The writing was maybe on the wall earlier than the 29-year-old had even struck his first aggressive ball of the day at The Nation Membership.
“From Louisville, Kentucky — Justin Thompson,” the tee field announcer mistakenly known as as Thomas ready for his opening drive, prompting a bemused response from the American.
Following a stable begin of three consecutive pars, confusion made means for fury on the fourth gap when Thomas’ tee shot settled on the cusp of a drain within the heart of the golf green.
Not afforded a drop, Thomas proceeded to play the ball because it lay, together with his errant shot crusing right into a bunker properly wanting the inexperienced.
Wanting down on the drain in disgust earlier than the ball had even landed, to say the American was displeased can be an understatement.
“I am simply making an attempt to be an excellent f***ing particular person. F***ing b******t.”
Thomas subsequently bogeyed the outlet, ending the day with a two-over 72 that leaves him three-over par heading into Sunday’s ultimate spherical.
‘Spirit of the sport’
Sometimes, a golfer can solely obtain a drop ball if the lie is affecting their stance or the road of their swing. Discussing the incident, Thomas stated he had known as an official to get a ruling on the shot, however — believing he wouldn’t hit the drain — determined towards asking for a free drop “within the spirit of the sport.”
“I felt like I very simply might have instructed her that I used to be going to [hit the drain] and gotten a free drop,” Thomas instructed reporters.
“It is very clear that my stance was altered and sitting unhealthy due to that drain,” he added.
Not desirous to take a drop penalty, the South African blasted his drive previous a tree, a concession stand, and a mass of spectators in direction of the fourth gap.
For Thomas, having opened with a promising 69 on Thursday, back-to-back 72’s depart the American needing to make up seven strokes to attract degree with compatriot Will Zalatoris, who lead the sphere on his return to the clubhouse.
