He has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing news stories and features across the trending, pop culture, sports, parents, pets, health, style, food and TMRW verticals. Early Sunday morning, Paul Thomas, Justins 89-year-old grandfather and father of Justins dad, Mike, passed away. Terms of Service As Justin Thomas attempted to make up a four-shot deficit on co-leaders Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele in the final round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, he did it with mixed emotions. What do you think? Thanks for reading InsideHook. "I mean, yeah, it sucks because I really was playing well. It was tough advice to hear, Thomas said, but he took it to heart. Jackson asked Justin in an interview that aired on TODAY Thursday. Thomas said. But I think he aced every hole at some point.. Thomass original caddie, Jimmy Johnson, complained of dizziness and light-headedness early on in the back nine of Saturdays round at the Muirfield Village Golf Club, which led to the 27-year-old golfer telling Johnson to go recover: Jimmy just wasnt feeling well. For several years now, Titleist Brand Ambassador Justin Thomas has asserted himself as one of the very best players on the planet. Press Esc to cancel. "Theres a reason why theres nothing like going out and playing golf with your dad," Justin said. MORE: Grading all 24 Ryder Cuppers so far, from an A+ for DJ to an F for Rory. "Im 29, and it still happens from time to time.". Follow me on Twitter (@NaNa_KqAmE). PGA vs. LIV: Rory McIlroy Questions Greg Norman After Snubbing Patrick Reed, The Legacy of "M*A*S*H" And TV's Best Series Finales, The Best Outdoor-Ready Deals From REIs Massive Winter Sale, Some Doctors Are Now Making More Dubious Claims About Ivermectin, Meet Woodford Reserves New Master Distiller, A $156 Celebration of a Band That May as Well Have Been Imaginary, 17 Black-Owned Clothing Brands and Designers That Every Stylish Man Should Know, Heres Why You Should Consider Skipping Your Next Inflight Meal. His son Justin Thomas confirmed that Mike had been traveling nonstop for more than two months, attending various golfing tournaments around the world to watch his son and give him coaching advice along the way. The video went viral and it moved Justin Thomas to reach out to Visacki, inviting him to play a practice round with him before the Colonial, which gave Visacki a sponsor invite. Hed wanted the feedback. Mike Thomas is the only swing coach Justin has ever had, and that dynamic has been working quite well, based on the 14 PGA Tour wins, including one major championship and this years Players Championship, Justin has already at age 28. But he and his dad were able to find a solution The pain persisted for several days, causing shortness of breath. Lululemons We Made Too Much Section Is Full of Fire Athleisure Specials Right Now, A Pop-Up Puts Down Roots Among SFs Best New Restaurants. "Jimmy [Johnson] just wasn't feeling well," Thomas said. He still competed occasionally, making three career cuts in the U.S. Senior Open. Thomas, who shot a 1-under 35 on the front nine, struggled on the back, shooting a 4-over 40 to finish his round with a 75. Snow Report: The 20 Greatest Cocaine Scenes in Movie History, Woody Harrelson Is the Latest "SNL" Host to Deliver a Controversial Monologue. Im not a big occasion guy birthdays or anything else, Mike said. LIV Defector Brooks Koepka Pondering a Return to PGA Tour? The former PGA professional worked long hours as a teaching pro at a golf course in Kentucky during Justin's childhood. Justin recently celebrated his father's 89th birthday, which will occur on October 15, 2021. What was it like?" In addition, Mikes father, Paul, was another superb golfer from the family. Thomas' father, Mike, who has caddied for Justin in the past, carried his son's bag the rest of the round. Thomas' father, Mike, who has caddied for Justin in the past, carried his son's bag the rest of the round. But right now, yeah, it's a bummer. I mean, he was hard on himself, so its only natural he was going to be hard on his students. But I mean, it was fine. So, a young JT was brought up around the sport, naturally inclining his disposition towards golf. Although not exactly young, he is still actively playing the sport. Justin added that his father Mike had been traveling nonstop for eight weeks prior to the event, including trips to England for the Open Championship and Japan for the Olympics, and that two weeks after his trip he started experiencing