How Thomas righted the ship late for victory
Things got a little tight late in Sunday's final round at the SBS Tournament of Champions.
Justin Thomas looked to be cruising to his third PGA Tour victory, but an eagle by Hideki Matsuyama on No. 14 and a double-bogey by Thomas at the 15th narrowed his lead to just a single shot.
On the long, par-4 17th, Thomas nailed his drive down the middle of the fairway and, from 214 yards out, hit a gorgeous approach into the green.
For anyone who is worried about JT ... 🎯#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/5YL4LBPKfu
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 9, 2017
Meanwhile, his playing partner Matsuyama was a little bold with his third putt, leaving him 4 feet for par - which he missed.
"Just when you think nothing weirder could happen."#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/WR6hHFYr3t
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 9, 2017
Thomas took a three-stroke lead to the 18th tee, then smashed his drive right down the middle.
That looked like a big sigh of relief from Thomas.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 9, 2017
369 yards. Middle of the fairway. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/tt5oIJz0u1
After he two-putted for birdie for a final-round 69 and a total 22-under par, Thomas' mom and dad were standing to greet him.
Getting to hug mom and dad after a big win.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 9, 2017
Good stuff. pic.twitter.com/GaOzBM2eaE
And so were a couple of friends in Jordan Spieth and Jimmy Walker.
"Hey, guy!"
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 9, 2017
Proud friends.https://t.co/oPDGQy0DZl