The writing was perhaps on the wall before the 29-year-old had even scored his first competitive ball of the day at The Country Club.
“From Louisville, Kentucky – Justin Thompson,” the tee box announcer mistakenly called as Thomas prepared for his opening drive, causing a confused reaction from the American.
After a solid start to three consecutive pars, the confusion gave way to fury on the fourth hole as Thomas’ tee shot landed on the cusp of a gutter in the center of the fairway.
Not granted a drop, Thomas continued to play the ball as he lay, with his errant shot sailing into a bunker well below the green.
Looking at the discharge in disgust before the ball had even landed, to say the American was sorry would be an understatement.
“I’m just trying to be a good fucking person. You fucking bitch.”
Thomas subsequently bogeyed the hole, finishing the day with a two of 72 leaving him three over par heading into Sunday’s final round.
‘Spirit of the game’
Typically, a golfer can only receive a drop ball if the lie is affecting his position or the line of his swing. Discussing the incident, Thomas said he called a referee to get a ruling on the shot, but – believing he wouldn’t go through with it – he decided not to ask for a free drop “in the spirit of the game.”
“I felt like I could easily tell her I would [hit the drain] and I got a free drop, “Thomas told reporters.
“It is very clear that my stance was altered and seated poorly due to that loss,” he added.
Not wanting to take a penalty for falling, the South African blew his drive past a tree, a concession stand and a mass of spectators towards the fourth hole.
For Thomas, after opening with a promising 69 on Thursday, the 72 in a row leave the American need to recover seven shots to equalize compatriot Will Zalatoris, who leads the field on his return to the clubhouse.
