Justin Thomas points to rise of two PGA Tour rivals as source of inspiration

Adam Schenk and Eric Cole have been highly praised by Justin Thomas, who believes more golfers should consider their approach when it comes to a new PGA Tour season.

Former World Number One Justin Thomas has drawn inspiration from Eric Cole and Adam Schenk, who have had consistent seasons and secured spots in the four majors next year. The PGA Tour will be divided into two segments in the upcoming season, with the top-ranked players competing in high-stakes £15 million signature events, while the others will be playing for approximately £6.7m in other tournaments. FedEx Cup points have become crucial for improving a golfer’s ranking, and unfortunately, Thomas didn’t have the best year in 2023.

Given Thomas’ reputation, it’s likely that he will receive sponsor exemptions for the major events if he doesn’t qualify on his own. However, the 30-year-old believes that both Cole and Schenk should serve as role models for aspiring golfers. They were the only players to climb from outside the top 150 to the top 50 ranked players on the tour.

Instead of complaining about the advantages top golfers enjoy, Thomas sees the rise of Cole and Schenk as an example of what is possible. Despite not winning any tournaments in 2023, both golfers consistently performed well, which propelled them up the rankings and now presents them with significant opportunities in the upcoming season.

Cole has taken the long route, spending 10 years on the minor tours and making a remarkable jump from World No. 384 to No. 41. Schenk has also shown improvement over the years, qualifying for the Tour Championship and all the majors.

“I think it’s the easy thing to do, honestly, to sit there and say: ‘Why me? Why is this happening to me? Why are they getting this?’” Thomas expressed. “If you would have put us (Thomas, Cole, and Schenk) side by side at the beginning of the year and said, ‘Who is going to do what?’ … you know what I’m saying?

“But that’s the way I think so many people look at it. It’s like, ‘Well, they are going to play in all these events.’ Or you can look at it like Adam Schenk did and say, ‘I’m going to play my way into those events.’ Eric Cole, ‘I’m going to play my way into those events.’”

Thomas, despite being ranked No. 26 globally, proved his skills by winning the PGA Championship in 2022. This victory marked his second major win, with his first triumph occurring in 2017. Although he achieved a commendable fourth-place finish in The Masters in 2020, golf can be unpredictable, and even the best players can have off years. It serves as a reminder that everyone must work hard and earn their success in this funky game.