Thomas headlines nominees for Player of the Year

TORONTO: Justin Thomas’ breakout campaign earned him a nomination for the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year award along with Dustin Johnson, Hideki Matsuyama and Jordan Spieth, the Tour said.

Thomas, who wrapped up the PGA of America’s points-based award for player of the year by winning the FedEx Cup and US$10mil (RM42mil) bonus on Sunday, had five wins this season, including a triumph at the PGA Championship for his first Major title.

The 24-year-old American also joined Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Spieth as the only players since 1960 to earn five wins, including a Major, in a season before the age of 25.

World No. 1 Johnson, who won the award last year, had four wins in the 20 events he entered, including triumphs at the lucrative World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship and World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play events.

Johnson, whose red-hot run of three consecutive wins was interrupted after being sidelined by a back injury suffered on the eve of the US Masters in April, enjoyed eight top-10 finishes in the season and was fourth in the FedExCup playoffs.

Spieth, who was named the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year in 2015, had victories at the British Open, where he earned his third career Major title, AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm and Travelers Championship.

The 24-year-old Texan also recorded 12 top-10 finishes, which tied Thomas for most this season. He also had top-10 finishes in all four FedEx Cup playoff events in 2017. — Reuters