constant pain in his left side. What do you do if youre a professional golfer and your caddie falls ill during a round? And at 28, he hasn't even reached his Yeah, its killing me not be there, Thomas said by phone with a voice that was softer than usual. Justin Thomas made an epic comeback to win his second major championship. And awesome. ", 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. This week the tables have turned completely, with Team USA jumping out to the biggest lead, 11-5, heading into singles since the Europeans led by the same margin in 2004. I didn't make those bogeys because my dad was caddying; it was just poor execution. Thomas celebrated his 62nd birthday on 15th October. Mike Thomas is a retired professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour. Id tell him, The only guy who can screw this up is you. I think we know now that hes done all right.. Paul felt the tension when Justin stepped to the tee at the watery par-3 17th and celebrated when his grandsons 214-yard 7-iron stopped within 2 feet of the hole. Justin Thomas of the United States and his father and caddie Mike Thomas look on from the 18th tee during the third round of The Memorial Tournament on July 18, 2020. Jani is quite often seen accompanying his son at golf events and cheering for him on the sidelines. Justin Thomas is opening up about why he decided to write a check to PGA Tour newbie Mike Visacki . Type above and press Enter to search. The TV personality says he learned to golf from his stepfather Richard Caruso, who died in 2017. " The course is very difficult, and I just -- yeah, just made a bad double and had a rough finish. and It wont really hit me that its Fathers Day. Series of tests revealed nothing unusual, but a CT scan revealed the clot. The story behind Mikes club is a special one that illustrates the strong relationship between father and son. "Yeah, that doesnt change by the way," he said. Mike now serves as Justin's coach on the PGA Tour, and it has worked out to the tune of 15 PGA victories and two majors, including last month's PGA Championship. Thats about it.. Mike Thomas doubles as the father and coach of Justin Thomas one of the worlds most successful golfers in recent times. Thomas' father, Mike, put his arm around his son, but words did not seem adequate or necessary. I dont get nervous, he said of watching his son compete. A day later Justin found some words, posting a small yet heartfelt tribute to his late grandfather on Instagram. We havent really discussed this. WebJustin Thomass Dad Steps in After Caddie Falls Ill at The Memorial Mike Thomas took over his son's bag for the final six holes on Saturday Justin Thomas of the United States Any impact I can have on the round was taken care of this morning.. He initially mistook the illness he had for some other respiratory condition and only confirmed the clots just a few weeks before this tournament. "He was feeling dizzy. His closing 1-over 72 left him six back of Phoenix Open winner Brooks Koepka. The one thing I tried to instill in him was confidence, telling him he could be a good player. Sign up for InsideHook to get our best content delivered to your inbox every weekday. Coming off eight straight weeks of travel, including to England for the Open Championship and Japan for the Olympics, the elder Thomas two weeks ago felt a constant pain in his left side. I mean, I told him on 12 that if he needed to leave, he needed to leave. a keen interest in sports and fitness. Darren Carroll/PGA of America ORLANDO, Fla. Tiger Woods hasnt yet hit a shot at the 2021 PNC Championship but the hype arrived before he did. In his later years, he was his grandsons biggest fan and watched as Justin became a major champion, in 2017 at the PGA, and reached No. He said, His dad nor I really pushed [Justin]. The PGA Tour from its Twitter handle also reported the sad news, stating that Paul passed away on Saturday. "Because my dads my coach and sometimes he can get me a little mad kind of always giving me pointers.". He admitted that later on in his life., Mike called the decision to do the opposite with Justin easy, though he added, I dont know why I came to that conclusion, because most people repeat the [parenting] cycle., Being a club pro and teacher my whole life, Ive seen so many poor father-son dynamics that I felt bad for those kids, Mike said. Brooks Koepka's win Sunday in Phoenix came after nearly two injury-riddled years during which Koepka wondered if he'd ever return to his elite