Key Takeaways
- Justin Thomas is building greatness on and off the golf course.
- The two-time Major champion sat down with RG's Brendan Elliott to discuss his legacy and the Panther National project alongside Jack Nicklaus.
- Thomas also spoke about the emotional RBC Heritage win, his melanoma diagnosis, and more.
Justin Thomas celebrating RBC Heritage (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Justin Thomas has always been about precision. Whether it's the swing that generates impressive clubhead speed or the way he analyzes a course, everything has purpose. At 32, the two-time major champion has already earned his place in golf history, but he’s far from finished. If anything, he's redefining what it means to be a complete golfer in the modern era.
These days, Thomas splits his time between competing on the PGA Tour and developing his first course design project, Panther National, alongside Jack Nicklaus. It's a partnership that makes perfect sense—two players obsessed with how and why golf shots work, not just how well they’re hit.
Sitting down with Thomas at Panther National in June 2025, just months after his emotional win at the RBC Heritage that ended a lengthy winless streak, it's clear he’s learned to balance the drive that made him great with the perspective that comes from experience.
The first thing that stands out at Panther National is how intentional everything feels. Every bunker, green contour, and sightline is meticulously crafted—unsurprising from someone who makes a living reading greens and calculating wind angles.
“It was honestly surreal to work alongside Jack Nicklaus,” Thomas said in an exclusive interview with RG. “I grew up studying his career, not just the wins, but how he thought his way around the course. Panther National was the right opportunity, and Jack's involvement made it even more special.”
Course design demands a different kind of patience than tournament play. While a poor shot on tour may cost you a stroke, a poorly conceived hole can frustrate golfers for decades.
“It was definitely a learning process,” he said. “We didn’t want to just build holes. Jack, Dominik Senn, Panther National’s founder, and I wanted every shot to have meaning.”
The practice facility reflects Thomas’s deep understanding of what professionals need to stay sharp. It's not just a place to hit balls—it's an environment built to prepare players for real competition.
“We wanted it to reflect TOUR conditions,” he said. “The short-game area was built to mimic tight lies, deep bunkers, and undulating greens. We made sure the range had different windows with varying wind angles. Practice isn’t just hitting balls—it’s preparation.”
The Mindset Shift
Thomas’s return to the winner’s circle wasn’t a straight line. After capturing his second PGA Championship in 2022, he went through what he describes as “a difficult stretch.” The breakthrough came at the 2025 RBC Heritage, but the foundation was built over months and years of inner work.
“It forced me to grow,” he said. “I believed the next win would come if I stayed patient. I leaned on my team and focused more on mindfulness and acceptance. Golf is a game where you can do a lot right and still not see results. I had to get comfortable with that.”
The focus shifted from results to process.
“At Harbour Town, I didn’t force it. I trusted my routine and let it happen. That was a big change for me.”
Understanding Thomas’s approach to the game requires knowing his roots. His father, Mike Thomas, is a longtime PGA professional, making golf more than just a sport in the Thomas household—it was a way of life.
“My dad’s influence is everything,” Thomas said. “He taught me the fundamentals, the etiquette, and the mindset.”
That foundation became even more important when Thomas became a father himself.
Fatherhood hasn’t dulled his drive—it’s refined it. He’s more efficient with his time, more focused during work hours, and more present at home.
Pressure Moments And Personal Growth
Some moments live forever, like Thomas’s eagle on the final hole of the 2017 Sony Open to shoot 59. At 23, he became the youngest player in PGA Tour history to break 60.
“I wasn’t playing for 59,” he recalled. “I was just in the zone. I had a number I loved and knew if I clipped it right, it could roll close. When it dropped, I’ll never forget that feeling.”
The key? Staying present.
“The pressure was there, but it felt different—like I was riding the momentum instead of fighting it.”
In 2019, Thomas faced another kind of pressure: a melanoma diagnosis that required surgery. It was a wake-up call.
“I’m young and healthy, and then suddenly I’m hearing the word ‘melanoma,’” he said. “It made me more aware of what I was taking for granted. I became more proactive with my health and my time.”
The experience didn’t lessen his competitiveness—it gave him perspective.
“Golf is important, but it’s not everything. That moment reminded me we’re not invincible. I try to live and play with more appreciation now.”
Thomas’s game continues to evolve. His swing—long admired for its speed and precision—has shifted toward greater stability and mechanics.
“I’ve always generated speed naturally,” he said. “Now we focus more on sequencing and less on timing. I’ve also worked on wedge play and trajectory control.”
Self-awareness is a key advantage.
“The biggest shift has been understanding my tendencies. That’s what keeps you sharp under pressure.”
Friendship has also played a role in Thomas’s journey. His bond with fellow pro Jordan Spieth is well-documented.
“Jordan’s one of my best friends. Our families are close. But when we tee it up, we want to beat each other,” Thomas said.
Team events like the Ryder Cup bring out a special kind of joy.
“It’s the best of both worlds, competing with your friends and representing your country. There’s nothing like it.”
Legacy in Motion
With 15 PGA Tour wins and two majors before turning 30, Thomas is in elite company. But he’s not interested in coasting.
“I’m aware of the stats, but I try not to get caught up in them,” he said. “Hopefully my career’s far from over. I’ve always wanted to win majors and be remembered as one of the best. But more than anything, I want to keep improving.”
Thomas is building more than a résumé—he’s building a legacy. His work with Panther National, his foundation, and his mentorship of younger players are shaping golf’s future.
The partnership with Jack Nicklaus isn’t just about design, it’s about learning how to impact the game beyond playing.
Thomas is still in his prime, but his legacy is already taking shape. Whether it’s a young golfer training at a facility he helped fund, a touring pro preparing for a major at Panther National, or a weekend golfer enjoying a course he designed, Thomas’s influence will last.
The player who once made headlines for shooting 59 is now defined by something deeper—curiosity, work ethic, and a clear vision for giving back. His swing may have launched him into the spotlight, but it’s his purpose-driven evolution that will keep him there for years to come.
