Justin Thomas' Comical Goal of 'Catching Scheffler' Starts at US Open

Newsweek

a day ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Back in April, Justin Thomas broke an almost 3-year winless drought at the RBC Heritage as he sank a 21-foot birdie putt to edge out Andrew Novak.
That win was his first since the 2022 PGA Championship and meant more than just a trophy.
It was a sigh of relief, a long-awaited return to the winner's circle after 1,064 days of questions, pressure, and self-doubt. But since that $3.6 million win, his game has taken a downturn.
Thomas missed the cut at the PGA Championship, posting rounds of 73 and 72 to finish +3. At the Memorial Tournament, he opened with a disastrous 8-over 80, fought back with a 69 and 71, and battled to settle for T31 at +5.
OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 09: Justin Thomas of the United States speaks to the media during a practice round prior to the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 09, 2025 in Oakmont,...
OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 09: Justin Thomas of the United States speaks to the media during a practice round prior to the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 09, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Photo by) More
Getty Images
Now, with the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont upon us, one of the toughest courses that's freaking out professionals, Thomas is eyeing his new goal. The funny part, it's not just the leaderboard, but something seemingly impossible.
Last week, a thought popped into Thomas's head. It was bold, maybe even laughable. But he said it anyway: "Can I catch him this year?"
He was talking about Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1 and the man who's turned the PGA Tour's event courses into his playground.
Thomas sits at No. 5 in the OWGR, nearly 500 points behind Scheffler. Even Rory McIlroy, ranked No. 2, is 239 points back.
"Maybe Scottie doesn't play or something," Thomas joked during the pre-tournament conference at Oakmont. "You can't really catch that if he keeps doing what he's doing."
Scottie Scheffler of the United States celebrates on the 18th green after winning the 2025 PGA Championship during the final round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 18, 2025 in...
Scottie Scheffler of the United States celebrates on the 18th green after winning the 2025 PGA Championship during the final round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 18, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by) More/Scheffler has been dominating the golf world for the last four seasons. He has six top-5 finishes since March itself. And if we talk about his worst result in the last two months, it was a tie for 8th at the RBC Heritage, won by Thomas.
"It's effortless. Every single aspect of his game is unbelievable," Thomas said.
"I think his mental game is better than anybody out here. To be able to play with those expectations and stay present as often as he has to me is maybe more impressive than even the golf he's playing."
Thomas knows his challenge isn't just physical but mental. He admitted that in recent tournaments, he has been solid early before pressing too hard on the weekend.
"I've allowed myself to be in contention during the first two rounds before trying to force it."
Despite six top-10 finishes this year, inconsistency has haunted Thomas. He missed the cut at the second major of this season. His T36 finish at the Masters was underwhelming.
Yet, he has hope! Mainly because he has done it before. Justin held the No. 1 position twice in his career, in 2018 and 2020.
And he feels he can do it again. "It's still on the forefront of my mind," Thomas said.
"I obviously can't do anything about what [Scheffler] is doing, and he doesn't seem to be showing any signs of slowing down or wanting to. Just try to win some tournaments, and hopefully get close sooner rather than later."
That chase begins at Oakmont Country Club, where a win would go a long way toward that goal.
More Golf: U.S. Open: 3 Biggest Storylines to Watch For at Oakmont