Justin Thomas used a light-hearted memory from East Lake to set the tone for his upcoming run in the 2025 Tour Championship, recounting a playful FaceTime moment with Tiger Woods that ended with a Masters green jacket on the other end of the line.
During a Tuesday pre-tournament press conference at East Lake Golf Club, Thomas recalled a practice-round stroll down 18 where he FaceTimed Woods to show him what the famed course looked like. He said Woods pretended his connection had failed, then phoned back moments later wearing a Masters green jacket. “You come at the king, you best not miss,” Thomas joked, adding that Woods’ quick comeback kept Thomas “put in his place pretty quickly.”
The memory sits alongside a storied rivalry-and-friendship between two of the game’s greats. Thomas and Woods live near each other in Jupiter, Florida and often share rounds in downtime and at PGA Tour events. Their camaraderie extends to the TGL indoor golf league, which Woods and Rory McIlroy launched and will resume its second season in December.
As for the 2025 Tour Championship, the last leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, Thomas is chasing his second win of the season after a playoff victory at the RBC Heritage in April and a T-2 at the Truist Championship soon after. He’s had strong showings in the majors, but his 2024 major run wasn’t as notable—missing the cut at the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open, and finishing T-34 at The Open.
East Lake has long been a meaningful stage for Thomas, with the course serving as not just a backdrop but a place where memorable moments have crystallized into a wider narrative about his career. The upcoming Tour Championship at East Lake will also shape his momentum heading into the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where Bryson DeChambeau narrowly earned the final automatic slot for Team USA, leaving Thomas in contention for a captain’s pick as Keegan Bradley’s leadership team weighs its options.
What to watch as Thomas heads into the week:
– His ability to translate a strong regular season into playoff success at East Lake.
– Ongoing chemistry and familiarity with Woods, including any playful exchanges that surface during practice rounds.
– The broader trajectory toward the Ryder Cup and whether Thomas can secure a pivotal role for Team USA.
Summary: Justin Thomas’s East Lake memory of Tiger Woods’ green jacket FaceTime moment captures the mix of humor and high-stakes competition that defines his season. With a strong track record at East Lake and a clear goal to finish the PGA Tour season on a high note, Thomas remains a compelling figure as he eyes a return to major form and a potential Ryder Cup impact.
Positive note: The anecdote underscores the sport’s sense of mentorship, camaraderie, and resilience—qualities that Thomas will lean on as he aims for a late-season surge.