Extremely Close to Ending 889 Days Drought, Justin Thomas Still Cynical About His Chances: ‘Can’t Control What Other Guys Do’

Justin Thomas stands on the brink of ending an 889-day winless streak at the 2024 Zozo Championship in Japan. After an exceptional bogey-free round on Friday, the 31-year-old golfer is showing glimpses of his past success, coming in strong with a six-under-par 64, placing him just two shots off the lead. While the title is in sight, Thomas remains cautiously optimistic.

Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the grind of high-level competition and the challenge of breaking through against elite players. “Winning is hard, no matter who you are,” he noted, recognizing that while his recent form has improved, success requires precision and perseverance.

Thomas’s history in Asia, with previous wins at the CIMB Classic and CJ CUP, reinforces his confidence, yet he remains grounded about his prospects. His standout shot on the 18th—a near-albatross from 214 yards—was a testament to his skill and readiness to reclaim victory.

Yet, as Thomas nears fatherhood, he approaches each round with a realistic outlook, understanding he can only control his own game and not the leaderboard. “I’ve just got to play the best I can and believe it will be enough,” he said. As the final rounds approach, Thomas’s focus remains on executing his game plan, driven by the hope of both a trophy and a memorable finish to mark this milestone in his life.