Justin Thomas Has Big Ideas for What Should Come Next in Golf originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Back in March, Justin Thomas told the media what many within golf have long been thinking regarding the PGA Tour-LIV saga: “I think we’re kind of past the level of exhaustion.”
It’s been almost four years since LIV Golf shook up the sport, and Thomas – like most players – is understandably frustrated. The framework agreement announced in June 2023 expired without a deal, and despite meetings earlier in the year between Tiger Woods, Jay Monahan, and even White House officials, no concrete progress has been made.
But here’s the thing about Thomas – today, he’s not complaining; he’s looking at what he can do to help. When I asked him about the future of professional golf last week, his perspective was one of genuine optimism. And honestly, it’s refreshing to hear someone focus on solutions rather than problems.
“The challenge is reuniting the top players and keeping the competition strong,” he explained. “Fans want to see the best go head to head, and we need to make that happen consistently.”
He’s nailed it. Golf’s magic happens when the superstars are all battling it out together. Remember those Sunday afternoons that got you hooked? Tiger chasing down Phil or watching Rory go shot for shot with Bryson? That’s when golf feels electric – when you know the best players in the world are all right there, trying to rip each other’s hearts out.
Thomas resonated with me as a PGA professional involved in the game’s behind-the-scenes efforts to maintain and enhance it, particularly when he talked about golf’s untapped potential. It’s clear that JT is passionate about strengthening the sport, and his enthusiasm got me thinking more about what we, as an industry, can do to grow and improve golf going forward.
“There’s also a big opportunity, especially with younger fans and international growth,” he told me. “I’d love to see the game become more accessible and modern without losing the traditions that make it special.”
This isn’t just wishful thinking from a young star. Thomas sees real paths forward. The sport has struggled to capture younger audiences who expect different things from their entertainment. They want more personality, more access, more reasons to care beyond just the golf shots.
“It’s a balancing act, but I believe we’re headed in the right direction.”
That optimism isn’t naive – it’s grounded in what he sees as golf’s core strengths.
Think about it: in golf, every shot is like solving a puzzle, which keeps you coming back for more. And honestly, where else can you spend four hours with your buddies on a gorgeous course, talking smack and soaking up the outdoors? Same goes for catching a tournament – watching the pros work their magic at stunning venues with friends and family.
The real challenge? Making all that appeal to people who don’t already get it.
Thomas, like many of us in the game, may be exhausted by the LIV conversation, but his energy and optimism about golf’s possibilities are infectious. And frankly, that’s exactly the kind of leadership voice among those in the professional game that the sport needs right now.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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