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Thomas shoot 59, Sabbatini goes low at Sony Open

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HONOLULU, HI - JANUARY 12: Justin Thomas of the United States celebrates after scoring a 59 during the first round of the Sony Open In Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on January 12, 2017 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
  • Post published:January 13, 2017

Justin Thomas became the seventh player in PGA Tour history to shoot 59 when he eagled the final hole of his first round at the Sony Open on Thursday.

The 23-year-old became the youngest player in that tour’s history to break 60, joining an elite club that includes Al Geiberger, Chip Beck, David Duval, Paul Goydos, Stuart Appleby, and Jim Furyk.

Thomas made eight birdies and two eagles in Hawaii, along with a bogey at the 11th, to lead by three strokes over Hudson Swafford, with Rory Sabbatini in third place on seven under par.

‘It means a lot,’ said Thomas. ‘Any time you’re in history in any sport or whatever you’re doing, it’s a good thing.

‘I wasn’t thinking a lot. I was just really more focused on trying to make the putt. Obviously I knew what it meant if I made it, and that was the first time I had a putt at 59.’

The young American won the Tournament of Champions last week and the CIMB Classic at the end of last year. He’s often stayed int he shadow of his long-time friend Jordan Spieth, but 2017 is shaping up differently.

Thomas was pleased to get a 59 on his resume, but quickly turned his attention to the coming three days in Hawaii.

‘I thought about it going up to the (final) green. If I make it, what am I going to do? It’s not like winning a tournament. It’s like, hey, unbelievable round, you have three days left to try to play well. So I didn’t really know how to react. I never had a putt on the last hole on a Thursday mean that much,’ he said.