Justin Thomas wins RBC Heritage in play off to end drought

SOUTH CAROLINA – Justin Thomas won for the 16th time on the PGA Tour, yet it felt different in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, on April 20.

“I didn’t realise how much I missed winning,” he said of the emotions that accompanied the aftermath of the winning putt.

Thomas rolled in a birdie from 21 feet out on the first play-off hole to win the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links, claiming a tournament title for the first time in nearly three years.

Thomas and Andrew Novak, who was seeking his first victory on the PGA Tour, were at 17-under 267 through 72 holes. Novak was in the last pairing for the third time this season but couldn’t find a way to win.

Thomas, a two-time Major champion, hadn’t won since capturing the 2022 PGA Championship.

“Winning is hard. It’s really, really hard,” Thomas said. “I’ve worked my butt off, stayed patient, stayed positive.”

Thomas shot three-under 68, ending his bogey-free round with three consecutive pars. Novak was off the mark on a would-be winning eight-foot birdie putt on the last hole of regulation and also had 68 for the round.

“I just missed on the reads there,” he said.

Thomas has been in play-offs seven times on the tour, capturing victories in five of those.

So it was another close call for Novak.

“Not so much as far as emotions,” he said. “I’m not as frustrated as I thought I would be. I feel like I did a lot of good things... I need to go out there and get a win at some point, but all of these finishes are great.”

Thomas led after the first and second rounds. He went ahead on the 15th hole in the final round with a 24½-foot birdie putt, but Novak