How a huge bet with Michael Jordan helped Justin Thomas pay for his first car originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Justin Thomas says helping Michael Jordan win a round of golf (and more importantly, a bet) deserves a huge reward.
The 15-time PGA Tour champion appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and shared a hilarious story about winning thousands of dollars in a bet with the former Chicago Bulls icon.
Growing up, Thomas’ father was a pro at a country club in Lexington, Ky., where Michael Jordan would play a round of golf every year when he was in town for the Kentucky Derby.
“I was about 15,” Thomas said.
“I’m going to be the caddy for this team. Finally, the last year, they came out and (Jordan) said, ‘Little man, go get your clubs. You’re going to play the last seven holes with us.’ “
Jordan claimed Thomas was his partner but did not tell the teenager how much money he had.
“I had four birdies in seven holes and helped pay for my first car,” Thomas said. “I think I probably won three or four jackpots.”
This was just the beginning of Thomas making money playing golf. The 30-year-old has won two major championships and has official tour earnings of more than $56 million.