Golf commentator Red Harrington has criticized the PGA Tour’s role in the decline of former World No. 1 Justin Thomas. The 32-year-old has been in poor form recently and hasn’t looked at his best since he won his second PGA Championship in 2022.
Harrington Claims Staying on The PGA Tour “Ruined Thomas”
Thomas’ recent record in major championships has looked far from impressive. He has missed the cut eight times in his last 13 major starts. His best result during that stretch was a tie for eighth. Over those 13 majors, his finishes included: MC, MC, T36, T31, MC, T8, MC, MC, MC, T65, MC, T53, and T37—adding up to a cumulative score of +72, a disappointing return for a two-time major champion. These are not the numbers of a two-time major winner and a former World No. 1. Harrington believes the problem isn’t just with Thomas’ swing or confidence; it lies with the demands of the PGA Tour.
“I think we need to start a dialogue about how staying on the PGA Tour has ruined Justin Thomas,” Harrington posted on X. “It’s clear the overloaded schedule for fear of not making the playoffs is leaving him unable to prepare properly for the biggest stages in golf.”
I think we need to start a dialogue about how staying on the PGA Tour has ruined Justin Thomas. It’s clear the over loaded schedule for fear of not making the playoffs is leaving him unable to prepare properly for the biggest stages in golf https://t.co/9ceDKirA5i
— Red Harrington (@RedHarrington44) June 14, 2025
The PGA Tour has changed in recent years. With the rise of LIV Golf and other disruptions, the Tour has responded by making its schedule even more competitive. Signature events, limited fields, and big-money purses have increased the pressure on top players to play more and perform better.
Thomas’s Struggles Continues at 2025 US Open
Justin Thomas’ struggles show no sign of slowing down following his forgettable performance in the opening round of the US Open on Thursday. The 32-year-old went into Friday hoping to recover from a rough 6-over 76 in his opening round at Oakmont Country Club, but his struggles continued on the back nine. His chance for a bounce-back slipped away on the par-5 12th hole, where a birdie try from 26 feet turned into a frustrating double bogey. After leaving himself a short putt for par, Thomas misread the break. The ball lipped out to the right. On his next attempt, he missed again, this time pulling it left. He finally tapped in, but the damage was done. That double bogey pushed him to 9-over.
Keep Reading: Justin Thomas Facing Burnout: “I’m pretty tired”
The front nine offered no relief for the two-time PGA Championship winner, as he carded three bogeys and two double bogeys, shooting a 41. He did find a bright spot with a birdie on the par-4 14th, but it was too late to turn things around.
Thomas hasn’t won a major since 2022. He played the final nine holes at even par, but by then, his hopes of making the cut had already slipped away. He finished at 12-over for the tournament and will miss the weekend. It marks another disappointing result in a growing string of major championship struggles for the former World No. 1.
Main Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
