Justin Thomas fired a 9-under 63 on Saturday at Erin Hills, breaking Johnny Miller’s 43-year-old U.S. Open record.
The 24-year-old started the day at just 2-under (T24), but after a 5-under front-nine, which included six birdies and a bogey, Thomas made his presence known on the leaderboard.
Here. Comes. @JustinThomas34. #USOpen https://t.co/JEBgCK15P4
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2017
His back nine started somewhat slow with a bogey and birdie (even-par through 5 holes). But then Thomas got white-hot, starting with a birdie on 15, quickly followed by another one on 17.
"@JustinThomas34, 26'10" for the solo lead" … ? drop#USOpen https://t.co/5K2pqeuECI
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2017
Thomas, the 13th ranked player in the world, who already has three wins on the PGA Tour season, capped off his record-breaking round with an eagle on 18.
Thomas is at 11-under for the tournament, and holds the clubhouse lead after 54-holes.
Johnny Miller
After his round, Thomas was asked what he’ll say to Johnny Miller.
“I don’t know, but I’ll be happy,” said Thomas. “Wish he was calling it, to hear what he would’ve said.”
Update: Miller has checked in. In classic Johnny Miller form.
Talked to Johnny. "9 under is incredible with #USOpen pressure, but it isn't a US Open course that I'm familiar with the way it was set up."
— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) June 17, 2017
Twitter had a blast with Johnny Miller.
Welp! – Johnny Miller (probably) #USOpen pic.twitter.com/ibFTmaTxYL
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) June 17, 2017
Making a 3 on a 670 yard hole to shoot 63 in the U.S. Open and shutting up Johnny Miller should get you diplomatic immunity.
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) June 17, 2017
Somewhere Johnny Miller is thinking, I would've shot 59 at this joint #ErinHills #USOpen
— Robert Lusetich (@RobertLusetich) June 17, 2017
Johnny Miller saying how much easier Erin Hills is compared to Oakmont in 3,2,1……#UsOpen
— Club Pro Guy (@ClubProGuy) June 17, 2017
The Historic Round Recap
Here’s a video clip of JT’s historic highlights in under three minutes.
A three-minute recap of @JustinThomas34's record-setting 63 at the #USOpen. pic.twitter.com/tTAktO4eXw
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2017
Confirming The Record
ESPN Stats confirms that Thomas’s 63 is the “lowest score-to-par in U.S. Open history.
Justin Thomas eagles 18 to finish the day with a 9-under 63!
It's the lowest score-to-par in any round at the #USOpen. pic.twitter.com/xELi7LIHTx
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 17, 2017
According to ESPN Stats: “Of the 31 times someone has shot 63 in a major championship, only seven of those times has the player gone on to win that major, most recently Henrik Stenson at Royal Troon last year in the Open Championship.”
Three facts:
1. The 18th hole is playing 667 yards today.
2. Justin Thomas covered it with two 3-woods.
3. He weighs 145 pounds.— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelESPN) June 17, 2017
Historic Scorecard
Thomas finished his round 31-32-63, with nine birdies, six pars, two bogeys, and one historic eagle.
One of the great Major rounds ??
Justin Thomas becomes the first player to shoot nine under par in a #USOpen round. pic.twitter.com/Cx867SJNs0
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 17, 2017
What They’re Saying
Some of his contemporaries have congratulated Thomas via Twitter.
What a round @JustinThomas34 6️⃣3️⃣ @usopengolf
— Justin Rose (@JustinRose99) June 17, 2017
That shot @JustinThomas34 just hit on 18 is ridiculous. That pins hard enough with a wedge. #usopen
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) June 17, 2017
No better feeling in golf than standing over the ball & knowing you are going stripe every shot & hole every putt – great playing JT ?? #63
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) June 17, 2017
Photo Gallery
Here’s a handful of photos from Getty Images of Justin Thomas during round three at Erin Hills.
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