Justin Thomas hails new driver that could give him “huge advantage”

Dave Tindall 08 Dec 2024

Justin Thomas has been hinting at breaking his two-and-a-half-year win drought.

A second place at the ZOZO Championship in Japan on his latest start showed the two-time major winner was getting closer and closer.

Now he’s in position to get the ‘W’ after taking the third-round lead at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

And the difference maker as he tries to hold a world-class field at bay – a new driver.

Thomas has a new, longer 46” driver in the bag this week, an addition of around an inch and a half to the usual shaft he has on his Titleist GT2.

“I mean, I’ve messed with a longer driver this offseason and I put it in play today just because with not much wind I felt like it was a good opportunity,” said Thomas after a 66 in round one.

“I drove the hell out of it on the back nine.”

JT used a 46" driver today, more than an inch longer than his gamer.

Said he brings it with him to different TOUR stops, but hardly puts in play. Adds 2-3mph ball speed, 8-10 yards of carry and 15 yards total.

Can't get as creative with it, wouldn't put in play in higher winds https://t.co/6UocrWdLVr pic.twitter.com/jAWBSXiAVq

— Paul Hodowanic (@PaulHodowanic) December 5, 2024

He also revealed that it gave him another 2-3mph of ball speed, an extra 10 yards in the air and as much as 15 yards extra with roll out.

“I’ve been hitting with it at home. I’ve had a long driver that I’ll travel with for the last year or so. I’ve used it a couple times, but this shaft that I’m using is different. I want to be able to have that because I think there’s some courses that it’s a huge advantage.”

And it seems to be working.

After a 67 in round two, Thomas added: “I drove it well today. When you drive it where I did today, you feel like 5 under’s about the worst you could shoot and that’s kind of how I feel right now.”

And his trust in the club grew further after he moved to the top of the leaderboard – one shot clear of World No.1 Scottie Scheffler – with a Saturday 66.

“I’m driving it great. I’ve had a lot of confidence with it,” said the 31-year-old after moving to 17-under for the tournament.

And the stats back it up.

Thomas ranks 1st for Strokes Gained: Off The Tee after 54 holes and also 4th in Driving Distance (317.7 yards).

The tweak to his Titleist GT2 could be the difference maker as he chases that overdue win.