During a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Justin Thomas shared an extraordinary story involving NBA legend Michael Jordan and a game of golf.
A Teenage Golfer’s Dream
It’s not often that professional golfers make guest appearances on late-night talk shows, but Justin Thomas broke the trend when he appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The audience was in for a treat as Thomas recounted an unforgettable gambling story that took place when he was just 15 years old.
The Kentucky Connection
Thomas grew up in Kentucky, where his father Mike served as the head professional at Harmony Landing Country Club in Goshen. Whenever Michael Jordan attended the Kentucky Derby, he would play a game of golf at the club alongside his fellow NBA pro, Junior Bridgeman. As both his father and he were involved in setting up these matches, Thomas had the unique opportunity to caddie for Jordan during the yearly games.
A Game-Changing Partnership
Everything changed for Thomas during one particular match when Jordan unexpectedly partnered with him for the final holes. Despite the pressure of playing alongside a basketball legend, the young golfer rose to the occasion and made four birdies in seven holes, ultimately helping Jordan secure a victory.
The Reward
Thomas’s exceptional performance on that day didn’t just earn him praise but also helped him pay for his very first car. He revealed to Colbert that he made around three to four thousand dollars from the match with Jordan. Interestingly, Jordan had instructed everyone not to disclose the amount they were playing for, assuming it would intimidate Thomas. Thomas, unaware of the sum at the time, later learned about it from his father, who advised him to tip the assistant pro who worked at the club. With only $100 bills earned from the match, Thomas jokingly handed over a crisp Benjamin to the assistant pro, much to his father’s surprise.
From that Game to the Pros
Fast forward fifteen years, and Justin Thomas has become one of the most successful professional golfers, boasting 15 Tour wins, two major titles, and official Tour earnings of over $56 million. As a resident of Jupiter, Florida, he continues to play golf with Michael Jordan, although it remains uncertain whether Thomas is now winning or losing money during their friendly matches.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How did Justin Thomas pay for his first car?
Justin Thomas paid for his first car with the money he earned from a game of golf with Michael Jordan. He made around three to four thousand dollars during the match.
Did Justin Thomas feel pressure playing with Michael Jordan?
Yes, as a high school kid, Justin Thomas admitted feeling a lot of pressure playing alongside Michael Jordan. However, he managed to perform exceptionally well and made four birdies in seven holes.
How much has Justin Thomas earned from his professional golf career?
Justin Thomas has earned over $56 million in official Tour earnings throughout his professional golf career.
Does Justin Thomas still play golf with Michael Jordan?
Yes, Justin Thomas and Michael Jordan, who are both residents of Jupiter, Florida, continue to play golf together. However, it is unclear whether Thomas is now winning or losing money during their friendly matches.
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