The RBC Heritage tournament kicked off Thursday, welcoming back some of the top faces in the sport after the Masters Tournament. With the tournaments being filled with such high competition, it only brings the best out of those ready. A veteran in particular who took advantage of the early bright lights, Justin Thomas. Thomas had an electric first round of play, tying the Harbour Town course record with an eye opening 61. He simply would not slow down with only one bogey during the day, putting on display his accuracy. With those like Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley right behind in the leader boards, another strong round two would go a long way in the tournament.
Thomas On Fire Early
Through nine Tour events played this season for Thomas, he has made all nine cuts but was not able to secure yet a victory. With two runner-ups, his most recent being at the Valspar Championship. Now after a prime first round of play, he is in position to hopefully secure that first victory. Getting a chance to express his strong tournament debut to the media.
“ I drove the ball well, which is very very important out here,” Thomas said.
Thomas walked away Thursday evening having almost inked his name into Harbour Town course history. With a total of 11 birdies on the day, he started that trend off fast with four in the first five holes. At the 18th hole Thomas had his chance at the record, yet missed on the attempt for birdie. Leaving the round with much needed confidence after previous tournament outings, a path at victory has been set if he can continue this play.
Can Thomas Hold The Lead?
Although Thomas had a tremendous round, so did some of the other featured athletes in the field. To hold this lead for multiple rounds will be a tough ask, but one almost necessary for victory. Allowing those like Scheffler and Henley to claw back, will only slim down those chances at his first season victory.
“Yeah, extremely different,” Thomas said. “It’s a totally different style of golf. I’ve been playing really well, really solid. Felt good about things. I just didn’t play well last week. Put some really good work in I felt like the couple days leading into the start today, and I felt prepared. It was just about going out and doing it, and it was nice to do so.”
Recent play at The Masters tournament is a key influence in the eagerness to perform well by Thomas. Having finished 36th in the tournament, many questions came about his preparation. Silencing the critics, he accomplished something only David Frost and Troy Merritt have been a part of doing. With his current ranking at eighth in the world, we can expect to see continued play reflecting that achievement. Thomas currently has 14 rounds of 62 or better in his PGA Tour career, according to reports. That’s three more than any other player over the last four decades and five more than the all-timer in Tiger Woods.
Main Photo Credit: © Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
