Truist Championship: Leaderboard Shifts as Round 3 Begins Amid Weather Delays The 2026 Truist Championship entered its third round on Saturday, May 9, with the leaderboard still in flux as players aim to secure a spot in the PGA Championship. Sungjae Im, the tournament’s early leader, maintained his position at 9 under par after a dominant 7-under performance in Round 1. His lead, however, is narrow, with several players within striking distance. Tommy Fleetwood trails by a single stroke after posting two consecutive 4-under rounds, while Justin Thomas and Alex Fitzpatrick, who recently celebrated their brother’s PGA Tour victory, sit two shots behind. Rory McIlroy, the 2018 Masters champion, surged into the top 10 following a 4-under Round 2, positioning him four strokes off the pace. Other players with strong second-round performances include Kristoffer Reitan, Ludvig Aberg, Cameron Young, Akshay Bhatia, Nicolai Højgaard, and Rickie Fowler, who climbed into contention with an impressive 8-under round. A total of 22 players are within six shots of Im’s lead, highlighting the competitive nature of the field as they prepare to head into the PGA Championship. The tournament faced logistical challenges on Day 3 due to weather disruptions. For the second consecutive day, the start of Round 3 was delayed by inclement conditions in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first round had already been postponed by over four hours due to heavy rain, forcing organizers to switch from the original pairs format to split-tee threesomes. This adjustment led to Round 3 beginning at 8:50 a.m. ET, 75 minutes later than the original schedule. Meteorological forecasts indicate a high of 79 degrees Fahrenheit with intermittent clouds and sun on Saturday.#justin_thomas #tommy_fleetwood #sungjae_im #alex_fitzpatrick #truist_championship
Justin Thomas Mimics Cameron Young’s Putter to Contend at Truist Championship Justin Thomas, struggling with his putting during the Truist Championship, turned to a simple solution: borrowing Cameron Young’s putter. Frustrated by his performance on the greens, Thomas asked his Titleist rep for the same Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5R Tour Prototype that Young had relied on to win twice this season and climb to No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Thomas, ranked No. 152 on the PGA Tour in strokes gained putting since returning from November back surgery, had recently switched to his backup Newport 2 GSS after a difficult week with his Phantom 5.5 at the Masters. Thomas’s T-23 finish at the Cadillac Championship marked his fourth top-41 result in six starts this season, but his putting struggles persisted. During the Truist, he lost nearly six strokes for the week, worse than only five players. “I played really well last week, I just putted horrifically,” Thomas admitted. “I had a very tough time on those greens. But I played really, really, really well at Augusta, and I just had zero to show for it. I drove it well, I felt like I hit a lot of good iron shots, just was kind of one of those weeks where I couldn’t get anything going, couldn’t make that putt or get that ball up-and-down that I needed to, either to keep momentum or get momentum. And that stuff just kind of – it wears.” Thomas received his new putter on Monday, only to find himself grouped with Young for the first two rounds. “We had the exact same shoes on yesterday, and it’s like, ‘I promise I’m not trying to copy everything you do, but I’m maybe trying to copy everything you do,’” Thomas joked. “It’s a similar putter to what I used in the past, in terms of toe hang and what I felt.#pga_tour #justin_thomas #cameron_young #titleist #truist_championship
Major Champs Make Driver Switches at the Masters Titleist’s GTS drivers quickly became the most played driver on the PGA Tour, with 34 models in use at the Valero Texas Open last week. The brand accelerated the launch of the GTS driver, moving its debut from the usual summer Tour validation to before the Masters to ensure its stars had access to the equipment at the season-opening major. Major champions Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith joined the GTS lineup, switching to the driver during the Masters. Cameron Young, the newly minted Players champion, also adopted the GTS lineup, swapping his GT1 hybrid for a GTS3 7-wood to improve apex height into greens. Thomas, returning to competitive action in March after a lengthy hiatus due to back surgery in late 2025, had previously used both an older TS3 driver and the newer GT2. At Augusta, he opted for the GTS2 model. Johnson and Smith both transitioned to the GTS2 10-degree head. Young’s switch highlighted the versatility of the GTS series, as he integrated the 7-wood into his setup for better performance on par-5 holes. Akshay Bhatia, a 24-year-old left-handed player, added an extra utility wood to his bag at the Masters. Replacing his X Forged UT 4-iron, Bhatia used a second Apex UW to target second shots on holes 13 and 15, aiming for a higher apex to land softly on Augusta’s greens. Johnny Thompson, Callaway’s Tour Content Manager, explained the strategic reasoning behind the change. The decision aligned with the importance of scoring opportunities on the par-5 holes at Augusta, which have all played under par in the last three years.#justin_thomas #cameron_young #titleist #dustin_johnson #cameron_smith
