If Justin Thomas follows retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer as guest The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Monday night, on your bingo card, you win by default.
But here it is, the two-time PGA Championship winner appeared on a late-night talk show in New York City (he also attended a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden with his wife, enjoying floor seats) and told one heckuva tells the story of a money match he had with NBA superstar Michael Jordan when he was 15 years old.
“Jordan used to be like this,” Thomas began.
“Oh, MJ,” Colbert interjected.
“I feel like there are some people in the world that you can call them by their nickname and everyone knows who that is, and I put Jordan in that category,” Thomas said.
“Of course, Michael Jackson,” Colbert said seriously.
“Yeah, well said,” Thomas said.
Thomas began to recall the story of how Jordan always came to the Kentucky Derby and wanted to play golf. Jordan would call former NBA pro Junior Bridgeman to set up a game at the arena near Louisville where Thomas’ father, Mike, was the head pro.
Thomas caddied for the group for the first few years, but in his third year, Jordan told Thomas (who he called “the little guy”) to get his clubs so he could play the final seven holes as his partner. .
“He knew I played golf, but he didn’t know I was decent, and certainly no one else knew that,” Thomas said.
Colbert asked if he was putting any pressure on him. “No, I just felt pressure to play with Michael Jordan. He said, ‘Well, I got him.’ “”
Colbert wants to know how Thomas is doing?
“I had four birdies in seven holes and helped pay for my first car,” Thomas said.
This led Colbert to question the bet.
“I don’t know the exact amount,” Thomas said. “He told everyone not to tell him what we were playing for because he might…”
“Horrified,” Colbert interjected.
“Sure, stuff like that,” Thomas said. “I won 3-4 jackpots. The assistant at the time was helping pack up and everyone was coming in from the 36 holes and my dad was like giving me a hard time. ‘You need to tip him.’ ” I said, “Tip who?” ” He said, “Matt, assistant. “”
Thomas only had $100 left after winning the game, so he gave him one.
“My dad said, ‘I believe you just tipped him $100.’ That’s all I have,” Thomas said.
JT, what a legend.