Justin Thomas Shoots 14 Strokes Better on Front Nine Saturday at British Open

Madison Williams | Jul 20, 2024

Justin Thomas walks to the 18th green during the first round of the British Open at Royal Troon. / Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Thomas has been on a rollercoaster during this year's British Open.

After opening Thursday with a 3-under 68, which put him as the solo leader for part of the day, he was in danger of missing the cut Friday when he shot a 9-over 45 on the front nine. He redeemed himself on the back nine to secure a position in the weekend rounds.

On Saturday, Thomas wowed fans again when he shot a 5 under on the front nine thanks to five birdies. This means the two-time PGA Championship winner shot 14 strokes better on the front nine in the span of a day. Talk about pulling a complete 180.

“I played really well,” Thomas said in his post-round interview. “It's hard to see a 45 on someone's score, a professional golfer at a major and think that he's playing well. It was just kind of a flukey nine holes really, just a couple holes. I knew I could come out this morning and try to shoot low, and it was nice to.”

Justin Thomas recaps his third-round 67 on a day of changing conditions at Royal Troon. 🫡

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Thomas ended up bogeying twice on the back nine and birdied one more time to shoot 67, good for a tie for 12th at even par as Round 3 continued Saturday. He could possibly have a chance of holding the Claret Jug on Sunday if he repeats what he did during his Saturday round.