Golf fans know exactly what cost Justin Thomas the ZOZO Championship title

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Justin Thomas is probably wondering how exactly he was unable to secure his first PGA Tour win since 2022 after finishing in a tie for second at the ZOZO Championship.

Justin Thomas was obviously one of the biggest names in the field at the ZOZO Championship. And he was one of the players with a point to prove after another underwhelming 2024 season on the PGA Tour.

At times over the season, Thomas was incredibly erratic. He led the Scottish Open after posting an opening round of 62, but then failed to break 70 over the remaining three days. Meanwhile, he was in contention the following week at The Open Championship, but there were nine strokes between his second and third best rounds of the week at Royal Troon.

So it was extremely encouraging that Thomas made just one bogey this week in Japan – and that came on Thursday.

Golf fans suggest reason Justin Thomas failed to win the ZOZO Championship

And when he made a third birdie of the day on the sixth hole in his final round, it did appear that Thomas was well-placed to secure victory.

However, that would prove to be the 31-year-old’s penultimate birdie of the tournament. And it would be Nico Echavarria who got across the line to seal victory, with Thomas finishing one shot back.

Once the dust settles, the two-time major champion will be content with his week. Thomas was so impressive off the tee, while Thomas was within two shots of the lead heading into the final round for the first time since September 2023.

A familiar problem for the two-time major champion

But there was one aspect of Thomas’ game which many fans feel cost him on Sunday. Plenty were lauding the way he struck the ball all week, particularly with his irons. However, it appeared that Thomas’ putting prevented him from putting it all together.

Thomas is 167th on the PGA Tour for strokes gained putting this season, and it was not entirely difficult to see why on Sunday with very little dropping for him during the crucial moments in the final round…