Justin Thomas weighs in on PGA Tour rule change as Jay Monahan forced into action

The PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup finale at the Tour Championship will have a new look next year, and 2017 champion Justin Thomas has had his say on the format changes

Justin Thomas had his say on the PGA Tour’s changes(Image: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Justin Thomas has welcomed the changes made to this year’s PGA Tour season finale, after the circuit announced that the starting stroke rule at the Tour Championship had been scrapped.

Thomas, who is back in action at the Memorial hosted by Jack Nicklaus this week, has become the latest big name to have their say on the changes, following in the footsteps of Scottie Scheffler, who won the FedEx Cup crown at East Lake last season.

The removal of starting strokes means all players will now begin the 72-hole event at level par. The winner after four rounds will be crowned FedEx Cup champion, and the Tour’s top 30 players will compete.

Asked about the changes at Muirfield Village this week, Thomas said: “Yeah, I’m excited. I think it’s obviously something different and something new, which I think a lot of us players felt was needed. And we want to, all of us want to have the excitement.

“We want you guys to have the excitement, and the fans, and us players to have the opportunity to go to the Tour Championship and win the FedEx Cup. And it’s always been a big deal, but I think players are starting to just realize how much harder it is to get to the Tour Championship than maybe any of us realized.

“Where I think we’re fully understanding and grasping that, if you’re at the Tour Championship and you’re at that final event, then you have all the right in the world to walk away with the FedEx Cup. So I think that’s something I know that I’m behind, and I think a lot of people are.”

Justin Thomas won the FedEx Cup in 2017(Image: Getty Images)

The starting strokes system was first introduced in 2019, two years after Thomas’s impressive season earned him the title of FedEx Cup champion.

Since then, the format and the way the FedEx Cup crown is handed out have faced criticism from players, including from last year’s season-long winner, Scheffler.

This year’s changes will ensure the Tour Championship is harder to qualify for than ever before, an idea the world No. 1 is now behind. The Tour has also pledged to make the East Lake course a risk-and-reward setup in the hopes of making the event a better spectacle for fans.

Speaking prior to Thomas’ press conference on Wednesday, Scheffler said of the changes: “I think when you’re looking at a golf tournament, I think the best way to identify the best player over the course of a tournament is 72-hole stroke play on a really good golf course.

“I think when you look at a good test of golf and you’ve got to compete over four days, I think that’s the best way to crown the best winner for that week looking at the Tour Championship.

“I didn’t love the previous format of starting strokes, and I really like the direction where we’re going.

“I think the Tour Championship’s going to be difficult to qualify for. Making the Tour Championship is truly going to be the results from a great body of work over the course of a season, and then you have an opportunity to win the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup.”

Related Posts

SHOCKING PHOTOS LEAKED: Max Verstappen’s Girlfriend Causes Chaos With Daring Outfit—Journalist Gets Nosebleed, Internet Goes Wild Over Scandalous Look!

In a moment that set social media ablaze, Max Verstappen’s stunning girlfriend turned heads—and broke necks—when she showed up at a recent high-profile event wearing an outfit that…

Transformers 8: Rise of Unicron (2025) – First Trailer – Shia LaBeouf

In a stunning reveal that is electrifying fans worldwide, the first trailer for “Transformers 8: Rise of Unicron” has dropped, featuring the return of Shia LaBeouf to the franchise. The trailer, unveiled just moments ago, sets the stage for an epic showdown between humanity and the colossal threat of Unicron, the planet-eating force that could spell doom for both Autobots and humans alike. With the stakes higher than ever, the trailer opens with a tense exchange that establishes the gravity of the situation. A mysterious figure confronts LaBeouf’s character, hinting at a secretive war involving global threats and a clandestine organization known as Sector 7. The urgency in the air is palpable as the characters grapple with the impending doom that looms closer every second. “You’re the one who can restore trust between humans and Autobots,” the figure tells LaBeouf, emphasizing the critical role he must play in uniting forces against Unicron. Fans can expect heart-pounding action, breathtaking visuals, and the emotional weight of legacy as LaBeouf’s character is thrust back into a world he thought he had left behind. This trailer promises not only nostalgia but a fresh narrative that will captivate audiences. As Optimus Prime stands ready to lead the charge, the call to arms resonates with viewers, urging them to join the fight against an unimaginable threat. The adrenaline-fueled footage hints at explosive battles and deepening alliances, all while teasing the return of fan-favorite characters. With “Transformers 8: Rise of Unicron” set for release in 2025, this first glimpse has left fans buzzing with anticipation. The clock is ticking, and the fight for survival is about to begin. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates on this monumental cinematic event!

