In the high-stakes world of professional golf, where every stroke can change history, people who have just won are frequently in the spotlight. Scottie Scheffler, the current world number one who won the recent CJ Cup Byron Nelson, and Rory McIlroy, who recently won the Masters and completed his career Grand Slam, have emerged as the most talked-about personalities in the sport. Amidst this backdrop, once-dominant name and a part of the Greats clan, Justin Thomas had to endure a difficult time. Following a prolonged winless streak, Thomas eventually made a breakthrough victory at the RBC Heritage, his first since the 2022 PGA Championship.

With this victory and a second-place result at the most recent Truist Championship, the two-time PGA Champion may be on the rise again. But what’s causing this newfound energy? During the press conference for the PGA Championship, Thomas spoke candidly about how competitive jealousy affected his recovery.

Justin Thomas admits ‘Jealousy’ fuels his competitive fire

When asked, “Just curious, how much are you fueled by competitive jealousy? Whether it’s Scottie last year, Rory ticking off the slam,” during his PGA Championship press conference, Justin Thomas had a riveting response. The two-time major champion did not deflect. He leaned closer instead and replied, “A lot,” stopping before continuing. “I just remember that a lot from my first couple years on Tour and Jordan having a lot of success and playing well… It’s not like college, when someone turns pro and wins and you think, ‘I’ve beaten him before.’ We all beat each other often out here. But yeah, I trust my ability, and I’ve got confidence in what I can do,” he added. At the 2022 PGA Championship, Justin Thomas defeated Rory McIlroy, who struggled in the first several rounds and finished stronger in the playoffs. In another instance, Thomas’s supremacy on golf’s most difficult stage was demonstrated in the 2021 Players Championship, where he won and Scottie Scheffler missed the cut.

Envy was not the only factor. Motivation was another factor. In reference to Scheffler’s commanding Augusta performance, Thomas remarked, “I told Jill, after watching the Masters, it was like…damn, I forgot, I really do want to do that.” “It reminded me almost of how badly I want the Grand Slam. When someone wins and it’s not me—even if they’re a friend—I’m happy, sure. But there’s always a part of me that’s jealous. I think you’d be crazy to say otherwise.”

Both fans and other professionals were moved by his vulnerability. The thin border between appreciation and ambition is a prevalent, frequently spoken issue in professional athletics that Thomas helped to articulate. Additionally, it represents a mental reset for the former world No. 1, who appears prepared to re-enter the big discourse. This open disclosure illuminates the internal conflicts that top sportsmen deal with. Seeing teammates like McIlroy and Scheffler reach noteworthy accomplishments inspires Thomas and reminds him of his goals. It’s evidence of the fierce rivalry that motivates elite golfers to always challenge themselves.

Thomas provides a unique insight into the minds of elite sportsmen by acknowledging jealousy as a motivating factor. It’s not only about personal objectives; it’s also about wanting to equal or outperform others’ accomplishments. With its foundation in both admiration and ambition, this competitive intensity may be the driving force for Thomas’s return to the winner’s circle. And Thomas isn’t just talking the talk — his recent performances prove that this emotional ignition is translating into tangible results on the course.

Thomas’s Strong Showing at the Truist Championship

Based on his recent performances, Justin Thomas appears to be rediscovering his confidence and form as a golfer. With a strong showing in the 2025 Truist Championship, Thomas finished as runner-up with Shane Lowry, two strokes behind winner Sepp Straka. Along with earning him a healthy $1.76 million, this performance was his third runner-up finish of the year.