Justin Thomas and his wife Jillian's lives are about to change dramatically.
The couple is planning to give birth to their first child at the end of November. Thomas published on his Instagram After the Tour Championship. Thomas has had plenty of time to prepare for fatherhood since Presidents Cup captain Jim Furyk decided not to select him for the U.S. team this year.
Still, ahead of this week's ZOZO Championship in Japan, his final start before giving birth, Thomas shared an anecdote that any father can relate to.
“I don't think you ever [prepared to be a father]” Thomas said with a laugh.
“All I know is that I'm going to prepare as well as I can and make the best of every situation possible. I've never done it before, so I don't know if I'm ready or not. I can't say honestly. I'll let you know in a few months. It's going to be a challenge in many ways, but we're really looking forward to it.”
Thomas is not the first PGA Tour pro to become a father this year. Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns welcomed their children into the world this spring. Scheffler's wife, Meredith, gave birth to their son Bennett on May 8, nine days before Louisville Metro Police arrested and detained Scheffler before the second round of the PGA Championship. Burns' son Bear was born April 22, the same Monday morning that Scheffler won the rain-delayed RBC Heritage at Hilton Head.
Unlike Scheffler and Barnes, Thomas won't become a new father during his prime in the majors. But for all three, family always comes first.
Thomas also understands that becoming a father can be far more complicated than any situation on the golf course.
“The golf shots and situations this week are not going to be as difficult as they will be in a month or so when our little one comes,” Thomas explained.
“Probably when I fly home and when I get home, reality sets in because it's a time of urgency. I know my wife is going to be a great mother and I'm excited about the opportunity to raise our little girl. I'm excited. It's going to be great. But this week I'm focused on business and winning golf tournaments. Then it's time to go home and prepare to be a father.”
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
