The writing was once in all probability at the wall sooner than the 29-year-old had even struck his first aggressive ball of the day at The Nation Membership.
“From Louisville, Kentucky — Justin Thompson,” the tee field announcer mistakenly referred to as as Thomas ready for his opening force, prompting a bemused response from the American.
Following a forged get started of 3 consecutive pars, confusion made manner for fury on the fourth hollow when Thomas’ tee shot settled on the cusp of a drain within the heart of the green.
Now not afforded a drop, Thomas proceeded to play the ball because it lay, along with his errant shot crusing right into a bunker smartly in need of the fairway.
Taking a look down on the drain in disgust sooner than the ball had even landed, to mention the American was once displeased could be an irony.
“I am simply seeking to be a just right f***ing individual. F***ing b******t.”
Thomas therefore bogeyed the outlet, completing the day with a two-over 72 that leaves him three-over par heading into Sunday’s ultimate spherical.
‘Spirit of the sport’
Usually, a golfer can simplest obtain a drop ball if the lie is affecting their stance or the road in their swing. Discussing the incident, Thomas mentioned he had referred to as an reputable to get a ruling at the shot, however — believing he would no longer hit the drain — made up our minds in opposition to inquiring for a loose drop “within the spirit of the sport.”
“I felt like I very simply may have instructed her that I used to be going to [hit the drain] and gotten a loose drop,” Thomas instructed journalists.
“It is very transparent that my stance was once altered and sitting dangerous on account of that drain,” he added.
Now not in need of to take a drop penalty, the South African blasted his force previous a tree, a concession stand, and a mass of spectators against the fourth hollow.
For Thomas, having opened with a promising 69 on Thursday, back-to-back 72’s depart the American wanting to make up seven strokes to attract degree with compatriot Will Zalatoris, who lead the sphere on his go back to the clubhouse.
