Justin Thomas’s 2025 season stats scream contender — a win, three runner-ups, and seven top-10s. But at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, while others battled for the top, he slipped further down the board than he’d hoped. For a man chasing FedEx Cup points and a Ryder Cup spot, it was a week to forget.

Justin Thomas entered the week with high hopes, but his time at TPC Southwind didn’t unfold as planned. On Instagram, he reflected candidly, noting that “week one of the FedEx Cup playoffs” was in the books, yet it “wasn’t the week we had in mind.” The message spoke volumes about his desire to contend for the title rather than settle for a middle-of-the-pack finish. For a player of his stature, every start is a shot at victory, especially when FedEx Cup points and Ryder Cup ambitions hang in the balance.

Despite a promising start, Thomas struggled to find his groove. A rough second round, marred by two bogeys and a costly double bogey, derailed his momentum and left him playing catch-up. It was a far cry from his past success at this event—T4 in 2021 and a T30 at 5-under last year—and ultimately, this outing will be remembered as one where a single round kept him from truly challenging the leaders.

Despite the setback, Thomas remained optimistic. He added, “But finally got it going today. Let’s ride that momentum into @bmwchamps!” This shows his determination to shake off the disappointment quickly and channel his focus into the next event. It’s a clear signal that while this week didn’t meet expectations, Thomas is ready to regroup and push harder in the coming challenges. This wasn’t the first time Thomas faced disappointment with a performance that fell short of his own high standards. Earlier this season at the Memorial Tournament, he posted a similarly candid message, revealing just how demanding the course was and how much pressure he felt to perform. “I’m not sure there’s a place we play that demands as much as @memorialgolf does. Such a brutal test! Didn’t quite have it this week,”. 

That message really captured just how tough the situations in the fields can be is not just physically, but mentally too. For a player known for his relentless competitive spirit, admitting he “didn’t quite have it” shows his honesty and the high standards he holds himself to. Just like at St. Jude, the Memorial was a reminder that even the top stars have weeks when nothing seems to click. 

Beyond the demands off the course, Thomas also embraces new off-course responsibilities, juggling both with commitment and without any regrets.

How Justin Thomas Manages Life’s Fresh Challenges Beyond Golf

Since becoming a father to daughter Molly Grace in November 2024, Justin Thomas has faced a whole new set of challenges off the course. Fatherhood has reshaped his daily routine and priorities, requiring him to balance the demanding life of a PGA Tour pro with the equally important role of an engaged parent. Thomas openly credits his wife Jillian for her support, calling himself “very, very fortunate” to have her understanding of the demands of his career. “It’s just not that I’m able to be gone for six or eight hours during the day, and I just come home and sit on the couch,” he explained. Instead, he’s fully aware that his responsibilities at home begin the moment he walks through the door, emphasizing how important it is for him to be present and involved. 

This new chapter has also changed how Thomas approaches his practice and preparation. With less time to spare, he’s adopted a more structured and efficient routine on the course. “I’m way more structured in my practice. I didn’t realize how often I would go to the course, not really knowing what I was doing. But I need to know what I’m doing and try to just manage the time, and make it much more efficient,” he said. Despite the added demands of parenting, Thomas has remained dedicated to refining his game while balancing family life. His words reveal a thoughtful and mature approach to juggling both worlds, proving that fatherhood, rather than being a distraction, has become a motivating force in his career and personal growth.

Now, all eyes are on Justin Thomas as he turns the page and sets his sights firmly on the next challenge  the BMW Championship. After a tough week, he’s eager to regain momentum and prove that this setback won’t define his season.