Justin Thomas is back in action for the first time in 2025. After a slightly down year in 2024, Thomas is looking to start the new PGA Tour season on the right foot. Maybe he’ll do that by having a pretty unique practice this weekend before Sentry.
Thomas hosted a junior golf clinic during his practice in Maui ahead of today’s first round tee time. Several young golfers came to watch and learn from the PGA star during his practice round.
The children took turns asking him questions, such as whether or not he could swing like Happy Gilmore, or whether he had ever performed in the Eurostep for a kick celebration. He also invited some kids to compete with him in competitions while he practiced.
He said after:
“I really feel like I haven’t been around that long and like I’ve been in their shoes forever, so if a couple of these kids from here can become the future of golf and play in the LPGA or PGA, then that’s pretty cool down the road someday.”
The Sentry tournament post calls them “the local keiki.” Keiki is the term for a young orchid plant that grows asexually from the stem or pseudobulb of a mature orchid. Colloquially used to refer to children in Hawaii.
At the time of this writing, Thomas has yet to tee off at Sentry, while several other golfers, such as Tom Hoge and Harry Hall, birdied their first few holes to open the 2025 season.
Justin Thomas excited about 2025 after Presidents Cup crash
Justin Thomas, a longtime standout for Team USA in both Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, was not part of the 2024 Presidents Cup squad. The snub has him excited to play with a bit of a chip on his shoulder this year.
In conversation with The Athletiche said:
“I haven’t had a chance to play upset in a while, so I’m pretty excited to play a little upset this year.”
He understood the decision and even took it so well that he could joke about it with Captain Jim Furyk. He texted Furyk several times to joke with him about his decisions for the team.
Justin Thomas has also frequently posted about it, adding that he feels like he has the connection with Furyk to do so.
“I’m glad they won and I’ve been pulling for them like crazy, but luckily we’re close enough that I feel I can do it and he won’t be too upset,” he added.
The American and international teams traded undefeated days before the United States put together a nice final run to secure the victory.
Edited by Riddhiman Sarkar
