Justin Thomas has developed a close relationship with Tiger Woods over the past seven to eight years, looking up to the 15-time major champion who holds the record for 82 PGA Tour wins. Woods has transformed professional golf fundamentally, creating opportunities and raising the bar for players like Thomas. This influence runs both ways, as Woods also admires Thomas and has been a source of encouragement throughout his career, especially during difficult periods.
Tiger Woods Encouraged Thomas to Aim for Multiple Wins Each Year
During a recent episode of the Smylie Show, Justin Thomas discussed the advice Woods gave him during a challenging stretch in 2023. When asked about the guidance he received, Thomas revealed that Woods emphasized simplicity and confidence. Woods told Thomas he is capable of winning four or five tournaments annually, even when he is not playing at his peak.
Thomas explained,
“It’s always to keep it simple. He always says that, just keep it simple, stupid.”
He added,
“Just don’t make things harder than they are, and that’s something, I think, is so easy to do in golf, and a lot of guys do it. I’ve done it plenty of times, and unfortunately, will probably do it more. Hopefully less than I have done before.”
Reflecting on Woods’s encouragement, Thomas continued,
“All of the best players, it’s just how good is your bad? How well can you manage your bad days and your bad golf? And, I mean, his confidence and belief in me is really reassuring and nice.”
He shared Woods’s exact words of support:
“You know, he’s always told me, you’re good enough that you can go win four or five times a year without your best stuff and that’s, you know, whether he means it or not, like that’s, I appreciate that. And that means a lot for me to hear. So that’s, you know, stuff that I’ll remind myself.”
Thomas’s Struggles and Woods’s Positive Mental Encouragement
Since winning the PGA Championship in 2022, Justin Thomas has experienced a period of struggle. His 2023 season was underwhelming, with just one victory, two top-5 finishes in 21 events, and six missed cuts. The difficulties extended into 2024, where he recorded four top-5 finishes and missed the cut four times across 20 tournaments.
Despite the setbacks, Thomas remains hopeful for a return to form. While Woods’s claim that Thomas could secure multiple wins each year, even without top-level play, might seem overly optimistic, Thomas acknowledges that Woods’s words were likely meant to boost his confidence rather than be taken literally.
Thomas noted that if Woods’s encouragement was intended as a confidence-building strategy, then it certainly produced a positive effect.
Legacy and Continued Inspiration for PGA Tour Competitors
Tiger Woods’s impact on the game extends beyond his record-setting victories; his mentorship continues to influence a new generation of golfers, including Justin Thomas. Woods’s consistent belief in Thomas’s capabilities highlights the respect he holds for his peers and the value of positive reinforcement in competitive sports.
As Thomas aims to regain his peak performance, the guidance from Woods serves as a reminder of the resilience required on the PGA Tour and the potential for success even in tough periods. The ongoing connection between these two champions reflects the enduring legacy Woods has established within the golfing world.
