Justin Thomas: Poised for a Comeback at the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship

Justin Thomas is no stranger to success on the PGA Tour, but 2023 brought a rare stumble in his career when he missed the FedEx Cup playoffs for the first time since turning professional in 2014. Determined to bounce back, Thomas has returned with renewed focus, entering the 2024 playoffs ranked 19th in the FedEx Cup standings. As he heads into the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Thomas is positioned as a dark horse candidate, with the potential to reclaim his spot among the tour’s elite.

The 2024 season has seen Thomas quietly reassert himself as a formidable competitor. Over the course of the year, he has recorded five top-10 finishes and eight top-25 finishes. His most impressive performance came early in the season at The American Express in January, where he tied for third place, signaling a resurgence in his form. Thomas’s best showing in a major came at the PGA Championship in June, where he tied for eighth place, further solidifying his return to relevance.

Statistically, Thomas continues to demonstrate why he remains a threat on any course. He currently ranks 13th on tour in birdie average, with an impressive 4.24 birdies per round. His proficiency from tee to green is also noteworthy, as he sits in 12th place in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green, with a solid average of 1.112. These stats reflect a player who is not just in contention but is capable of putting together the kind of rounds needed to stay in the hunt for titles.

As he prepares for the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Thomas’s primary goal will be to remain within the top 50 of the FedEx Cup standings, ensuring his progression to the BMW Championship next week. However, a victory at TPC Southwind would do more than just secure his place in the next stage of the playoffs—it could put him in serious contention for his first FedEx Cup title since 2017.

Brett Jungles, a senior analyst with the PGA Tour, believes Thomas has a strong chance to capture the St. Jude title. “You can expect a bit of fire behind Thomas after missing the FedEx Cup Playoffs last year,” Jungles commented. “He’s proven very comfortable around TPC Southwind.”

This comfort is well-founded, as Thomas has a history of success at this course. In 2020, he claimed the FedEx St. Jude Championship by three strokes, showcasing his ability to handle the challenges of TPC Southwind. While he has yet to secure a win on tour this year, Thomas has the experience and the skills needed to contend.

If Thomas can maintain his focus, execute his game plan, and make crucial putts, he is likely to stay within the top 50 and advance in the playoffs. A victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, however, could propel him toward a deeper run in the playoffs and potentially a second FedEx Cup title.

As the tournament approaches, Justin Thomas stands not just as a dark horse but as a legitimate contender. The stakes are high, but so are his chances of emerging victorious and reminding the golfing world why he remains one of the sport’s most talented players.