**Justin Thomas’ 2009 PGA Tour Debut Goes Viral in Hilarious Throwback**
Every once in a while, a special moment from PGA Tour history resurfaces, reminding fans of how far some players have come. This time, the spotlight is on a youthful Justin Thomas, who at just 16 years old made headlines with his impressive performance at the 2009 Wyndham Championship. A newly re-shared clip from that debut has gone viral, triggering a wave of nostalgia—and even a playful reaction from Thomas himself.
Not eating much, apparently https://t.co/nkUjM1YSEx
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) August 2, 2025
In the video, viewers are reminded that long before Thomas became a major champion and Ryder Cup star, he was just a high school student who loved golf. He was given a sponsor’s exemption into the tournament and capitalized on the opportunity, firing a bogey-free 65 in the first round. That made him the third-youngest player to ever make a PGA Tour cut at the time.
Despite juggling school responsibilities and dealing with rain delays during the event, Thomas held his ground against seasoned professionals like John Daly and Davis Love III. Though he narrowly missed the secondary cut after shooting rounds of 72 and 71 in the following days, his performance marked him as a rising star.
Speaking after the event, Thomas—showing surprising composure for his age—said he simply did what he needed to do, draining eight to ten-foot putts and staying consistent. His calm, matter-of-fact explanation mirrored that of a veteran, not a teenager on debut.
The PGA Tour’s social media team helped revive this memory by posting a short clip from that debut, captioned: “What were you doing at 16? In 2009, @JustinThomas34 was making his PGA TOUR debut.” The footage reminded fans just how talented Thomas was even as a teen and how early the signs of greatness were visible.
Thomas joined in on the fun by reposting the clip with a humorous take: “Not eating much, apparently.” The comment referred to his visibly slender frame at the time. Fans loved the honesty and humor, flooding the replies with supportive comments and jokes about how far he’s come—both physically and professionally. One fan noted how much healthier he looks now and expressed excitement about seeing him win again.
Years after that memorable debut, Thomas has not only become one of the Tour’s most respected players but also a major supporter of junior golf. He regularly reflects on the opportunity that jump-started his career and now tries to pay it forward. His foundation’s junior championship, held at his home course of Harmony Landing, has become a prominent platform for young players.
In 2023, Thomas donated \$40,000 to help cover travel expenses for participants in his junior tournament, allowing each of them to receive a \$500 stipend. This initiative helped remove financial barriers for young golfers and earned the event national recognition for charitable giving.
During the 10th anniversary of the Justin Thomas Junior Championship, he shared a special moment with 16-year-old Jero Sanchez, a promising young golfer just beginning to dream big—much like Thomas himself did in 2009. Their quiet interaction served as a powerful reminder of how early belief and community support can change a young athlete’s life.
Thomas’s story is a testament to the importance of early opportunities. From making history at 16 to investing in future generations, he has gone full circle. While the viral clip may have sparked laughs, it also reignited appreciation for a career that began with a teenager’s dream and evolved into something much bigger.