'Number 3' Thomas Comes from Behind to Win "This Time, the Fifth Major~"... Kim Siwoo Ties for 9th Place

The Players Final Day 4-Under Par '1-Stroke Victory', Westwood's Second Consecutive Come-From-Behind Loss, DeChambeau Ties for 3rd Place

Justin Thomas is cheering while holding the trophy right after winning 'The Players Championship,' known as the 'fifth major.' Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA = Getty Images / MultiBits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] It is a come-from-behind victory for 'Number 3' Justin Thomas (USA).

On the 15th (Korean time), at the final day of The Players Championship (total prize money $15 million), known as the '5th Major,' held at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida (par 72, 7,189 yards), Thomas added 4 under par to secure a one-stroke victory (14 under par 274). This marks his 14th career win, coming seven months after the World Golf Championships (WGC) FedEx St. Jude Invitational in August last year, with a winner's prize of a whopping $2.7 million (3.1 billion KRW).

Thomas built momentum by shooting an 8-under-par daily best the previous day, and starting the day tied for 3rd place, three strokes behind, he recorded one eagle, four birdies, and two bogeys. Although a '3-putt bogey' on the 8th hole (par 3) was unsettling, he made back-to-back birdies on the 9th and 10th holes, and energized the crowd with an eagle on the 11th hole (par 5) with a '2-on 1-putt.' Adding a birdie on the 12th hole (par 4), he remarkably shaved five strokes in just four holes. A bogey on the 14th hole (par 4) was recovered with a birdie on the 16th hole (par 5).

Thomas was the three-time winner of the 2020 season. Despite four top-10 finishes this season, including a tie for 2nd at the Zozo Championship in October last year and 3rd at the Sentry Tournament in January, he had yet to secure a victory, which was a source of frustration. He lacked finishing strength in majors, finishing tied 8th at the US Open in September and 4th at the Masters in November. It is noteworthy that he faced adversity during the third day of the Sentry Tournament, where he lost Ralph Lauren clothing sponsorship due to using derogatory expressions against sexual minorities.

Justin Thomas is teeing off on the 17th hole on the final day of The Players Championship, known as the "fifth major." Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Multivitz

Thomas actually participated in the European Tour's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship but missed the cut, then returned to the PGA Tour, finishing tied 13th at the Phoenix Open, missing the cut at the Genesis Invitational, and tied 15th at the WGC Workday Championship in March, enduring a tough path. This victory clearly marks his exit from the slump. It also adds special significance as he becomes the fourth player to have won majors, WGC series, and the '5th Major.'

The '48-year-old veteran' Lee Westwood (England) halted his winning march at 2nd place (13 under par 275). A bogey on the crucial 17th hole (par 3) in the final stages stopped his momentum, and following his runner-up finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on the 8th, he was left disappointed for two consecutive weeks. 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau also faltered with 1 under par, finishing tied 3rd (12 under par 276). Brian Harman (USA) tied 3rd, and Jon Rahm (Spain) tied 9th (8 under par 280).

Korea's Si Woo Kim (26), the American Express Champion, finished tied 9th, and Sung Kang Im (23) tied 17th (7 under par 281). Im's late surge with 6 under par was particularly impressive, making his 3rd round 5 over par even more regrettable. After shooting 6 under par on the second day to climb to tied 5th, he dropped to tied 48th. Kyung-Hoon Lee (30, both from CJ Logistics) made no progress with four birdies and four bogeys, finishing tied 41st (2 under par 286).

Siwoo Kim is making a bunker shot on the 14th hole of the final day at The Players Championship, known as the "fifth major." Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.