Justin Thomas Lights Up TPC Sawgrass with Historic Round at The PLAYERS Championship
Justin Thomas delivered one of the most unforgettable performances in recent golf history during the second round of The PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass. On Friday, Thomas entered what he later described as "blackout mode," shooting a staggering 10-under 62 to tie the course record. His round was nothing short of sensational, as he birdied 11 holes, breaking the record for the most birdies in a single round at the infamous Stadium Course. The golf world watched in awe as Thomas put on a masterclass, leaving fans and commentators alike amazed by his precision, focus, and sheer brilliance on the course.
Thomas’s performance was even more remarkable given his struggles in the first round, where he shot a 6-over 78. Just 24 hours later, he turned things around in dramatic fashion, improving by an incredible 16 strokes. This staggering turnaround not only tied the course record but also etched his name in the history books. Thomas’s ability to bounce back from a disappointing start showcased his mental toughness and resilience, qualities that have defined his career as one of the game’s elite players.
Thomas’s Mental Game: The Key to His Brilliant Round
What stood out most about Thomas’s round was his mental discipline. In a post-round interview, he revealed that his mindset was the driving force behind his success. "Mentally, it was one of the best rounds I’ve played," he said. "I kept my eyes forward, my blinders on, and just focused on the process—how to put the ball in the fairway and make birdies. It was all about Rinse and Repeat."
Thomas also admitted that once he started playing well, he didn’t hold back. "When I get it going, I keep it going,” he said. "Don’t be bashful. I’m playing well, and that’s why I’m scoring like this." His aggressive yet calculated approach paid off, as he drained putt after putt, leaving even himself in disbelief at times. It was a testament to his ability to stay in the zone and capitalize on every opportunity.
A Day for the History Books: The Stats Behind Thomas’s Round
Justin Thomas’s 62 was not just impressive—it was historic. His 11 birdies in a single round set a new record for the most birdies made at TPC Sawgrass. To put his performance into perspective, golf stats guru Justin Ray noted that Thomas gained an astonishing +9.43 strokes on the field, the highest since Ken Duke’s +10.59 in 2014. Additionally, his 16-shot improvement from Thursday to Friday marked the biggest swing in scores from Round 1 to Round 2 in the history of the Stadium Course.
While Thomas fell just short of breaking the all-time course record, his round was still nothing short of incredible. As one fan joked on social media, "I want whatever Justin Thomas had this morning. Holy hell, what a turnaround." The sheer magnitude of his improvement and the brilliance of his play left even the most seasoned golf analysts in awe.
The Reactions: Shock, Amazement, and Admiration
Thomas’s performance had everyone in the golf world talking. Fans, analysts, and even his fellow competitors couldn’t help but marvel at his play. Smylie Kaufman, Kevin Kisner, and Rickie Fowler, who were part of Thomas’s "Happy Hour Show" on Golf Channel, witnessed his 11th birdie of the day on the iconic 17th hole. After sinking an 18-foot birdie putt on the par-3 island green, Thomas turned to the trio and gave them a salute, as if to say, "Did you see that?" Kaufman later tipped his cap to Thomas on social media, acknowledging the sheer brilliance of his round.
The reactions didn’t stop there. Fans took to social media to express their disbelief, with many calling it one of the greatest rounds they’d ever seen. Barstool Sports personality Trent, who had recently played in the Creator Classic, even poked fun at Thomas’s performance, joking that it showed just how good PGA Tour stars are compared to amateur golfers. The widespread admiration for Thomas’s play was a testament to the magic of his round.
From Struggles to Contention: Thomas’s Comeback Story
Despite his historic round, Thomas wasn’t just making waves for the record books—he was making a significant move up the leaderboard. After his disastrous first round, where he shot 78, Thomas was in danger of missing the cut. But with his 62 on Friday, he not only made the cut but also vaulted himself into the top 30. He now sits just seven shots behind the co-leaders, Min Woo Lee and Akshay Bhatia, who are at 11-under through 36 holes.
Thomas’s ability to turn his tournament around has once again demonstrated why he is one of the most dangerous players in the game. As the 2021 PLAYERS Champion, he knows what it takes to win on this course, and his performance on Friday showed that he’s far from out of contention. While the weekend will certainly bring new challenges, Thomas’s confidence must be soaring after one of the best rounds of his career.
A Round to Remember: The Legacy of Thomas’s Performance
Justin Thomas’s second-round performance at The PLAYERS Championship was more than just a round of golf—it was a reminder of why the game captivates millions. His ability to bounce back from adversity, his mental fortitude, and his sheer talent came together to create something truly special. Even though he fell short of the all-time course record, his 62 and 11 birdies will go down in history as one of the most memorable rounds ever played at TPC Sawgrass.
For Thomas, this round is a reminder of what he’s capable of when he’s in the zone. For fans, it’s a sobering reminder of the incredible talent that defines the PGA Tour. As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Thomas to see if he can build on this momentum and make a push for another PLAYERS Championship title. For now, though, his performance on Friday will be remembered as a masterclass in golf—and a testament to the magic of the game.
