The Heartfelt Reason Justin Thomas Skipped the Wyndham Championship This Week

A Special Homecoming

Justin Thomas was back in his hometown of Louisville, KY this week to host the AJGA Justin Thomas Junior Championship. The event is being held at Harmony Landing Country Club, Thomas' childhood course, and brings back fond memories for the local hero.

"I see all those kids down in the chipping green and just the amount of hours I spent in my life down there and up on the putting green there, outside the pro shop. I can't even fathom the amount of mozzarella sticks I've had inside that pool house for lunch," Thomas said during an interview. "This was my life. I arguably spent more time here than I did my own house growing up."

This year marks the tenth year of Thomas' namesake junior golf event which takes place from July 29 - August 1, 2025.

"It's so cool. Some of these kids are about to go into the most fun part of life going to play college golf somewhere, or even not even playing college golf, but just going to college." To Thomas, the transition from high school to college was a big jump, but in the best way. "I tell all these kids to enjoy it because what you think are problems when you're in junior golf and then once you're in college aren't real problems, so just enjoy it."

Thomas, 32, spent a day with the junior players this week, answering questions and offering advice before the tournament kicked off. Thomas returned this year to host the junior event for the first time as a father. His daughter, Molly Grace Thomas, was born in November 2024. For the two-time major champion, fatherhood has offered a renewed perspective on life and the game of golf.

The full quote from Arnold Palmer's quote reads, "Golf is a game of inches. The most important are the six inches between your ears." By continuing his efforts both on and off the course to grow the game and connect with the next generation of players, Justin Thomas embodies Mr. Palmer's words well.

"I'm starting to play against these kids that are playing in my tournament, but that's the hope, hopefully play against all of them."