Justin Thomas used a prototype Titleist driver to hit a 414-yard drive and eagle a 667-yard par-5

Thomas' drive was the longest on the PGA Tour this season

Justin Thomas shot a disappointing final-round 76 to finish T-33 at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, but before that, things were really going his way. His 1-under 69 on Friday was helped by a rare eagle on the 667-yard par-5 16th at Firestone Country Club, set up by a 414-yard drive. 

“I was just happy to hit the fairway,” said Thomas. “I hit it left of the world yesterday, but as soon as I hit it, I had a pretty good idea it was going to be down there. It was kind of that left-to-right wind where if I just turn it over the right amount, I can get it knuckling, and as soon as I hit it, I knew.”

Thomas’ 414-yard bomb was the longest drive on the PGA Tour this season, beating Bubba Watson’s 411-yarder at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Thomas was using the new Titleist 917 driver, which has just been introduced to tour players but is not yet available to buy. 

The drive left Thomas with 225 yards to the front of the green and 237 yards of the pin. His 5-iron missed the green, but he holed a chip for the first eagle at the hole since 2008. He’s not surprised that eagles on the hole are so unusual.

“No, not at all,” he said. “Not only is it 670 yards, but the green is like hitting to a tabletop, and you’re probably going to be on a downslope unless you get it way down there. If you do hit it down there, it’s going to be way downwind and you can’t hold the green. Barring a hole-out, I don’t see too many threes happening. Hitting the fairway is pivotal, and just trying to walk out of there with a 5 is a good score.”