Justin Thomas, who just starred in Season 2 of Netflix’s “Full Swing,” visited the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York. Chat with Late Show host Stephen Colbert.
But instead of focusing the conversation on full swings and the Ryder Cup, Colbert wanted Thomas to talk about the first time he played golf with Michael Jordan.
Thomas’ story about the six-time NBA champion did not disappoint.
“He always came to the Kentucky Derby and I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. He had a friend that he played with in the NBA, Junior Bridgeman, who was a friend of his dad’s and built a connection with him. So he came out and played his dad’s course. I decided to do it.”
Bridgeman, of course, flourished at the University of Louisville under legendary coach Danny Crum. He later played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers, and served as president of the NBA Players Association in the late 1980s.
Later, he accumulated a huge amount of wealth thanks to various business ventures. He also became a member of the PGA of America’s board of directors in 2008, when Louisville’s Valhalla Golf Club hosted the Ryder Cup. Valhalla will host his fourth PGA Championship this May.
So Bridgeman and Jordan both had plenty of cash when they played with young Thomas at his father’s course in Kentucky. They also liked playing money games on the course.
“[Jordan] Thomas always called me “little one,” so I said, “Little one, I’m going to bring your clubs and play the last seven holes with you.”
“He knew I played golf, but he didn’t know I was sane. And no one else knew anything. So [Jordan] “I’ll take the little guy to whoever wants us,” he said. Of course, all eyes are on this 111-pound kid. ”
Thomas said he felt “plenty of pressure” playing with Jordan, but that didn’t stop him from making four birdies and seven holes.
“It helped me pay for my first car,” Thomas joked.
“I didn’t know the amount.” [we were playing for]. [Jordan] I told you not to tell everyone how much it was. [I would freak out]. But I probably won three or four grand. That was an interesting story. ”
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.
