Was past success a significant factor in Justin Thomas winning the RBC Heritage?

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 02: Justin Thomas of the United States looks on after winning the World Golf Championship-FedEx St Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind on August 02, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Justin Thomas of Louisville, Kentucky has won the 2025 RBC Heritage in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Thomas was taken to a playoff by fellow American Andrew Novak of Raleigh, North Carolina, before recording a score of birdie on the first playoff hole.

Thomas’s best round during the tournament was the first as he posted a score of ten-under-par 61. He had 11 birdies and one bogey. That was followed by two straight rounds of two-under-par 69, and one round score of three-under-par 68.

Thomas and Novak had identical scores of -17 after 72 holes. In the playoff, it was Thomas that made the birdie attempt on the 18th hole, as he made a putt from 21 feet and two inches. Novak, meanwhile, was unable to make his birdie attempt from 31 feet and three inches, as it was short by two feet and 10 inches.

When it came to the playoff, one must wonder what factor had the more significant advantage over the other. Was it experience, where Thomas had the advantage, or regional support/home course advantage where Novak had the edge? At the end of the day, it seemed to be experience.

The fact that Thomas has won 16 PGA tournaments (including the 2017 and 2022 PGA Championships), was noteworthy, when you compare Novak’s PGA results. Novak has not yet won a PGA Tournament in his career. One must ask if experience is that much of a factor? In this case it appeared to be. The bottom line is that a PGA playoff is very different than a normal round of golf on the PGA Tour. In my opinion, Thomas seemed to be more comfortable in his surroundings and gave him the edge. Do you agree? Let us know.

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