Justin Thomas Feels ‘Mixture’ of Emotions After Best Finish of Year at Zozo Championship

Justin Thomas showcased his best performance of the year at the Zozo Championship in Japan, finishing in second place, just one stroke behind Nico Echavarria. The 31-year-old two-time major champion ended at 19-under, marking his strongest PGA Tour result since his 2022 victory at the PGA Championship.

Despite the impressive finish, Thomas expressed mixed emotions, feeling a blend of optimism and frustration as he recounted missed opportunities. After his final round of 66, he noted, “I played so well.

I played plenty well enough to win the tournament… I gave myself a chance,” highlighting his regret over a few near-miss putts that ultimately made the difference.

Throughout the tournament, Thomas displayed skill and resilience, capping his round with a birdie on the 18th hole but missing a critical putt on 17 that would have brought him into a tie for the lead. This T2 finish represents a glimmer of hope in what has otherwise been a challenging season.

He has made adjustments to his equipment, switching back to his trusted Scotty Cameron X5 Tour mallet putter, which has helped him in previous victories. Reflecting on his journey back to form, Thomas remained optimistic, saying, “The stuff I’ve been working on… is obviously the right stuff and I’m still going in the right direction.

” His renewed focus and determination signal that he remains committed to regaining his peak performance as he looks ahead to 2025.