Justin Thomas put on a vintage performance at the WM Phoenix Open, reminding fans of the brilliance that once made him one of the most dominant forces in golf. The 31-year-old is locked in, focused, and determined to carry this momentum forward, proving that his best golf is far from behind him.
Yet, despite his resurgence, Thomas made a startling confession at a recent press conference—there’s one golfer he simply cannot beat, no matter how hard he tries.
Daniel Berger: The One Rival Thomas Can’t Overcome
In the fiercely competitive world of professional golf, every player has a nemesis, and for Thomas, that man is Daniel Berger.
“Berger, hands down, has more of my money than any player out here,” Thomas admitted, as quoted by The Golfing Gazette.
“I literally cannot beat him at home and it frustrates me so bad. I just keep trying and he just keeps beating me, so not surprised to see him playing well.”
Berger, also 31, has long been viewed as one of the sport’s most underrated talents. Despite possessing tremendous skill and raw potential, injuries and inconsistency have kept him from reaching the superstar heights many predicted. However, his recent T2 finish at the Phoenix Open suggests that he’s still very much a factor on the PGA Tour—and Thomas’ frustrations prove just how good Berger really is when the stakes are high.
Thomas Reflects on His Phoenix Open Performance
The WM Phoenix Open was a grueling test for even the most seasoned pros, thanks to wild weather swings and unpredictable wind conditions. Thomas battled through, ultimately finishing T6, a strong result but one that left him wondering what might have been.
“For sure. Yeah, it was weird; I drove it great today,” Thomas said, reflecting on his final round. “I felt like I drove it better, other than two drives, than yesterday. But yeah, just didn’t have the sharpness today. I’ve never seen the wind switch around this place like it did today. It was crazy.”
What’s Next for Thomas?
With his game trending in the right direction, Thomas is poised to make a deep run in the upcoming tournaments. His iron play looks sharp, his putting is steady, and his confidence is growing. If he can continue refining his game under pressure, there’s no doubt he’ll be a serious contender in the biggest events of 2024.
As for that elusive victory over Berger? Thomas will have to keep grinding. Because as frustrating as it may be, it’s clear that the rivalry is fueling his drive to get even better.
