LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Justin Thomas didn’t win the PGA Championship in his hometown this week, but he left the 18th green after Sunday’s round at Valhalla feeling like a winner.
Thomas closed the tournament with a 3-under-par 68 in the final round to finish at 13-under, with a birdie on the final hole.
And, while he received a thunderous ovation as he walked off the green, he had tears in his eyes as he applauded from the galleries.
“It was an incredible week,” Thomas said. “I’m disappointed it’s over. I had so much fun. The fans were incredible. I played some very, very, very good golf. I played well enough to win this week. I enjoyed it.
Valhalla has been criticized for its ease, low scores, and for some logistical traffic issues that have occurred.
But Thomas made a strong argument for the PGA to return to the course.
“Selfishly, I hope he gets the opportunity to come back,” he said. “I think Louisville shows up when they get the chance and they did that this week. Guys can say whatever they want on the golf course; it always produces incredible placings and great finishing, and it looks like it’s doing the same thing again this year.
Thomas started the day at 10 under par and five shots off the lead.
In 40 of the previous 41 major championships, the winner was four shots off the lead going into the final round.
Thomas’ victory at the 2022 PGA is the only exception, as he comes back from a seven-shot deficit.
“I played pretty well, really today, but all week,” Thomas said. “I just couldn’t make the putts I needed to get the momentum going. I realized I was going to have to shoot really low today.
“I think I just pushed a little too hard and wanted it just a little too hard.”
Rory McIlroy’s attempt to win his first major championship where he won his last 10 years ago has failed.
McIlroy, who filed for divorce just before coming to Louisville, never really made it after a first-round 66 and finished tied for 12th.
“(I) started the week well, then obviously played well this weekend (68-67),” he said. “Friday’s 71 was obviously not what I was looking for. Obviously, (I) put myself too far behind.
Jordan Spieth’s attempt to complete the career Grand Slam also failed, with the PGA being the only major title missing from his resume. Spieth was never really in contention all week.
Brooks Koepka’s attempt to defend his PGA title and win it for the fourth time in his career was thwarted by a poor third round on Saturday – a 3-over-par 74.
Although he shot an under-par 66 on Sunday, he finished the week at 9 under and tied for 26th.
“Not very good, I think that’s pretty obvious, right?,” Koepka said when asked to rate his week. “I don’t think finishing (26th) is progress. I played well today, I played well the other two days. (Saturday) I just had nothing. I don’t think I did anything right at all.
New York Post
