What has been noticed about Justin Thomas’ driving and putting at the ZOZO Championship after the first two days

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Justin Thomas is firmly in contention heading into the weekend at the ZOZO Championship in Japan.

Thomas carded a six-under 64 on Friday, which included an eagle on the par-five 18th.

After Thomas opened with a four-under 66 on Thursday, the American sits two shots back of leader Nico Echavarria. The two-time major winner will tee up alongside Echavarria and Taylor Moore in Saturday’s final group.

Thomas is aiming for consistency in 2025, and landing his first victory since 2022 would undoubtedly be a huge boost ahead of the new season.

Graham DeLaet notices change in Justin Thomas driving

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Golf pundit Graham DeLaet has been impressed by Thomas over the first two days, particularly the 31-year-old’s driving and putting.

“He is a proven winner, that’s for sure, a two-time major champion. When he gets in that final group tomorrow with Nico Echavarria and Taylor Moore, that’s added pressure for those two. No question. They are both winners on the PGA Tour but it’s a bit different when Justin Thomas is chasing you down,” DeLaet told Sky Sports.

“This looks like the Justin Thomas of old. He has had his struggles, which are well documented, in the last couple of years, but you can see he is coming back. And the confidence he is playing with. The putter looks so good in his hand; he is driving the ball beautifully, and that really is the key to winning.”

Justin Thomas signs positive at ZOZO Championship

Consistency has been a massive issue for Thomas during the 2024 PGA Tour season. During the links stretch of the year in Scotland, the golfing world saw Thomas’ brilliant best and agonising worst.

The American went from leading the Open Championship to nearly missing the cut after carding polarising rounds at Royal Troon. It was a similar story during the Scottish Open, where the 31-year-old led before fading out of contention.

Finally, Thomas seems close to finding the formula that made him one of the world’s elite golfers.

The ZOZO Championship is the perfect chance for the American to capitalise on what is an excellent opportunity to end his winless run and taste victory before the 2025 PGA Tour season gets underway in January.