Justin Thomas Almost Bags Free Car in Scotland

Justin Thomas came close to winning a free car at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open after a brilliant shot. Thomas hit a near-perfect tee shot that landed softly on the green and rolled just inches short of the hole while playing the par-3 17th at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland. The 32-year-old would have driven away with a luxury Genesis GV70 SUV[,/] while his caddie, Matt Minister, would have received a Genesis GV60 as part of the prize package.

Thomas’s Ball Stops A Foot Short to Deny Him a New Car

The Scottish Open’s par-3 17th hole is always the center of attraction at the tournament, and comes with even more excitement thanks to a special prize from tournament sponsor Genesis. The South Korean car company offered up two brand-new cars to the first player to hit a hole-in-one at the hole, one for the golfer and one for their caddie.

Justin Thomas nearly made it happen when his tee shot landed right at the top of the green and rolled toward the flag, looking perfect the whole way. But the ball stopped just a foot short, leaving him and his caddie, Matt Minister, just shy of driving off with a new car each. Thomas would have won a Genesis GV70 SUV, while Minister was in line for a GV60.

The 17th hole has become one of the must-watch moments of the weekend at The Renaissance Club, where the Scottish Open is played. Thanks to the hole-in-one prize, the short par-3 adds extra thrill to every swing. Thomas is currently in strong form after a rough stretch in 2023. The 32-year-old has bounced back in 2025 with solid performances across the PGA Tour and DP World Tours, and he’s now considered one of the favorites at The Open next week.

Thomas Focused Despite Missing Out on a New Car

Only one player has managed to win the prize. A relatively unknown English golfer, Jordan Smith — is the only golfer to have achieved the feat since 2022. Tournament organizers awarded the 32-year-old and his caddie, Sam Matton, the cars during a special event at Battersea Power Station after they achieved the feat.