‘We’re Very Similar’: Justin Thomas on Rory McIlroy Taking Up a Leadership Role on the PGA Tour

The PGA Tour is under fire, with many players jumping to LIV Golf for a better deal. Amidst all the chaos, Rory McIlroy has been leading the PGA Tour by winning the titles and creating records.

“He’s accomplished a lot more than I have,” Justin Thomas said about his fellow golfer and friend. The 2022 PGA Championship winner explained that the Irish golfer has accomplished and found success more than him. 

“But there’s nobody that I think acts better for… acts more humble and more grounded for what they’ve done and who they are than him,” he added.

McIlroy won his 21st PGA Tour title at the 2022 RBC Canadian Open. Notably, he became only the 6th in the last 50 years to win 21 titles on Tour before 34. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Tom Watson are some of the others that own this record. Furthermore, according to the OWGR standings, McIlroy climbed five places to become the world’s No. 3 golfer. 

Justin Thomas shared a sweet anecdote about Rory McIlroy! 

Thomas described how he met the Irish golfer at the Bear’s Club in Jupiter for the first time as a rookie. “I just was like, ‘hey, I’d love to play sometime,'” the 29-year-old explained how he introduced himself to McIlroy. 

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According to Thomas, the 4-time major winner didn’t hesitate to accept his offer and gave out his number. Notably, Thomas turned professional in 2013 and joined the Tour in 2015. By 2015, McIlroy had won 9 PGA Tour titles, including all his 4 major championships. “We kind of hit it off,” stated the 2-time major champion. “We’re very similar personalities.”  

Does Thomas consider the 21-time PGA title winner his role model? 

“For me, I definitely that the other people should look up to someone like him,” Thomas said in the U. S. Open press meet. “I do, in some aspect.” Although Thomas stated that he wants to beat McIlroy in the competitions. However, he respects the leadership quality of the Irish golfer. 

Interestingly, Thomas was in contention to win the RBC Canadian Open last week with McIlroy. However, his impressive 64 at the St. George’s Golf & Country Club was not enough to beat the champion’s 62. 

Thomas respects McIlroy because of his character and looks up to him for his certain qualities. The 2-time major winner is currently 28-year-old and has already won 15 titles. Do you think he can follow his role model and become the 7th to win 21 titles before 34? 

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