Justin Thomas sparked amusement among golf fans and critics alike with a humorous take on a peculiar bunker shot during the Travelers Championship, held at TPC River Highlands. The PGA Tour event began on Thursday, June 19, and Thomas’s unusual stance in the sand drew attention as he playfully challenged the traditional views on golfing technique.
Thomas made a solid start at the tournament, shooting a 67 in the first round. Afterward, he posted an Instagram photo showing himself executing the odd bunker shot from a strange position. Accompanying the image, he wrote:
“Didn’t hit either knee, shin, foot, or fall on my a$$ hitting this shot. And who says golfers aren’t athletes?????!!!”
This witty comment highlighted his agility and athleticism, despite the unconventional form. Fellow PGA Tour professional Min Woo Lee responded to the post, teasing:
“drop it like its hot”
Reflecting on his performance last year at the Travelers Championship, Thomas finished tied for fifth and aims to build on that success in 2025. That previous strong showing shows his potential to contend seriously on the course this season.
This PGA Tour season has presented a mix of highs and lows for Thomas. At The Sentry tournament, he placed tied for 26th after a series of rounds scoring 71, 71, 68, and an impressive final round 63. Shortly after, he achieved a runner-up finish at The American Express before settling for a tie at 48th place in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Throughout 14 tournaments this season, the two-time major champion has recorded one victory and three second-place finishes. He claimed the 2025 RBC Heritage title and narrowly missed first at the Truist Championship. However, Thomas faced disappointment at the 2025 US Open, where he missed the cut, fueling his determination to improve.
Overview of Justin Thomas’s First Round at the 2025 Travelers Championship
Thomas’s 2025 Travelers Championship journey began steadily with pars on the opening holes. He managed to secure birdies on the fifth and eighth holes, showing early promise. A bogey on the ninth briefly interrupted his rhythm.
Moving into the back nine, Thomas found birdies again at the 14th and 15th, finishing with a three-under-par total. This performance placed him tied for 15th after day one, a promising position heading into the next round.
Notably, Austin Eckroat carded a remarkable 62, sharing the lead at 6-under par with the world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler, highlighting the strong competition at the event.
Upcoming Second Round Details and Expectations
The second round of the Travelers Championship is set for Friday, June 20, with play commencing at 8:00 a.m. ET. Justin Thomas will tee off alongside Hideki Matsuyama at 10:15 a.m. ET, providing a key pairing to watch as both players seek to climb the leaderboard.
This tournament represents a significant moment for Thomas as he aims to regain form and contend for the title among a field of top golfers. His quirky bunker shot and solid opening round serve as encouraging signs for what lies ahead in the weekend’s rounds.