Ahead of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, two-time major champion Justin Thomas shared insights about how witnessing Rory McIlroy’s performance at the Masters reignited his competitive spirit. Reflecting on the experience, Thomas expressed that seeing McIlroy succeed in such a significant tournament brought back his own desire to capture a Grand Slam.
“After watching the Masters, it hit me — I really do want to achieve that,” Thomas remarked. He elaborated that while he always aspired to win all majors, the live experience reinforced his ambitions in a way he had almost forgotten.
Thomas acknowledged that rivalries and the success of his peers, including notable players like Scottie Scheffler, influence his motivation. He confessed that although he feels genuinely happy for his fellow competitors, there’s an unavoidable element of jealousy that drives him. “Anytime someone wins that isn’t me… there’s always going to be a part of me that’s jealous,” he admitted.
Having won the PGA Championship in 2017 at just 24 years old, Thomas reflects on how early success can shield young athletes from the pressures that come with it, often leaving them lacking the “scar tissue” that many resilient champions develop through experience. “I was very fortunate to have success at a young age,” he said, noting that this unique position means he now must actively seek to reclaim his peak performance on the bigger stage.
As the tournament unfolds, Thomas is focused on proving to himself and his fans that his best performances are still ahead. His candid reflections not only reveal the personal challenges faced by top athletes but also inspire younger competitors to strive towards their goals despite the ups and downs of professional sports.
This hopeful perspective not only emphasizes Thomas’s journey but also highlights the passion and resolve that are hallmarks of elite golf.