Sepp Straka Aims for Stronger Showing at 2026 Masters Tournament Austrian golfer Sepp Straka is set to compete in the 2026 Masters Tournament, which will take place from April 9 to 12 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The event marks the first of four major championships on the 2026 PGA Tour schedule, and Straka is determined to build on his previous performance at the tournament. In 2025, he missed the cut with a score of 5-over par, and this year he hopes to improve his results. As the second round of the tournament began on Friday, April 10, Straka’s tee time was scheduled for 10:07 a.m. Eastern Time. He will compete alongside Ben Griffin and Justin Thomas in the group. The leaderboard is currently led by defending champion Rory McIlroy, who shares the top position at 5-under par with Sam Burns, according to reports from sports.yahoo.com. Straka has a history of competing at Augusta National, though his results have been mixed. His best finish at the tournament came in 2024, when he tied for 16th place at 2-over par. However, his performance in 2025 was less successful, as he failed to make the cut. Over his last four appearances at the Masters, his average finishing position has been 31st, with one top-20 finish. Straka’s performance in the 2026 season has shown promise, though consistency remains a challenge. He has participated in seven tournaments this year, securing one top-five finish and two top-10 results. Over his last ten appearances, he has achieved one top-five and two top-10 finishes, indicating a steady but not exceptional performance. His most notable recent result was a tied-for-second-place finish at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he finished 21-under par.#justin_thomas #augusta_national_golf_club #ben_griffin #2026_masters_tournament #sepp_straka
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA Golf has long been a sport defined by its paradoxes—moments of brilliance followed by stretches of frustration, triumphs that feel fleeting and struggles that seem eternal. For players like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas, the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass epitomizes this duality. The Stadium Course, a masterclass in complexity, demands precision and adaptability, rewarding those who navigate its winding layout with mastery. Yet even the game’s elite faces challenges that test their resolve and technique. Scheffler, widely regarded as the world’s top player, faced a difficult round on Thursday, marked by inconsistencies that contrasted with his usual dominance. The 72 he posted was a far cry from his recent form, as he struggled to find rhythm with his driver, often sending shots into the short grass. The Stadium Course, designed by Pete Dye, is a puzzle of curving holes that require players to adjust their approach constantly. For instance, the first hole demands a fade off the tee and a draw into the green, while the second hole reverses that pattern. This demands a level of adaptability that Scheffler seemed to lack, leaving him scrambling for pars rather than playing with confidence. His difficulties were evident in his tee shots, which frequently veered right, forcing him to contend with rough and water hazards. Despite moments of brilliance—such as a 2-foot approach at the sixth hole and a wedge shot setting up a closing birdie on the ninth—his round felt disjointed. Scheffler’s frustration was palpable, particularly after a late three-putt on the 18th hole at Bay Hill, where he tossed his ball into the water in a moment of exasperation.#scottie_scheffler #players_championship #tpc_sawgrass #pete_dye #justin_thomas
Justin Thomas's return to competitive form at the Players Championship took an unexpected turn when a controversial tree on the Stadium Course led to a disastrous triple bogey. The 16-time PGA Tour winner, making his second start since returning from back surgery, entered the tournament at eight under par and remained in contention through the first three rounds. However, his hopes of challenging for the lead were dashed on the sixth hole during the third round. The par-4 hole, known for its tricky tree that hangs over the tee box, became the focal point of the incident. The tree, which was replanted after being damaged in a 2014 storm, had become a point of contention among players. Thomas, who had struggled with inconsistent play in his recent return to the tour, found himself in trouble after a wayward drive landed in a penalty area. Despite multiple attempts to recover, he was unable to get his ball back into the fairway, leading to a difficult fourth shot. Eventually, he managed to save a triple bogey with a four-footer, but the error cost him valuable ground in the standings. The hole’s design has long been a topic of debate. While not one of the course’s most challenging holes, the tree’s presence has created a psychological hurdle for players. Kevin Kisner, an NBC analyst and 2015 Players runner-up, acknowledged the tree’s impact during a post-round interview. “You should be able to keep it under with just about any club, but it’s still always in the back of your mind,” Kisner said with a chuckle. “It’s not a long hole, so the difficulty is more about the tree than the distance.” He added that the hole’s manageable length provides players with ample room to navigate around the tree, though the psychological pressure remains.#players_championship #justin_thomas #kevin_kisner #ben_griffin #players_course
Justin Thomas has six different weather apps on his phone Professional golfers are creatures of habit, with little appetite for the unseen. Which could explain why Justin Thomas’ phone is littered with weather applications. Thomas is making just his second start in 2026 after undergoing a microdiscectomy in November. But instead of speaking about his comeback ahead of this week’s Players Championship, Thomas was confronted at the start of his media session at TPC Sawgrass with an unusual question: How much do you monitor the weather? Given how much the PGA Tour is predicated on Mother Nature, it was a fair inquiry, and by the sounds of it, Thomas isn’t leaving it up to the weatherman. “I have six weather apps,” Thomas said, looking at his phone. “The Weather Channel app is just kind of my standard weather app, but The Weather Bug is my optimistic weather app. I’m a huge weather optimist. Like people, you know, rightfully so, but you see a chance of storms and it’s oh, you know, you look at the weather today for the rest of the week and Thursday’s going to be a rain-out. I’m like, no it’s not. It’s going to get better. It’s going to be fine. Yeah, there’s a chance of rain, but it could be overnight and there’s a lot that can happen. Like it’s going to be fine.” Thomas explained his addiction is mostly due to “packing purposes” on the clothing front—particularly tricky given he doesn’t have an apparel sponsorship at the moment—yet also expressed a practical explanation for his game. “If I’m looking, I’ll check more so the wind direction or kind of where it’s coming from before I’m going to warm-up, or if it’s like a long walk to the first tee, even I’ll look at it and you can kind of get an idea of where it is in my warm-up and go from there.#arnold_palmer_invitational #players_championship #tpc_sawgrass #justin_thomas #weather_apps
