Life is about to change quite dramatically for Justin Thomas and his wife, Jillian.
The couple is expecting their first child at the end of November, which Thomas publically disclosed on his Instagram after the Tour Championship. Since Presidents Cup captain Jim Furyk decided not to pick Thomas for the U.S. team this year, Thomas has had plenty of time to prepare for fatherhood.
Yet, before this week’s ZOZO Championship in Japan, his final start before the baby arrives, Thomas provided an anecdote that every father can relate to.
“I don’t think you ever are [prepared to be a father],” Thomas said with a laugh.
“All I know is I’ll be as ready as I possibly can, and we’re going to make the most of every situation we can. I can’t tell you honestly if I’m ready because I’ve never done it before. I’ll let you know in a couple of months. It will be a challenge in different ways, but one that we’re excited for.”
Thomas is not the first PGA Tour pro to become a father this year. Both Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns welcomed children into the world this past spring. Scheffler’s wife, Meredith, gave birth to son Bennett on May 8, nine days before Louisville Metro Police arrested and detained Scheffler before the second round of the PGA Championship. Burns’ son Bear was born on Apr. 22, the same Monday morning Scheffler won the rain-delayed RBC Heritage in Hilton Head.
Much unlike Scheffler and Burns, Thomas will not become a new father during the height of the majors. But for all three of these individuals, family comes first, always.
Thomas also understands that fatherhood will be much more complicated than any circumstance on the golf course.
“Any golf shot or situation I am in this week, it’s not going to be anything close to as hard as it’s going to be in a month or so when our little one comes,” Thomas explained.
“I think reality will probably set in when I’m flying home and then when I get home because it will be getting in crunch time. I know my wife’s going to be an unbelievable mom, and I’m excited about the opportunity to raise a little girl. It’s going to be great. But this week, I’m focused on business and trying to win a golf tournament. Then, it’s time to go home and get ready to be a dad.”
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.
