Justin Thomas set a new benchmark on the PGA Tour of 17 under par after 36 holes, the lowest total achieved by a player in two rounds.

The 23 year old became only the seventh player to shoot 59 on the PGA Tour during the first round of the Sony Open on Thursday, then carded 64 on Friday to make the weekend five shots clear of Gary Woodland.

‘It’s cool,’ said Thomas. ‘Just like yesterday, anytime you can get your name in the record book, it’s awesome. I had no idea until I finished.’

The young American believed there was more to come and hoped to continue his incredible showing at Waialae Country Club at the weekend.

‘I definitely haven’t shown the world my best golf. I haven’t even shown the world great golf, or consistent, great golf,’ he said. ‘I understand it’s tough to get everything clicking, and everything isn’t clicking for me. Everything’s good, but rounds like yesterday happen when everything’s clicking.’

His five shot lead has put the Texan’s title chances within sight. He needs to deliver over the next two days in order to announce his readiness for superstardom.

‘I think I’m getting more confident and I’m improving, too. I’m doing a lot of hard work with my dad and putting coach, Matt Killen, this off-season to work on my weaknesses,’ said Thomas. ‘I think I’m just trending up and hopefully – wanting to show everyone in the world what I have.’