There are many stories of iconic rivalries and wholesome friendships in golf, but the easy camaraderie between Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas is definitely one of fans’ favorites. On Monday, the pair’s amazing relationship came to light once again, with the World No. 13 Thomas recounting a story involving the 15-time major champion.
The golfer appeared in the first episode of Smylie Kaufman’s new podcast, The Smylie Show, where he talked about playing with Woods in a tournament a few years ago. So, what went down between the two? Let’s find out!
Justin Thomas recounts an iconic story involving Tiger Woods
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When Tiger Woods claimed his first ever major title in 1997, Justin Thomas was just days away from turning four. Years later, both icons of the sport have developed a beautiful bond, with the 47-year-old referring to Thomas as his younger brother in the past.
In fact, fans will also remember the duo’s exceptional outing at the 2019 President’s Cup, where player-captain Tiger Woods himself picked the younger golfer to be his playing partner. Talking to longtime friend Smylie Kaufman for his new podcast, Thomas had a great story to tell from the memorable event.
Per the former World No. 1, he had sought Woods’ advice regarding a challenging tee shot at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. “So I had 16 tee shot and it’s this brutal hole,” recalled Thomas. “There’s this damn tree that’s like right off the tee on the left.” So, how did the 82-time PGA Tour winner respond?
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According to Thomas, the golfer had a very deadpan reply to his query, saying, “I don’t care what I have in, just put me in the f****ing fairway.” The golfers share just as beautiful a relationship off the course, with the 2-time major winner regularly taking part in pitching contests in the backyard of Woods’ Hobe Sound home.
Meanwhile, Thomas is returning this week to defend his PGA Championship title at New York’s Oak Hill Country Club. Tiger Woods, however, will be sitting out the tournament owing to his injury-related troubles.
Justin Thomas returns to defend PGA Championship title
This year, the PGA Championship event boasts a highly-competitive field, with 99 of the top 100 players making it to the list. With 18 LIV golfers thrown into the mix, the tournament promises much excitement to golf fans. Defending champion Justin Thomas is one of the golfers to look out for, as he will be vying to claim his third Wanamaker Trophy this year.
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After all, the 30-year-old will wish to forget his woes from last month, where he failed to make the cut at Augusta National. He also suffered another setback in April, dropping out of the world top 10 for the first time in 6 years.
However, Thomas is steadily regaining his blazing ways, as he finished T14 at the recently-concluded Wells Fargo Championship. Due to his back surgery, last year’s runner-up, Will Zalatoris, will not be playing in the major this year. Meanwhile, World No. 10 Jordan Spieth‘s appearance is still uncertain owing to his wrist injury.
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What do you think of Justin Thomas’ story about Tiger Woods? Do you think Thomas will win his 3rd PGA Championship title this year? Let us know in the comments below.