Justin Thomas showcased his mastery of the short game with a spectacular flop shot during the second round of the Valspar Championship, propelling himself into contention at the Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course. Despite battling through a challenging day on the course, the 30-year-old managed to card a commendable 2-under 70, bringing him to 5-under par for the tournament and just one stroke behind the leaders as he eyes his 16th PGA Tour title.
The highlight of Thomas’ round came on the par-5 14th hole, where he found himself in trouble after a wayward second shot with a fairway wood sent his ball veering right of the green. However, displaying remarkable skill and composure, Thomas took advantage of a fortunate line of sight behind an electric scoreboard, allowing him a free drop. After two drops that both advanced his ball forward, he strategically placed his ball in the rough, setting the stage for what would become a moment of brilliance.
With the pressure mounting, Thomas executed what can only be described as a miraculous flop shot, landing his ball precisely on the fringe and watching it gracefully trickle down to kick-in range for a birdie. The shot not only salvaged a potentially disastrous situation but also solidified Thomas’ position near the top of the leaderboard.
Despite his short game heroics, Thomas couldn’t escape the occasional misstep, as evidenced by a bogey on the 18th hole following a subpar iron shot. Nevertheless, his stellar performance throughout the round, punctuated by his remarkable recovery on the 14th, serves as a testament to his skill and determination as he continues his quest for victory at the Valspar Championship.