Justin Thomas’ runner-up finish at the 2024 Zozo Championship was just the latest close call since his last trip to the winner’s circle more than 800 days ago. Held without a new trophy since raising a rather large one at the 2022 PGA Championship, the 31-year-old efforting a return to glory next season hinges on one club: his putter.
After gaining strokes on the greens across his first three rounds in Japan last week, Thomas fell back down to Earth in the final refrain and bled nearly two strokes to the field. In total, he lost just about one stroke – matching his final deficit to eventual winner Nico Echavarria — in what was actually an above-average performance from the two-time major champion.
Asked what he was taking away from his effort at Zozo, Thomas said, “A lot of positives. The stuff I’ve been working on, everything I’ve been doing is obviously the right stuff and I’m still going the right direction. Just got to keep trying to put myself in contention and right there as often as I can. Just kind of hope for a law of averages thing, eventually you end up getting it done, but it’s just about putting yourself there more.”
There are still plenty of other options for him to consider. Does he abandon his ties with Scotty Cameron entirely? Will he experiment with a LAB putter like good friend Rickie Fowler? Could Thomas possibly wield a broomstick like Adam Scott?
Only Thomas can decide. Until then, the putter will continue holding him back from returning to the PGA Tour winner’s circle.
