‘I Had Goosebumps’: Despite Letting Down His Hometown, Justin Thomas Reveals Staggering Valhalla Experience

Even though he didn’t win the PGA Championship at Valhalla, hometown favorite Justin Thomas had a very memorable week. Following a difficult 2023 season in which he failed to make the cut in three of the four majors, Thomas’s performance, with a strong T8 finish, and experience at Valhalla marked a big career turning point and a major personal accomplishment.

On the par-3 14th hole at Valhalla on Saturday, JT hit the ball, and sadly it went into the rough. He managed to hole out and, astonishingly, made a birdie. That birdie helped him jump up on the leaderboard. After the tournament concluded, Thomas spoke to the media and explained that moment as one of the “coolest moments” of his career. “It was crazy. I had goosebumps for pretty much right up until I got to 15 tee. As you know, it’s not exactly cool outside. It was one of the coolest moments of my career. It was unbelievable.”

Thomas, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, was the fan favorite at Valhalla, and the local audience was clearly behind him. Thomas called the event “the best week ever” and “one of the coolest weeks” of his career after giving it some thought. He had never encountered the kind of adoration and excitement from the crowd. “I feel I’m very fortunate to have, you know, some fans in different places we go, but that was hands down the most loved I’ve ever felt,” Thomas admitted to Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz.

One of the highlights was the warm welcome Thomas received, particularly on the 18th hole. Even though he didn’t compete for first place, he received a standing ovation—a unique honor for someone who placed eighth. His relationship with the fans and the influence he has had on the golfing community were demonstrated by the crowd’s display of enthusiasm.

Justin Thomas’ troubles in 2023 make his experience at Valhalla especially important. For the competitive golfer, missing the cut in three of the four majors was a bitter pill to swallow. But his performance at Valhalla and the resounding support from the crowd have probably rekindled his enthusiasm and self-assurance. It serves as a reminder that an athlete’s career is defined by more than just their accomplishments; it is also shaped by the experiences and journey they take on along the way. With all this fanfare, Justin Thomas is on top of the world right now. But what does the future hold for the 31-year-old pro?

Will Justin Thomas be able to bounce back in 2024?

The knowledge and insights from Valhalla will surely motivate Thomas going forward. The love from his hometown fans and the personal accomplishments of the week are priceless, as he intends to play in games like the Memorial Tournament and the US Open in the future. Sports are complex, as Justin Thomas’s open assessment of his week at Valhalla demonstrates. Even if he might not have won the title, the week at Valhalla was nevertheless a success in and of itself, demonstrating resiliency, camaraderie, and the pure love of the game.

Justin Thomas has had a rocky first half of 2024, filled with some hits and big misses. Despite having a strong start, with an excellent T3 at the American Express Tournament, followed by an equally impressive T6 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am. However, subsequent showings have been poor, including him having been cut from the Masters. His recent showing at the PGA Championship shows promise, but his performance at the US Open and other big games can only be gauged by how he performs in the games leading up to the forthcoming Major.

As Justin Thomas basks in the glory of having a good showing in his hometown, he must remember the stakes as he takes on the upcoming game. Even though he has not won any big events lately, one can never truly count out the 2x major winner from showing out!