form. But I mean, it was fine. Am I out here not enough? Hes around him all the time on the golf course during tournament weeks, yet he has deftly avoided being that stereotypical overbearing, meddling, stifling parent. Jackson, who is the oldest of Carson's four children, also often helped as Carson's impromptu "graphics department" during the pandemic when Carson was broadcasting segments from their home. He would take over the head professional post at Zanesville Country Club, about 50 miles east of Columbus, in 1963 and would work there for 26 years. Justin recently celebrated his father's 89th birthday, which will occur on October 15, Thomass original caddie, Jimmy Johnson, complained of dizziness and light-headedness early on in the back nine of Saturdays round at the Muirfield Village Golf Club, which led to the 27-year-old golfer telling Johnson to go recover: Jimmy just wasnt feeling well. I knew what theyre feeling because I went through it. His son Justin has been performing at very high levels at this years PGA Tour and is set to have one of the best seasons in his career. Mike Thomas, the father of Justin Thomas, is looking forward to "dealing some grief" and competing against Tiger and Charlie Woods at the PNC Championship. Paul Thomas passed his pasion for golf down to his son, Mike, and his grandson, 13-time PGA Tour winner Justin. Justin Thomas and father Mike used a birdie on the 18th hole for a 15-under 57 in the scramble format and a one-shot victory over Vijay Singh and son Qass at the PNC Championship. Golf Channel, All Rights Reserved. Which LIV Defector Does Tony Finau Miss Having on the PGA Tour the Most? Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Its free. He was feeling dizzy. Get InsideHook in your inbox. I dont watch much TV, because Im usually at the event, but this is about all I can do, said the long-time PGA Master Professional. Thats when he was rushed to the hospital for treatment. But for Mike Thomas, every day is fathers day. He was feeling dizzy. According to wealthy persons, the 28-year-old Justin has a net worth of $40 million. ", Justin Thomas' dad takes over after caddie falls ill, Here's everything you missed this week in professional golf. In his prime, he played in the 1962 U.S. Open and finished 15th at the 1983 U.S. Senior Open. Im lucky they found it, said Mike, who turns 62 next month. So, lets see everything that there is to know about Mike Thomas, his father, and mentor. Where did Dax Milne go to college? GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. Mike Thomas is a star golfer and with that, he is also the father of Justin Thomas. Its Justin Thomas, right, and Jim Bones Mackay Getty Images The PGA victory was the second for Thomas and Mackay as a team, and the first major. A post shared by Mike Thomas (@mikethomaspga) He said, His dad nor I really pushed [Justin]. Mike Thomas had a blood clot in his lung a condition known as pulmonary embolism. Thomas didn't have an update on Johnson after his round. 2023 Ghanafuo.com & DM Network. 1 in the world. Justin is a major winner and a former FedExCup champion. His round got off to a slow start with pars on the first five holes before a costly double-bogey 6 on the sixth made a comeback all but impossible. I mean, I told him on 12 that if he needed to leave, he needed to leave. Golf star Justin Thomas and his dad and coach Mike Thomas join TODAYs Carson Daly and his son Jackson to talk about fond memories of growing up on the golf Instead, he is relaxingas best he canat home in South Florida, having to be content watching it on television. Copyright 1996 - Currently But Mike Thomas impact on his son has reached far beyond the golf course. Paul Thomas left school at age 17 to become a golf professional after caddieing in his youth in Cincinnati. Tiger Woods will be back in action with his son, Charlie, at the PNC Championship this weekend as he plays his first tournament since he suffered a horrific leg injury in a February car crash. At least one valid email address is required. In shades of Carnoustie, Xander Schauffele and Jordan Spieth came up short Sunday at TPC Scottsdale. SAN DIEGO Mike Thomas made a decision early in his son Justins life that shaped their relationship into the special form it takes today. Golf Channel reported during the early part of its Sunday broadcast that Thomas paternal grandfather, Paul Thomas, had died at 89. Ive seen it done wrong so many times, it was pretty easy to go in the other direction.. Though he failed to find