Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas’ friendship is more like a big brother versus little brother bond. The duo shares a bond that follows a story from professional guidance to teasing.

Justin Thomas recalled one such incident during a pre-tournament press conference at East Lake on a Wednesday in August, where he reflected on a Tour Championship moment from the 2020 event.

Thomas said that during the 2020 event, he was playing a practice round and walking down the 18th hole when he FaceTimed Woods, who was not in the field that year, to show him the course.

“And then he acted like his phone cut out, and then he called me back like two minutes later with the green jacket on. I remember that very, very, very vividly.” 

Tiger Woods was not in the field that year (2020) because he was recovering from surgery. Woods played seven official events in the 2019–20 season, but he had won the Masters in April 2019.

“So just a typical conversation of thinking I am having some kind of upper edge, and I get shut down and put in my place pretty quickly.”

The 2020 Masters had not yet been played because it was postponed to November due to the pandemic.

Which meant Woods was still the defending Masters champion when Thomas called him, and he used that status during the exchange.

Thomas and Woods both live in Jupiter, Florida, in neighborhoods located close to each other. Over the years, the duo has spent time with each other’s families and often played together as well. However, there's one similarity Thomas didn't want to share with Woods.

Justin Thomas never thought he would emulate Tiger Woods like this

Justin Thomas, who underwent back surgery on November 13 to address a disc issue, shared an update while still in the early stages of his recovery.

In a discussion on Trey Wingo Golf two weeks ago, Thomas said that he spoke with Woods about the injury. 

“I said I’ve grown up wanting to be like you in so many different ways, and getting a back surgery is not one of them that I ever wanted to be like you at.”

Thomas said that Woods laughed when he told him about the situation. He added that he often jokes with Woods by asking what he would do in certain situations and then saying he would do the opposite. 

Thomas also said that Woods has stayed positive and supportive during their conversations.

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi