Justin Thomas breakthrough into the Major winner’s circle has the added bonus of a climb to a career-high sixth in the world golf rankings, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
Thomas held off as many as seven challengers on Sunday as the third-generation PGA professional made lengthy putts, chipped in and then hit a splendid 7-iron to set up a birdie on the difficult 17th hole.
The victory by three shots brought a cheque for $1.89-million and moved Thomas into sixth in the latest rankings, ahead of Jon Rahm, Jason Day and Henrik Stenson. Rickie Fowler, who scared the late starters with four birdies in a row on the back nine, remains in 10th place.
At the top of the pile, Dustin Johnson retains his healthy advantage, despite a poor showing in the Majors this year, while Hideki Matsuyama’s disappointing Sunday was offset by reclaiming second place from Jordan Spieth – who failed in his first bid to complete the career slam.
Louis Oosthuizen was one of those in the hunt, but a late bogey on 16 dented any real chances of upsetting Thomas run to the title at Quail Hollow. The South African moved up seven places to sit 20th in the rankings, one ahead of Patrick Reed – another who put his hand up late on Sunday.
Oosthuizen is the top-ranked South African, ahead of Charl Schwartzel in 25th and Branden Grace in 33rd.
Top 10 South African rankings:
Louis Oosthuizen – 20
Charl Schwartzel – 25
Branden Grace – 33
Dylan Frittelli – 84
Brandon Stone –99
Richard Sterne – 106
Dean Burmester – 133
Jaco Van Zyl – 144
George Coetzee – 151
Thomas Aiken – 188
