Why Justin Thomas’ latest ‘disappointment’ at the Zozo looked different

Justin Thomas’ winless streak extended at the Zozo Championship, leaving him one shot shy of victory and marking two-and-a-half years without a win. Despite his disappointment, there were promising signs that this tournament felt different from his previous performances.

Thomas battled fiercely on Sunday, ultimately finishing just behind Nico Echavarria, who secured the win by making birdies on two of his last three holes. In contrast, Thomas found himself making only one birdie over the same stretch, missing crucial putts that grazed the edge but failed to drop. Though disappointed, Thomas remained optimistic about his game, reflecting on his solid performance and expressing pride in the progress he’s made.

Thomas’ performance at Zozo was encouraging, as he displayed flashes of the form that once brought him to the top of the golfing world. Over 72 holes, he made just one bogey, ranking high in key areas like strokes gained off the tee and approach shots, which had defined his peak seasons.

His Sunday play was steady and strategic, gaining nearly 2.5 strokes on the field with a bogey-free round. This version of Thomas may differ from the one that clinched the 2022 PGA Championship, yet it hints at a refined, resilient player emerging from a challenging period. Reflecting on the progress, Thomas stated that his hard work is paying off, and he believes success is near, hoping his consistency will eventually lead him to victory.