Justin Thomas knows what it’s like to cash in a big paycheck on the golf course. The two-time major champion has earned more than $56 million on the course during his PGA Tour career, but his money-making days on the course date back to before he turned pro.
As a teenager, Thomas earned enough money on the golf course to buy his first car. He also got a little help from Michael Jordan. Thomas appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Monday night to tell the incredible story.
Jordan regularly competed in the Kentucky Derby, which was held in Thomas’ hometown of Louisville until the late 2000s. An avid golfer, Jordan always tried to play a tournament on the same weekend. Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player traveling with Jordan, happens to be a friend of Justin’s father, Mike Thomas. Mike is the head golf professional at nearby Harmony Landing Country Club, so he hosts Jordan and Bridgeman whenever they travel to Louisville.
Justin caddied for the team for the first few years, but he eventually got the chance to show Jordan what he could do. He did not disappoint.
“The third year, the last year they came out – he always called me ‘little man.’ He was like, ‘Little man go get your clubs.’ You’re going to play the last seven holes with us. ” He knew I played golf, but he didn’t know I was decent.
“I had four birdies in seven holes and helped pay for my first car. I think I probably won three or four major tournaments.”
Not too shabby for a 15 year old.
Thomas and Jordan still stay in touch and play together at Jordan’s club, The Grove XXIII, in Florida. That day 15 years ago probably wasn’t the last time the superstar duo teamed up to win money on the golf course.