‘You’re Not My Dad Out Here’: Justin Thomas Opens Up on Getting Pissed at His ‘Swing Coach’

Working with family is a boon. However, it doesn’t always end on the bright side, as there are some negatives to it as well. Being a student of his father’s swing coaching, the 2017 PGA Championship winner, Justin Thomas, might resonate with the above statement.

“It’s a lot different,” Justin said. The golfer talked about how it feels to have his father as his swing coach. “I mean, I get pissed at him sometimes,” he further stated. 

Mike Thomas was a PGA Tour pro before turning into his son’s swing coach. He has been coaching JT since he picked up golf as a youngster. Notably, Mike Thomas’ father, Paul Thomas, was Mike’s swing coach as well.

According to JT, his father never talks to him about his shortcomings the way the other coaches do. “‘Dad, you’re not my dad out here, you’re my swing coach,'” narrated Thomas, reminding his father of his professional role and its responsibilities.

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“‘I need you (Mike Thomas) to tell me if something’s wrong,'” JT said he would say to his father. “‘I don’t need my ego boosted.'” Thomas also did mention that although they have moments like these, they share a good relationship just like any other coach and golfer. 

Justin Thomas’ swing coach saved him from playing a terrible round at the 2022 PGA Championship!

According to Justin Thomas, he wasn’t pleased with the range session at the Southern Hills. He admitted that he was frustrated with his father a day before the tournament over his play. However, as his swing coach, his father, Mike Thomas, helped him get over his problem. 

“Let’s just start trying to hit some shots, like put a stick out, like let’s hit some fades, hit some draws,” the golfer explained what his father said to him. According to the 14-time PGA Tour winner, the suggestion saved him from having a bad day at the Southern Hills as his shots improved after that advice. 

After round one, Thomas has secured a tie for the 2nd position with three other golfers. He has scored 4-under par, and the current leader on the board, Rory McIlroy, has a 1-shot lead over the seconds. Notably, Thomas has already won the PGA Championship, his only major, in 2017. 

Although they have their differences, Justin Thomas would never deny that Mike Thomas is a good swing coach. In fact, he is one of the best, as JT has already won 14 titles on the Tour with him. What do you think about their work relationship? 

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