Justin Thomas triumphs at the 2025 Open Championship with a stunning final round, securing a remarkable victory.
At the 2025 Open Championship, Justin Thomas set aside his longstanding criticisms related to LIV Golf to commend fellow competitor Lee Westwood for an impressive round. The exchange took place during the tournament held at Royal Portrush, where Thomas, known for his candid stance on the LIV Golf controversy, was seen congratulating Westwood, who has been defying expectations at 52 years old. This moment is notable as Thomas had previously been vocal about his frustrations with players who switched to LIV Golf, but here he recognized Westwood’s skill on the course.
Thomas’s recognition of Westwood’s play highlights a shift toward sportsmanship despite the ongoing debate between PGA Tour loyalists and LIV Golf defectors. The 52-year-old English golfer shot a 2-under 69, leaving him tied for 10th place early in the tournament, reinforcing his reputation as a consistent and formidable competitor.
Background on Justin Thomas’s Views about LIV Golf Players
Justin Thomas has been one of the most outspoken critics of LIV Golf since the league’s inception. In 2022, he expressed frustration with players who joined LIV Golf, calling out what he perceived as dishonesty about their motives. Thomas stated,
“To be perfectly honest, I just wish one of them would have the b—- to ‘I am doing this for the money,’”
—Justin Thomas, PGA Professional
He accused some players of hiding their true financial motivations by claiming their decisions were made
Image of: Justin Thomas
“for the betterment of the game.”
While respecting individual decisions, Thomas’ criticism was fueled by his passion and loyalty to the PGA Tour, the organization where he has invested his career.
By 2024, Thomas’s stance crystallized further as he argued that LIV Golf defectors should not be allowed to return to the PGA Tour without difficulty. He remarked,
“I would say that there’s a handful of players on LIV that would make the tour a better place, but I’m definitely not in agreement that they should just be able to come back that easily,”
—Justin Thomas, PGA Professional
This sentiment reflected a divide in professional golf, where debate rages on about how to handle players moving between rival tours. Despite this tension, moments like Thomas’s sportsmanlike words to Westwood show that respect on the course can transcend off-course disagreements.
Lee Westwood’s Resilient Round at Royal Portrush
Lee Westwood’s third-round performance at the 2025 Open Championship was marked by a dramatic comeback and moments of excellence. He began the round struggling, posting four over par through his first six holes, a tough start in such a competitive environment. Reflecting on this, Westwood said,
“I was looking around the golf course and I was like, oh, my God, where am I going to make a couple of birdies to get this back to half decent,”
—Lee Westwood, Professional Golfer
Despite the rough beginning, Westwood adopted a patient approach, focusing on enjoying the moment rather than succumbing to frustration. He added,
“That’s why I really wasn’t that disappointed when I was four over through 6 because I thought, it’s the Open Championship, how many more am I going to get to play, you might as well enjoy it,”
—Lee Westwood, Professional Golfer
Westwood’s persistence paid off as he delivered an outstanding back nine, scoring 29 strokes and nearly matching a record with a 28. His steady play was marked by consistent birdies and a relaxed mindset, even as the pressure mounted. He chuckled discussing his progress:
“I just kept writing down a lot of 3’s on my scorecard, and I was like, ‘This is going well,’”
—Lee Westwood, Professional Golfer
Though he narrowly missed a possible history-making birdie putt on the final hole, Westwood remained content with his effort, commenting,
“Just shows you you’ve got to be patient and never give up, right? Stick at it.”
—Lee Westwood, Professional Golfer
Westwood’s Experience and Current Position in the Major
With 91 major tournament starts, Lee Westwood is a veteran whose experience is apparent in his calm approach during competitions. Currently tied for 11th place at 6 under par, Westwood is aiming to finish strong and extend his impressive record at Royal Portrush, where he tied for fourth place six years prior. This event is not just another tournament for Westwood but an opportunity to continue proving his competitive edge despite his age.
Westwood’s play has been especially notable given his reported confidence in his golf swing, which he described as
“as good as it’s been in a while.”
His ability to maintain form long past the usual prime years for professional golfers is remarkable and has certainly caught the attention of peers and fans alike.
Implications for the PGA Tour and LIV Golf Relations
Justin Thomas’s decision to openly commend Lee Westwood, a member of LIV Golf, is a significant moment that may indicate a subtle softening in relations between PGA loyalists and LIV players. While Thomas remains firm on his stance regarding access to the PGA Tour for LIV defectors, gestures like this could foster a more respectful atmosphere within the sport.
Furthermore, Westwood’s strong showing challenges any notions that LIV players are not competitive at major championships. His performance at the 2025 Open Championship serves as a reminder that skill and dedication persist regardless of tour affiliations. The question of whether LIV Golf players will be fully integrated back into the PGA Tour system or continue facing restrictions remains a pressing issue with broad implications for professional golf’s future.
As the Open Championship progresses, watchers will be keen to see if Westwood can continue this momentum, potentially securing a top finish that would guarantee his participation in next year’s Open and a spot in all four majors in 2026. His journey offers a compelling narrative of resilience, skill, and the evolving dynamics between rival golf organizations.
