Justin Thomas talks about Tiger Woods' tense caution at Presidents Cup | Golf | sport

Justin Thomas opened up about a candid, adult conversation he had with his playing partner Tiger Woods before a difficult tee shot at the Presidents Cup, and the 31-year-old was far from letting go of his decision on the course.

Despite an improved 2023/24 season for the world number 30, Thomas did not take part in this year's Presidents Cup.

He played alongside Woods in the 2019 edition of the event en route to a victory for the USA, but struggled with the approach and decided to ask his partner for advice, as he was one of the best golfers to ever play one had taken the bat in their hands.

“It was on the alternate shot and I just made an eight-footer for birdie to stay tied in the game. We had a really good game,” Thomas told The Smylie Show. “So I had 16 tee shots and it was a brutal hole.

“It's this very narrow dogleg on the left, and it's just gradual the whole way. And I like to leave the ball off the tee, and there's this damn tree that's right next to the tee on the left side and it's right in my window…that's a big point in the game. I have to put this ball in play.

“I have the best iron player in the world on my team, but it's such a long hole that I can't hit an iron because it's like a par-4 with driver and five irons. And I never really ask Tiger anything in terms of layups or whatever, and that's what makes him such a great partner. He just says, “Look, you go play, I go play, I’ll let you know if I need anything.”

“I summon Tiger. He asks, “What?” I'm like, “I mean, is there anything, like, that this tee shot is not very comfortable for me?” Do you care if you're further back or…”

Woods didn't mince his words, telling Thomas bluntly: “I don't care what I've got in there, just get me in the damn fairway.”

Thomas laughed as he told an old Woods story, but admitted he didn't get an answer that would help him with his recording.

“I thought, 'Okay, this doesn't make it any easier, but I appreciate it, partner,'” Thomas added. “So I just hit a low driver and hit it like a little junior draw and somehow hit the fairway… I’ll never forget that.”

Luckily for both of them, they won as a pair and, after a few succinct words from the 82-time PGA Tour winner, were able to celebrate their country's victory.