Justin Thomas is back in the winner’s circle. After nearly three years without a PGA Tour victory, Thomas captured the 2025 RBC Heritage on Sunday in dramatic fashion, sinking a 21-foot birdie putt in a playoff to defeat Andrew Novak.
The victory marks Thomas’ first title since the 2022 PGA Championship, ending a 1,064-day drought and restoring his confidence after several tough seasons on tour.
A Return to Form
Thomas’ final-round performance at Harbour Town Golf Links was a masterclass in composure and precision. He carded a bogey-free 68, making key birdies at the par-5 fifth, par-4 eighth, and par-5 15th. His ability to stay patient and avoid mistakes ultimately paid off as other contenders faltered.
“I feel like I’ve been playing well enough to win for a couple of years,” Thomas said. “But just because you’re playing well doesn’t mean you’re going to win. This one means a lot.”
The Winning Moment
After finishing his round tied with Novak at the top of the leaderboard, Thomas watched anxiously as Novak missed an 8-foot birdie putt on 18 that could have sealed the win. The two returned to the 18th tee for a playoff, where Thomas clinched the title with a dramatic birdie.
Thomas read the birdie putt just outside the left edge of the cup. It tracked perfectly and dropped for the win — his first since 2022.
The Struggles Behind the Scenes
The win caps a difficult stretch for Thomas. Once ranked No. 1 in the world, he missed the 2023 FedExCup Playoffs, struggled in major championships, and was left off the U.S. Presidents Cup Team. In the meantime, he made swing changes and stepped away from longtime coach and father Mike Thomas.
But 2025 brought renewed promise. Thomas posted runner-up finishes at The American Express, and top-10 showings at the WM Phoenix Open and The Genesis Invitational. A close call at the Valspar Championship, where he bogeyed two of the last three holes to lose to Viktor Hovland, only fueled his motivation.
A Personal Victory
Thomas credited his mindset and strategy at Harbour Town, especially his focus on staying bogey-free.
“I told myself if I could go clean today, I’d have a chance,” he said. “I picked my spots and stuck to the plan.”
His family, who had walked with him through a disappointing finish in Tampa weeks earlier, joined him on the green to celebrate this time.
“I didn’t realize how much I missed winning,” Thomas added.
What’s Next for Justin Thomas?
With the drought behind him and confidence restored, Thomas is poised to make a strong push through the remainder of the 2025 PGA Tour season. His victory at RBC Heritage reestablishes him as a top contender — and a reminder that perseverance still wins in golf.
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