffler.
“Wasn’t the Sunday we wanted, but was a good week in the Bahamas for @tgrliveevents #heroworldchallenge,” he wrote. Loved being in the hunt again, a lot of things trending the right direction…Lots to use as a learning experience and motivation toward 2025!”
On the world number one, Thomas added: “Enjoyed (kinda ) watching @scottie.scheffler win to cap off a year for the history books. He’s set the standard for all of us to try and play to.”
Hard work pays off for Justin Thomas
Few PGA Tour players have worked harder behind the scenes than Thomas during the off-season. The two-time major winner has ramped up his swing speed and could well be among the longer hitters on tour next year.
With major championship pedigree, a resurgent Thomas could prove a threat to Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy in the four most important events of the season.
| Justin Thomas strokes gained 2024 | Value | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| SG: Total | 0.762 | 25 |
| SG: Tee-to-Green | 1.240 | 5 |
| SG: Off-the-Tee | 0.135 | 72 |
| SG: Approach the Green | 0.639 | 9 |
| SG: Around-the-Green | 0.466 | 3 |
| SG: Putting | -0.478 | 174 |
The dominance Scheffler is exhibiting is certainly alarming to the world’s best players, and it may take a former champion regaining form to challenge the world number one properly.
Scheffler and Thomas will both tee it up at The Sentry at the beginning of January, the first PGA Tour event of the season.
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