LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Justin Thomas didn’t win this week’s PGA Championship in his hometown, but he left the 18th green feeling like a winner after Sunday’s round at Valhalla.
Thomas shot a 3-under 68 in the final round and birdied the final hole to finish the tournament at 13 under.
There were tears in his eyes as he walked off the green to thunderous applause and returned to the gallery for applause.
“It’s been an incredible week,” Thomas said. “I’m sad it’s over. It was so much fun. The fans were unbelievable. We played really, really, really good golf. We played well enough to win this week. It was fun.”
Valhalla has received some criticism for being so easy, resulting in so many low scores, and some logistical transportation issues.
However, Thomas made a strong pitch that prompted the PGA to get back on the course.
“Selfishly, I hope I get a chance to come back,” he said. “I think Louisville is strong when given the chance and they showed that this week. Guys can say whatever they want about the golf course. Always produces an incredible leaderboard and great finishes. It looks like we’re doing the same thing this year.”
Thomas began the day at 10 under par, five strokes behind the leader.
In 40 of the previous 41 majors, the winner was within four strokes of the leader entering the final round.
Thomas’ win at the 2022 PGA is the only exception, coming from a seven-stroke deficit.
“We really played well enough today, but all week,” Thomas said. “I didn’t make the putts I needed to get some momentum going. I knew I had to shoot pretty low today.
“I think we pressed a little too much and it was just a little bad.”
Rory McIlroy was unsuccessful in his bid to win his first major at the venue where he last won 10 years ago.
McIlroy, who filed for divorce shortly before coming to Louisville, shot a 66 in the first round to tie for 12th place, but things didn’t go well after that.
“[I] We started the week well and obviously played decently over the weekend. [68-67],” He said. “The 71 on Friday was obviously not what I was looking for. [I] I put myself too far behind. ”
Jordan Spieth’s bid to win a career Grand Slam title also failed, with the PGA being the only major title missing from his resume. Spieth was never really in contention all week.
Brooks Koepka’s bid to defend his PGA title and win his fourth career championship was derailed by a 3-over 74 in the third round on Saturday.
He shot a 5-under 66 on Sunday, but finished this week tied for 26th at 9-under.
Asked to rate this week, Koepka said, “It wasn’t very good. I think that’s obvious, right?” “I don’t think it’ll end [26th] It’s progress. I played well today, and I played well the other two days as well. [Saturday] I just didn’t have anything. I don’t think I did anything good. ”
