The golf world is often defined by fierce competition, but it’s also home to some heartwarming friendships. One such bond is between Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, and Jordan Spieth. The trio regularly travels together, often bringing their wives along, highlighting their closeness. In 2023, they even took a trip to England before kicking off two consecutive weeks of professional golf in Britain.

In 2017, talking about it, Fowler admitted to spending a lot of time with JT. “Practice, play together. We enjoy pushing each other. That was a little extra motivation.” Their bromance has always been a serious one. During the Fowler had an early second round, and Thomas had an afternoon tee time. When Thomas’s group teed off near Fowler’s hotel balcony, Thomas was seen waving up at his friend as he walked the first fairway.

JT, Spieth, Fowler, and former pro, Smylie Kaufman are the spring break group, a name they earned a few years back when all four went on a golf trip together for spring break. The trio always finds time to spend together, take 2025 Cognizant Classic for instance. Despite deciding not to share accommodation with Fowler and Thomas during the event, Spieth said they would still spend time together. “Yeah, I do plan on going and seeing them and having a couple dinners and hanging out. They’re not far away.” However, in golf, there’s a unique feeling when you play against a friend.

It’s often said that losing to a friend feels worse than simply seeing them win. The rivalry stings more when it’s someone you share a close bond with, making the loss feel personal, while their victory still feels sweet in its way, and even more when the opponent is boastful about it. And well, it is the same with Rickie Fowler. A week ago, he appeared as a guest at the Up & Adam Show hosted by Kay Adams. During the interview, he was asked about his friendship with the golfers, and he shared some details.

 “I mean we are always friends, and I think your friends are the ones you want to beat the most. It’s fun when we do get paired together. You know, in contention. Playing against each other on the weekend.” So, how does it feel to beat your friends on the greens? Fowler has an answer for that as well. “It’s fun when your friends play well. But it’s even more fun when you beat your friends when they play well.” When asked who he would rather not lose to, Fowler answered, “It’d probably be JT. JT chirps a little bit more.” 

Now, we all know who is the sore loser of the group, and who takes it like a champ! JT and Fowler have been friends for a long time. Well, you’ll be amazed to know that Justin Thomas has always been the same. Always chirping after losing!

Let’s go back to 5 years from now. At the 2020 PGA Championship, Justin Thomas’s intensity was on full display. During the final round, a frustrating moment led to an audible outburst, as he muttered, “You’ve gotta be f**king kidding me.” That missed putt likely contributed to his drop to a T-37 finish. A glimpse of Thomas’s sarcastic side appeared later at the 2024 American Express in January when he watched a replay of his lipped-out hole-in-one. When asked by the interviewer to review the clip, he smiled and quipped, “I don’t know if I’m going to like this video.” With a smirk, he added, “That was so cruel. Obviously, a great shot, but going 20, 30 feet past and then having that happen. Oh well, good 2. One and a half.”

Well, Fowler is not the only one who believes Justin Thomas has a rather boastful attitude. There are several other PGA Tour Pros who believe the same.

Thomas Detry called Justin Thomas ‘cocky’

During a candid appearance on GOLF’s Subpar podcast, Thomas Detry shared a glimpse into Justin Thomas’s younger years on the junior golf circuit. When asked if Thomas was a “cocky little s**t talker,” Detry didn’t hesitate: “Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, he was.” Detry recalled JT’s confident demeanor, describing him as “a little cocky” even at a young age. The Belgian also mentioned an unusual habit that stood out to him. “I remember him spitting a lot. For some reason,” Detry said, adding that the habit left a strong impression on him.

Detry painted a vivid picture of a 14-year-old Thomas casually spitting on the course. “He was a 14-year-old kid just spitting around on the golf course,” Detry recalled, still amazed. “I was like, what are you doing? Keep it in,” he laughed. Thomas Detry competed alongside Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth in the 2010 Junior Ryder Cup, and the memories from that time are filled with humor and insight into the more relaxed sides of athletes.

While JT has certainly matured over the years, his attitude remains a defining part of his persona. What do you think?