Thomas has drive to succeed

Thomas is slight in stature but huge in driving distance, an odd combination that has produced impressive form and a chance for even greater success at the Masters.

The 23-year-old American has already won three US PGA Tour events this season, defending his title last October in Malaysia before back-to-back triumphs in Hawaii, shooting a rare 59 on the way to winning the Sony Open after taking the Tournament of Champions.

Despite standing only 5-ft-10 (1.78m) and 145 lbs (66kg), Thomas ranks 11th in average driving distance on the US PGA Tour at 306.5 yards.

“If you just sit down and look at my attributes on paper, look at it how I hit it, yeah, it looks surprising,” Thomas said Monday.

Thomas grew up relying on his short game because he tee shots were shorter than rivals. But then he found formidable speed, power and swing rhythm as he matured. “I was really short, like physically very short, so I hit it nowhere,” Thomas said.

“I’ve just gotten stronger since then and I’ve started to get up on the ball and speeds are just getting faster. So kind of all that is just accumulated into it.”

It has accelerated Thomas in the rankings and despite a share of 39th last year in his Masters debut, he is confident he can contend at Augusta National.

“The biggest thing is the short game. I was not making very many bogeys and I make a lot of birdies. So if I continue to do that, then would I feel like I have a good chance of being in contention.

“I feel very confident with my wedges. But at the end of the day, I was just playing really well... my game feels good.”

Thomas also sought advice from three of the greatest champions in Masters history – Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

“In terms of learning things, I tried to pick a lot of guys’ brains,” Thomas said.

“Talked to Mr. Nicklaus last year, was here earlier this week and played a couple rounds with Phil and been talking to him and talking to Tiger some.

“I want to be around guys that are successful here and it’s kind of hard to get much better than them.” AFP