Justin Thomas shares mixed feelings on links golf after Open round

Justin Thomas opened The Open Championship with a solid 70 at Royal Birkdale on Thursday. Despite his strong ball-striking and creativity around greens, the 32-year-old has never cracked the top 10 at golf’s oldest major.

What happened at The Open?

Thomas carded 14 pars, two birdies and two bogeys in tough conditions. The Kentucky native struggled with commitment on shots, especially in crosswinds. He admitted links golf isn’t his favorite but acknowledged its unique challenge.

Why does Thomas struggle at The Open?

Despite his versatility, Thomas has never finished inside the top 10 at The Open. His best result is T-11 in 2017. The firm, fast conditions at Birkdale tested his patience and decision-making.

What’s next for Thomas?

Thomas needs a strong weekend to contend at The Open. He’ll focus on committing to shots and trusting his game. The 15-time PGA Tour winner is still searching for his first major title since the 2022 PGA Championship.