Thomas bags $US10m as Aussies flounder
FEDEX Cup champion Justin Thomas says he’ll lean on Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth for advice on how to sustain his world-beating form after becoming golf’s $25 million dollar man.
Despite American rookie Xander Schauffele winning the season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta on Sunday, world No.4 Thomas took out the $US10 million FedEx Cup title.
Schauffele carded a twounder-par 68 for a 12-under 268 and a one-shot win over Thomas (66), whose 11-under total and runner-up finish knocked Spieth off the top of the FedEx standings.
“It’s one of the best achievements in my career without winning a golf tournament,” said Thomas, who entered the tournament in second on points. With Thomas’ whirlwind season featuring five US PGA Tour titles, including a breakthrough major at the US PGA Championship, the Kentucky native amassed $US9,921,560 in prize money.
Topped off with the FedEx payday, Thomas stands to bank more than $A25 million.
The 24-year-old says he’ll pick the brains of 14-time major champion Woods – the only player to win the FedEx Cup twice since the series was created in 2007 – and Spieth.
“I’m going to try to spend a lot of time with Tiger and Jordan, because they’re the two people I’m closest to and they’ve both achieved way more than this,” said Thomas.
The Australian contingent fizzled on day four.
World No.6 Jason Day faded with a 74 to share 17th at two under and ensure a winless 2017 season. Compatriot Marc Leishman shot a 72 to share 24th at three over.