Justin Thomas is enjoying the season, though his games have been a little moderate for a little more than two years now. The star golfer performed his best in two years at The American Express where he finished off at 2, just behind Sepp Straka. Before that, he started off his season at The Sentry with a respectable but concerning T26. Although he took home $163,333, fans were still curious if he would make this season better than his previous one. Despite that, he is looking ahead to a lot of precious moments.
Take a look at a couple of recent appearances of the star golfer. When Atlanta Drive G.C faced off Jupiter Links for the TGL’s regular-season finale, Justin Thomas was not present at the greens. In his stead, we saw Nick Dunlap. But Billy Horschel made sure to face-time the golfer to jibe, “JT, we improved on our Alabama player. I think your spot has been taken by Nicky D now.” Thomas chimed back with a smile, “Yeah? Is that right, Billy? Is that the case? That’s rude. That is rude.”
Why did we mention this particular moment? Well, to say that Nick Dunlap isn’t here to replace Thomas but to grow to be a better golfer under his guidance. The 21-year-old golfer, currently under fellow Alabama alum’s guide, made history last year with his win at The American Express. With the win, he became the first amateur in 33 years to win a PGA Tour event. And Dunlap doesn’t shy away from crediting Thomas where credit is due.
Talking about him at the recent press conference of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Dunlap said the star golfer influenced him a lot. “Yeah, it’s been great,” adding that Thomas’s attention to him and his games has helped him tremendously.
“I stayed with him in Hero in the Bahamas at Tiger’s event this past fall and, yeah, just playing with him at home, getting to pick his brain. He’s obviously former world No. 1, one of the best players in the world, and to kind of have that, to have somebody that I can talk to frequently, and, fortunately, as much as I want, I’m very grateful for.” Aside from Dunlap, what is going on with Thomas this season? Here’s a better look at him and his prodigy.
A better look at Justin Thomas and his prodigy in the 2025 season
Justin Thomas is still as moderate as his previous two seasons. And the only reason we say “moderate” is because this star golfer is an elite player. Instead of diving too much into the last two years, let’s look at his latest. When someone of Thomas’s caliber finishes T48 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the fans grow a little concerned. However, following that event, the golfer seemed to make a slow recovery to his peak form. For instance, at the WM Phoenix Open, he finished at T6. Following that, his performance dropped a little again. He finished T9 at the Genesis Invitational.
But that’s alright. It’s Justin Thomas, of course, you don’t need to worry much. But what’s going on with his prodigy? Well, though a promising new talent, Dunlap is struggling a little this season. Just like Thomas, his best performance came at the Sony Open in Hawaii, with a finish of T10. However, just like Thomas, he too has a promising future ahead. With his last year’s win at The American Express, he will get a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, as well as a direct entry into the prestigious Masters and the U.S. Open.
But credit where credit is due. Last year, Thomas didn’t hide his awe for Dunlap at The American Express. Looking at Dunlap’s third day’s swings, 60 under 12, he said, “Didn’t think I was going to deal with a freakin’ college kid shooting 60 today.” And then this year, it made a whole 180 when The Greystone Member praised Justin Thomas for his stunning skills on the golf course. “I mean, I think not only him but anybody that is at that caliber, they don’t have a weakness. I think Justin and a lot of other guys are doing really well with that and I can definitely learn a lot from what they’re doing.” This means they are good putters, good wedge players, and chippers.
With both Justin Thomas and Nick Dunlap teeing off at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, who will you pin your hopes on? The guide or the prodigy? Let us know!
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