Justin Thomas Discusses Form, Fashion Choices and Weather App Obsession Justin Thomas addressed the media Monday at The Players Championship, where he shared insights about his current form, his approach to clothing choices, and the reason behind his reliance on six weather apps. The 33-year-old golfer, who began his tournament with three consecutive birdies, emphasized the importance of mental preparation and physical readiness as he aims to contend in the event. Thomas spoke at length about his recent performance, noting that his confidence has been bolstered by consistent play in recent weeks. He acknowledged the challenges of competing at The Players Championship, particularly on the demanding No. 17 hole, which is known for its water hazard and tricky green. Despite the difficulties, Thomas expressed optimism about his ability to navigate the course effectively. When asked about his fashion choices, Thomas revealed a preference for practical yet stylish attire, often opting for breathable fabrics and colors that help him stay cool during long rounds. He also mentioned that his clothing decisions are influenced by both personal comfort and the need to maintain a professional appearance on the course. The golfer’s fascination with weather apps was a standout topic. Thomas explained that he uses multiple apps to track real-time conditions, including temperature, wind speed, and precipitation, which he believes are critical for adjusting his strategy during a round. He admitted that having six apps allows him to cross-reference data and make informed decisions, particularly in unpredictable weather scenarios.#tpc_sawgrass #golf #the_players_championship #justin_thomas #weather_apps
Justin Thomas becomes PGA Tour's latest apparel free agent Justin Thomas has become the latest PGA Tour professional to transition into an apparel free agent, ending his sponsorship deal with Greyson Clothiers after nearly four years. The 31-year-old player, who previously represented Polo, now has the freedom to choose his on-course attire without brand obligations. Thomas joined the ranks of fellow free agents like Tommy Fleetwood, who have embraced the flexibility to wear whatever they prefer. Speaking ahead of the 2026 Players Championship, Thomas shared his thoughts on the shift. “It’s kind of nice,” he said during a press conference. “When it’s right and when something makes sense, the timing will be what it is. But for now, I’m just enjoying what I’m most comfortable in and whatever it is at that specific time.” The decision reflects a growing trend among top-tier golfers to prioritize personal expression over brand partnerships, especially as prize money on the PGA Tour has surged. Many elite players have opted for brand ambassador roles, but Thomas and others are choosing independence. “It’s refreshing but also harder,” Thomas admitted. “My wife will tell you I’ll sit there and stare in my closet, trying to figure out what to wear. I love clothes and fashion, so it’s not just about grabbing a few items. I like to put together outfits and think through the details. It takes longer than it used to, but it’s fun to do me.” Thomas emphasized the personal significance of his choice. “It’s fun to be able to do me,” he said. “It’s like whatever you’re waking up and feeling that day. But sometimes I have to put a little more thought into it ahead of time, especially for weeks leading up to a tournament.#pga_tour #players_championship #justin_thomas #greyson_clothiers #tommy_fleetwood
Justin Thomas Odds To Win British Open 2026 Justin Thomas is currently listed at +4000 odds to win the 2026 British Open, according to recent betting updates. The odds for other top golfers include Scottie Scheffler at +400, Rory McIlroy at +800, Jon Rahm at +1200, and Tommy Fleetwood at +1400. Other notable players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele, and Ludvig Aberg are also included in the list, with varying degrees of favoritism. The full list of odds spans from +4000 for Thomas to +10000 for players like Cameron Smith and Jake Knapp. Thomas has participated in eight career appearances in The Open Championship, though he has not yet secured a victory in the tournament. Despite this, he has achieved two major championship titles, including the PGA Championship in 2017 and 2022. His performance in the Open has been consistent, but the 2026 edition presents a new opportunity for him to add to his major titles. The odds reflect the current perception of each player's chances, with the top contenders having the lowest payouts. Players like Viktor Hovland and Collin Morikawa are also in the mix, with odds around +2800 and +3300 respectively. The list includes a wide range of golfers, from established names like Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay to emerging talents such as Sam Burns and Adam Scott. The betting market for the 2026 British Open is highly competitive, with a diverse group of players vying for the title. While Thomas’s odds place him in the longer shot category, his experience and past success in major tournaments suggest he remains a strong contender. The final outcome will depend on form, course conditions, and the performance of other top players throughout the event.#rory_mcilroy #scottie_scheffler #jon_rahm #justin_thomas #british_open_2026
