Justin Thomas has confessed his worry about being mocked by fellow players following his play-off win over Andrew Novak at last Sunday’s RBC Heritage. Thomas concluded a three-year period without a victory by claiming an impressive £2.7 million ($3.6m) for his efforts.
His win marked his first since the PGA Championship in 2022, but it also meant he thwarted Novak’s quest for his first-ever PGA Tour victory. However, having heard how Jordan Spieth was teased for beating Tom Gillis in 2015, Thomas, 31, is now cautious about being branded as the player who potentially hindered Novak from truly launching his career.
Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
During his appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast, Thomas shared the tale of how Spieth unintentionally became the villain of the year, following his victory over former pro Gillis at the John Deere Classic.
“Spieth was in a play-off with Tom Gillis, who doesn’t play professionally anymore, and Jordan beat him,” Thomas said during the episode.
“And for the whole year [PGA star] Jason Duffner was grilling Jordan like ‘man, you just ruined Tom Gillis’ career, he would’ve had a two-year exemption, he would’ve been in Maui, he could’ve taken his family there, he could’ve been swimming with the dolphins with the tournament champions, but you had to beat him in a play-off and ruin his life’.”
Thomas then faced the unsettling possibility that he might have inadvertently created his own Spieth moment. Nonetheless, he expressed his belief in Novak’s potential for future triumphs.
Jordan Spieth at the Masters in 2025
Jordan Spieth beat Gillis in 2015 (Image: 2025 Ben Jared/PGA TOUR)
“I got faith,” Thomas said. “Gilly was a little closer to the end of his career, and Andrew’s playing well, but I hadn’t thought of that after telling the story, and so I definitely hope it pans out now [for Novak].”
Novak had been ranked No. 62 in the Official World Golf Rankings before last week. His season had seen only two top-10 finishes and included six missed cuts in 12 starts.
At 30 years old, Novak nearly clinched his first victory at the Bermuda Championship last autumn, only to finish second. The RBC playoff was his first, but Thomas emerged victorious.
Thomas and Novak were compelled to replay the 18th hole on Sunday night at Harbour Town in Hilton Head, South Carolina, after Novak let slip a golden chance for his initial win.
