Justin Thomas shoots lowest round in US Open history

Justin Thomas made history during the third round of the US Open, setting the all-time lowest scoring record to par with a nine-under 63.

In arguably one of the most entertaining rounds of golf witnessed at a major tournament, Thomas tamed the longest course in US Open history to overtake Johnny Miller’s eight-under record – which he had held since 1973. 

His round began with back-to-back birdies, and although he dropped a shot on the fourth, Thomas responded with an incredibly inventive birdie putt on the 5th that kick-started momentum for his record-breaking low round. 

Justin Thomas said to Sky Sports Golf, “It was just one of those feel kind of putts… Once it started going down the hill it looked good and I guess it made up for my ball staying up there (on the fringe)”

He then went on to card three birdies in a row on the 7th, 8th and 9th to end the front nine with a five-under 31, before dropping his second shot on the day on the difficult par-four 10th hole of Erin Hills.

Thomas picked up another shot at the 12th and then regained a share of the lead at eight-under thanks to the first of two outrageously good three-wood shots.

Driving the par-four 15th hole with a 3-wood, Justin Thomash hopefully shouted after it “be as good as you look”. And it was.

His ball ended up just over six-feet away, and Thomas looked likely to gain the outright lead with an eagle. However, that would have to wait until the 18th as he left it low and walked away with a birdie. 

His run continued just two holes later, where Thomas drained a 26-foot birdie putt to move himself in to the lead (although he was quickly joined by Tommy Fleetwood) at nine-under-par. 

And then came 18, and what will be undoubedtly remembered as one of the best pressure shots Justin Thomas has ever hit. Once again he called after his three-wood, this time to his caddie.

“Oh gosh, Jimmy be good” Thomas said.

His caddie Jimmy Johnstone responded “did you hit it good?”. 

It bounced at the front of the green and once again rolled to about six feet, but this time Thomas would not miss the putt for eagle, for 63, and a place in history with the lowest ever round in US Open history. 

“I had no idea in terms of the relation to par,” Thomas said about how he felt when he was walking up the 18th hole.

“I wasn’t trying to make three, I was just trying to get it in the best spot to make four… Once we found out it was on the green I told Jimmy walking up there lets set some history here. It’s obviously a great honour to have”

“I had 310 to the hole adjusted. It was the same as 15 I was just trying to hit a high cut. I just hit it perfect… and this was a putt with feel more than anything. I wasn’t as nervous as 15 as weird as it is, I just forgot all fundamentals and I really just tried to feel it and guide it in.”

When we spoke to Justin Thomas earlier in 2017, he had already shot a 59 and won three titles (two of which were back-to-back) in the 2016/2017 season.

But what he wanted more than most was to get in to contention during the final-day of a major. It may have been just Saturday at the US Open, but Thomas will more than likely be up there in one of, if not the final group tomorrow. 

“I feel comfortable when I get in contention,” said Thomas. “Being in contention in a major is fairly new for me.”

“I hoped that this moment would come as soon as possible. I know I’m going to be nervous”