success as a touring professional in the mid-1950s, Paul moved back to Cincinnati, where he grew up, to put down roots as a teaching pro. All registered. Editor at Ghanafuo.com! Justin is a professional golfer who is taught by his father at Goshen, Kentuck Harmony Landin Country Club. Privacy Policy. Apparently, prior to the tournament week, he had He has a blood clot in his lung (pulmonary embolism) and was unable to travel or do any vigorous activity for a month. All rights reserved. He was the one that asked the question, after all. Based on the evidence Justin Thomas has given us in the very public life he leads as a star in his sport, Mike and his wife, Jani, have raised a young man who tries to do the right thing. His dad is his only teacher, and thats the way it should be. Moreover, as the only son, his parents attention was solely focused on him and perhaps thats where his dream of carrying on the family legacy emerged. When not playing or watching a sports In fact, during Justins second year on the PGA Tour, Mike sat him down in Phoenix and asked him: Am I out here too much? After making par on the par-4 18th, a hole after he drained a 50-footer for eagle, Mike Thomas put his arm around his son as they walked to scoring. Sports writer and political commentator at Ghanafuo.com with extensive coverage of American news. But right now, yeah, it's a bummer. Thomas' regular caddie, Jimmy Johnson, had Im more focused on the fact that hes safe, hes healthy and hes doing something that he enjoys doing. As Golfweek points out, it might have been difficult for Thomas to find a replacement otherwise, as there are no spectators allowed at the Memorial. For Mike Thomas, seeing his son author a gesture like that was as rewarding to him as watching Justin hoist a tournament trophy in victory, because that shows him that his kid gets it. Copyright 2023 InsideHook. April 13, 202205:45 Just like Carson, a longtime golf fanatic, who serves as Jackson's coach on the course, Justin has been coached his entire life by his father, Mike. Justin now has his own foundation that helps children in need fulfill their potential, and he hosts an annual junior tournament. Thomas, who shot a 1-under 35 on the front nine, struggled on the back, shooting a 4-over 40 to finish his round with a 75. Ishita Bhargava is a Golf content writer at Essentially Sports. The father of Justin Thomas got the first look at Tiger Woods playing a round of golf since his car crash 10 months ago, and he saw more than he expected. Thomas' father, Mike, who has caddied for Justin in the past, carried his son's bag the rest of the round. Thomas didn't have an update on Johnson after his round. Here is everything about Mike's Wikipedia and family. Mike who is currently 60 years of age is likely to recover in a matter of weeks and get back on the road following the sport he loves best. Scott Stump is a staff reporter and the writer of the daily newsletter This is TODAY. Just like Carson, a longtime golf fanatic, who serves as Jackson's coach on the course, Justin has been coached his entire life by his father, Mike. He also can talk to his son, and they have traded phone calls frequently. Temperatures were in the 90s throughout the afternoon at the Muirfield Village Golf Club. Mike Thomas deserves credit for the way he has mastered the rhythm of the relationship with his son. At first he thought it was pleurisy. Sat, 17 Dec 2022. Justin Thomas caught the golf bug early. If youre Justin Thomas at the Memorial Tournament, you just have your dad, Mike Thomas, sub in and carry your bag for you for the rest of the day. MORE: Justin Thomas has some valid concerns about fans betting on golf. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. He tried to play on the PGA Tour in the mid-1950s but didnt have much success so he moved back to Cincinnati to work as a club professional. He was all about making a hole-in-one. Im his friend first, his coach second and his father last.. I didn't make those bogeys because my dad was caddying; it was just poor execution. I mean, I can tell he was light-headed and just didn't have a lot of energy. I would say the most help I Justin Thomas smiles with his father Mike during practice for the BMW Championship in August. Type above and press Enter to search. I could tell he was light-headed and just didnt have a lot of energy. Some other respiratory condition and only confirmed the clots just a few weeks before this tournament prime! 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