Justin Thomas just lit up Harbour Town with a stunning 61, setting a new course record at the RBC Heritage. It’s the latest reminder that the former World No. 1 is finding his groove again after a tough stretch.
The 30-year-old was absolutely on fire, dropping 11 birdies including four in his first five holes.
“I love it here,” Thomas said after his round. “I wish we played more places like this. You’ve got to think on every single shot – you can’t get lazy.”
This isn’t the first time JT has torn up a golf course. He’s actually made a habit of breaking course records throughout his career.
Back in 2017, he did something really special. At just 23 years old, Thomas became the youngest player ever to shoot below 60 on the PGA Tour, firing a 59 at the Sony Open in Hawaii. He went on to win that tournament.
His hot streaks can be pretty incredible. During the 2019 BMW Championship at Medinah, he opened with five straight birdies on his way to a 61. That broke Hideki Matsuyama’s course record from just the day before.
Even when he’s struggling, Thomas can flip a switch. At this year’s Players Championship, he followed up a rough 78 with a course record-tying 62 at TPC Sawgrass. He made 11 birdies that round – breaking his own record of 10 from 2015.
Here’s a quick look at his course records:
• 2015: 61 at TPC Kuala Lumpur
• 2017: 59 at Waialae (Sony Open)
• 2017: 63 at Erin Hills (US Open)
• 2019: 61 at Medinah
• 2020: 65 at Winged Foot (US Open)
• 2022: 61 at Kapalua
• 2024: 61 at PGA West
• 2025: 62 at TPC Sawgrass
• 2025: 61 at Harbour Town
Thomas hasn’t won since his PGA Championship victory three years ago, but this latest round at Harbour Town – where he leads by two shots at the halfway point – might just be the breakthrough he’s been looking for.
“You’ve got to think your way around this course,” he said. “It’s really, really cool how it just stands the test of time.”
