JUSTIN’S SOUL MATE
Tiger there in spirit with me
JUSTIN THOMAS says the Tiger will prowl every step of the way with him at Sandwich this week.
Woods is an absentee from the 149th Open Championship as he recovers at home in Florida after his serious car crash.
The 45-year-old may never play again after multiple surgeries but is slowly working his way back to full health.
He could yet be a big influence at Royal St George’s. He and Thomas have struck up a firm friendship and the World No.3 says Woods will keep him on his toes for every shot.
Thomas said: “I know he’ll be watching. It’s obviously a bummer not having him out here, but we talk quite a bit and I’m sure he’ll be in my ear all this week. He doesn’t sleep a whole lot, so he will probably be watching on TV.
“Many times I’ll hit a bad shot or miss a short putt and he’s the first person I get something from. He keeps me humble and I think that’s why we have this friendship.
“I’ve said to him many times that I’m ready for you to start doing your stuff again because you’re annoying the hell out of me!”
Thomas is a real contender at Sandwich. The 2017 US PGA champion honed his skills at the Scottish Open last week and he is desperate to land the Claret Jug. Not that it will be the first time he has had it in his possession.
Thomas was guzzling from the famous silverware four years ago after his mate Jordan Spieth, below, won at Royal Birkdale and had the trophy with him on their charter flight back to the States.
He added: “I wouldn’t have done, but Jordan told me he drank out of it when Zach Johnson won!”
Thomas has been in love with The Open since staying up to watch it as a kid.
He said: “Even when I was seven or eight I’d wake up early or stay up really late and watch it. I always loved being able to watch in bed when it was dark outside.
“ESPN would have coverage for eight or nine hours in a row. That was fun when I was a 10-year-old.
“I’ve yet to play a links course and think, ‘This place is bad.’ It’s different, it’s fun. Hopefully we can get it firm and fast and playing a bit more challenging.
“It took me a little bit on the mental side to understand what it takes to win an Open Championship. Now I’m excited for the challenge.”