At the 2025 Tour Championship, Justin Thomas reflected on a humbling moment when Tiger Woods reminded him of his legendary status.
Justin Thomas entered his press conference at the 2025 Tour Championship ready to discuss his experiences at East Lake. When asked about his most vivid memory outside of his victory at the event, Thomas offered a story that highlighted not just his own career, but the enduring influence of Tiger Woods.
Thomas recalled a practice round during the 2020 Tour Championship, a year in which Woods had not qualified for the season finale. Seizing the opportunity, Thomas FaceTimed Woods while walking down the 18th fairway, hoping to share the atmosphere and, in jest, remind the 15-time major champion that he was absent.
The exchange quickly turned into a reminder of Woods’ legacy. “I remember playing here, playing a practice round and walking down 18 and FaceTiming Tiger… because he wasn’t here and didn’t qualify, just showing him how the course was and how great it was,” Thomas said. “And then he acted like his phone cut out and then he called me back two minutes later with a green jacket on.”
Thomas admitted he had been quickly humbled. “Just a typical conversation of thinking I am having some kind of upper edge,” he said, “and I get shut down and put in my place pretty quickly.”
A humbling FaceTime in 2020 between JT and Tiger 😂
“He didn’t qualify, just showing him how the course was, and how great it was. Then he acted like his phone cut out and then he called me back two minutes later with a Green Jacket on. I remember that very, very, very vividly.” pic.twitter.com/Hc8OWNfSUf
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 19, 2025
While Thomas’ own record continues to grow, the memory serves as a reminder that professional golf is still very much shaped by Woods’ achievements. The green jacket, a symbol of excellence at Augusta National, remains an unmistakable emblem of authority in the sport.
Years later, as Thomas competes once again at East Lake, it’s clear that Tiger Woods still has a unique ability to influence the game, even from a distance.
About the author
Deputy Digital Editor. Social media geek. Single figure player (most days).
After a career in a golf professional shop, and earning a qualification in golf club management, Sarah joined Bauer in 2014 as a Web Producer for Today’s Golfer. She has since worked across multiple brands in a mixture of digital marketing and paid media roles, before returning to focus on golf full-time as Deputy Digital Editor in 2024.
She has been playing golf for over 25 years, and has been a part of multiple club and county teams. She is currently a member of England Golf’s iGolf Club, allowing her to experience many different courses whilst maintaining her 5 handicap.
