Sunday evening not only marked the joyful day of Easter, but the emotional first season victory of a newly welcomed father in Justin Thomas. Going without a PGA Tour victory since the 2022 season, this victory holds a greater amount of significance. Battling his way through an impressive field, Thomas managed to take home the RBC Heritage tournament win. Ending things in fashion with a 21-foot birdie, knocking off Andrew Novak and walking away better financially. Putting together a bogey free final round, propelled Thomas in ending his long awaited drought. Expressing his feelings afterwards to the media.
“I didn’t realize how much I missed winning,” Thomas said.
A Long Time Coming
The last few years of play for Thomas have been a roller coaster to say the least. From being the man during the 2022 season, to now finding his way back into the winner circle. In the first round of play, Thomas came just short of the course record on the 18th hole for birdie. This time around, he was able to get a birdie and the win to walk away at the 18th hole. The pro since 2013 welcomed new life into the world, able to share this experience with his wife and child. Even some of the best in the sport have to climb back up the winning hill, but when done so the feeling is sweet.
“How unbelievable my wife Jill has been, and just being a rock-star and supporting,” Thomas said. “I would just tell her how much fun this was to do as a family.”
With his first Tour win in this 2025 season, Thomas can now shake off the dust and play with a winners confidence. With more tournaments to go, the competition will only continue to rise with victories harder to come by.
First Victory As Newly Father
Recently bringing new life into the world for Thomas, became even sweeter securing a victory in front of his family. With a tournament purse of $20 million, the veteran was able to secure his share of $3.6 million in winnings. Life changing money that can be used to better not only his life but capabilities on the course also.
“I have a great wife, great daughter, and team,” Thomas said.
As the former world No. 1, it took 1,064 days to get back into the much deserving limelight. Thomas preached a game of patience this week at RBC with a focus of executing the fairways. Staying true to his game has gotten him this far in his career, and now propelled him further in history of the PGA Tour.
“I feel like I’ve been playing well enough to win for a couple years, but just because you feel that way and you are, obviously that doesn’t mean that you’re going to,” Thomas said.
With more expected tournaments for Thomas this season, it will be interesting to see if he will fall down the familiar path after a strong showing at RBC Heritage. It will be key for him to build off of this win, and put together strong future outings.
Main Photo Credit: © Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
