Smylie Kaufman predicts whether Justin Thomas will win a major in 2025 as he says he has a new ‘weapon’ now

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Golf Channel commentator Smylie Kaufman anticipates a big 2025 season for two-time major winner Justin Thomas.

Thomas has been improving his driving during the off-season, and his on-course performance seems to be benefiting as a result.

The Louisville-born star finished second at the ZOZO Championship before placing third at last weekend’s Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Tiger Woods believes the signs are positive for Thomas, and Kaufman has now suggested that a third major championship could well be on the cards.

Smylie Kaufman impressed by Justin Thomas’ new weapon

• READ MORE: Where Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 statistically ranks alongside the greatest seasons of Tiger Woods’ career after his ninth win

Speaking during the latest edition of the Smylie Show, Kaufman made a bold prediction on what Thomas could produce once major championship season starts.

“Dude, I think JT is going to pick off a major this year. Just think about the venues,” Kaufman said.

“Right now, that driver sets up his game so much. When you go from being a top 25 driver as far as distance goes, and you show up to a major championship, and now you have a weapon. It’s like Rory McIlroy; it sets up your game. JT’s Iron game has always been elite; his short game is elite. Don’t let the stats fool you from the Sunday round. He’s going to get plenty of ups and downs and chip-ins.”

Oakmont, Quail Hollow and Royal Portrush will join Augusta National as major venues in 2025, and Kaufman believes all four courses are well-suited to Thomas’ game.

“I know he loves links golf and playing in the wind. He’s found The Open golf to be some of his favourite golf,” Kaufman added.

“You have an Open at a venue that he really enjoys, you have Quail Hollow, loves that golf course, and he’s won a major there. You have Augusta, which should fit his game, but that’s more about the putting than anything. And then Oakmont, look at the last US Open that’s out there; you have to put the ball in the fairway, but if you go out there and do what Dustin Johnson did, you can go out there and blitz the place. It’s a big major year for JT.”

Can Justin Thomas match Scottie Scheffler?

Thomas, like so many of the world’s elite players, must find a way to compete with Scottie Scheffler when the 2025 season starts at The Sentry next month.

Scheffler’s tee-to-green play is relentlessly consistent and has left the likes of Thomas needing to produce low rounds just to keep pace.

Thomas has transformed his driver into a strength, and now he must focus on improving his putting. When he gets hot, few can go as low as the two-time major winner. Unfortunately, in recent years, the flat stick has remained stone cold.

As Scheffler’s putting continues to improve, Thomas must turn his attention to the greens over the coming weeks.