After a lackluster week at the Valspar Championship, Justin Thomas watched the New York Knicks take on the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on Monday night before hopping on the road to appear on “Stephen Kerber” Late Night Show”. Do as you do.
Although Thomas failed to score a personal victory at Copperhead Arena (he ended up tied for 64th), Thomas watched from the sidelines with his wife, Jillian Wisniewski, as the Knicks defeated the Knicks 124-99 Win and continue the strong campaign.
Hours later, the Kentucky-born golfer shared a fascinating story involving another famous basketball entity—arguably the most famous of them all, Michael Jordan.
Thomas, who followed retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer as a guest on Colbert’s seemingly comfy couch, had to admit that he won a ton of money while playing golf with Jordan as a teenager. .
The two-time major champion, who was brought on by “The Late Show” host to discuss the story, produced a photo of baby-faced Thomas, whose father, Mike, is the head pro near Louisville . The 30-year-old revealed that he was “probably 15” in the photo, before giving context.
Thomas said Jordan always attended the Kentucky Derby because of its proximity to where the professional golfer grew up and wanted to play golf whenever he was in town. Since both Mike Thomas and Jordan know former NBA player Junior Bridgeman, the six-time NBA champion will play golf at their local club.
Justin Thomas and his father Mike
(Image source: Getty Images)
Thomas admitted he was lucky to be there at the same time, then answered Colbert’s question about saving money.
“Group.
“The first few years, I would help them. Finally, in the third year – the last year they came out – he would call me ‘Little Man,’ so he said ‘Little Man, go get your clubs, because You’ll play the last seven holes with us.”
“He knew I played golf, but he didn’t know I was…decent, and absolutely no one else knew that. I’ll take Xiaoman and anyone who wants us,” he said. “Everyone else was just looking at this 111-pound kid.”
Colbert asked if Jordan put any pressure on him, and Thomas responded, “No, I just felt pressure from playing with Michael Jordan.” He said, “Well, I got him.” “”
When asked about the result, Thomas smiled and replied: “I had four birdies in seven holes and helped pay for my first car!”
But what about the stakes? Did Thomas know that at the time? The 15-time PGA Tour champion insisted he did not do so, but only realized what he had accomplished after the match.
“I don’t know the amount,” Thomas said. “(Jordan) said to everybody ‘Don’t tell him (Thomas) what we’re playing for because he might…(freak out)…I won 3-4 big games.
“The assistant was helping pack up and everyone was coming in through the 36 holes, and my dad was like giving me a hard time. ‘You need to tip him.'” I said, “Tip who?” He said, ‘Ma Special, assistant. ‘”
At the time, the smallest denomination in teenage Thomas’ pocket was a $100 bill, so that’s what Matt found himself collecting.
Thomas continued: “My dad said, ‘I believe you just tipped him $100.’ That’s all I have,” Thomas said.