GREEN LANTERN (2025) With Will Smith & Nathan Fillion

In a thrilling turn of events for comic book fans, whispers of a new Green Lantern movie featuring Will Smith and Nathan Fillion are electrifying the DC Universe. While specifics remain unconfirmed, the buzz around this potential project has reached a fever pitch, especially with James Gunn at the helm. Fans are eagerly anticipating what could be a landmark moment for the franchise following years of disappointment since the 2011 film. The groundwork for this cinematic revival is already laid, as Gunn is currently spotlighting the Green Lanterns in his upcoming HBO series, which showcases heavyweights like Hal Jordan and Jon Stewart. But the excitement doesn’t stop there; rumors suggest that a full-scale Green Lantern movie could delve deeper into the expansive lore of the Green Lantern Corps, potentially introducing lesser-known characters and epic cosmic storylines that have yet to be explored on screen. This is not merely about flashy space battles; it’s about weaving an intricate tapestry of storytelling that ties together the vast emotional spectrum of the Lanterns. Gunn is known for his ability to transform obscure characters into fan favorites, and with the Green Lantern mythos teeming with untapped potential, the stakes are high for what this film could deliver. As anticipation builds, particularly around Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Guy Gardner—which promises to showcase the ring’s capabilities in a fresh, dynamic way—the buzz from fans is palpable. The forthcoming Superman film, featuring Gardner, hints at a universe already populated by heroes, setting the stage for the Green Lanterns to finally claim their long-awaited spotlight. With the momentum building, the call for a Green Lantern movie is not just a plea from fans; it’s a clarion call for justice on behalf of characters that deserve their due. If confirmed, this film could redefine the DC landscape and usher in a new era for the Lanterns, turning long-held dreams into exhilarating reality. Stay tuned as the DCU prepares for what could be its most cosmic adventure yet!

NOMAD (2025) With Chris Evans & Rosa Salazar

In a groundbreaking twist for Marvel fans, the highly anticipated series “NOMAD” starring Chris Evans and Rosa Salazar is set to explore the complexities of Steve Rogers’ past as he reclaims the Nomad identity. In a fresh narrative that dives into the shadows of the Marvel Universe, the series promises to reveal what Captain America did during his time off the grid post-Civil War. While Steve’s transition to Nomad has been met with mixed reactions, the stakes are high as the show aims to balance legacy and character development. The Nomad identity, originally adopted by Steve Rogers when he stepped away from the shield, raises questions about his legacy and whether revisiting this persona could undermine his character arc. However, insiders suggest that the series may shift focus to Jack Monroe, a pivotal character who has donned the Nomad mantle in the comics. Monroe’s tumultuous journey, including his battles with mental health and his gritty vigilante exploits, could provide a compelling narrative that honors the legacy of Captain America while introducing a new hero. As the series gears up, fans are buzzing about the potential for flashbacks featuring Evans as Rogers, serving as a mentor to Monroe. This could pave the way for an exploration of deeper themes, such as redemption and the weight of history. The show’s creators face a daunting task; producing a grounded, gritty narrative within the Marvel framework is a high-stakes gamble that could redefine the franchise. With speculation running rampant on who could portray the new Nomad, casting choices such as Jensen Ackles and Glenn Powell spark excitement. As filming is rumored to begin soon, Marvel aficionados are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how this new chapter will unfold. The fate of the Nomad legacy hangs in the balance, and fans won’t want to miss a moment of this thrilling new saga. Stay tuned for more updates as “NOMAD” prepares to redefine the Marvel landscape!

Rory McIlroy’s complex love life from cancelled wedding to divorce U-turn

Rory McIlroy’s love life has seen its fair share of drama – from a called-off wedding to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki to a surprise U-turn on his recent…

Nick Taylor makes it look easy in the rain and shares the lead at Memorial

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) – Nick Taylor brought his best golf on a day that required no less at the Memorial. He putted for birdie on all but one…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *