Justin Thomas' win at the PGA Championship this weekend provides the potential that a "rivalry for the ages has been born" between he and Jordan Spieth, something that could "go a long way toward filling the void left by Tiger Woods’ disappearance from golf," according to John Harper of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. With three majors already, Spieth is the "golden boy of his sport, a young superstar with charisma and a knack for winning that gives him a notable Q rating among even casual fans." However, Thomas in the golf world has "long been touted as a can’t-miss talent on about the same level as Spieth." As must-see as Woods was at the "height of his powers, the one thing missing during his dominance was a true rival to push him and give us more theater." Spieth and Thomas have been "close friends for years and obviously pull for one another." But that "won't make a great rivalry any less captivating" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/14).
YOUTH IS SERVED: GOLF DIGEST's Jaime Diaz notes today's "crop of twentysomethings ... now have 10 majors between them." However, because it will "be awhile before most of them turn 30, the group might be primed to rack up some unprecedented numbers." Rory McIlroy (28) and Jason Day (29) may be a "bit stalled," but Spieth (24) is "back on a historic track with his victory at Royal Birkdale." Thomas (24) "now has the edge on Player of the Year honors," while Brooks Koepka (27) won the U.S. Open, Hideki Matsuyama (25) is No. 2 in the world and Jon Rahm (22) is a "rising force who will get better as he learns to reign in his emotions." Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler (28), the "poster boy for the glamour, poise and likability of the new Young Guns ... keeps quietly plying his trade" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 8/14). In Atlanta, Jeff Schultz noted Thomas "exemplifies the Tour’s millennials." They are "not only good, they seldom crack, as if they’re supposed to be there" (AJC.com, 8/13).
FRIENDS 'TIL THE END: In Charlotte, Scott Fowler noted Spieth and Fowler "both hung around the 18th green until Thomas clinched the title." Fowler "hugged Thomas," followed by Spieth saying, "'So awesome, dude!'" It was a "nice moment for the 20-somethings and the next generation of golf’s stars, who truly seem to root for each other" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 8/14). In Dallas, Brad Townsend writes Spieth was "front-and-center among the fraternity of 20-something golfers who sat alongside the 18th green as Thomas putted out." Thomas and Fowler three weeks ago "celebrated with Spieth after his British Open victory." Thomas last night said, "That kind of shows where the game is right now, where all of us are. I mean, we obviously all want to win. We want to beat the other person. But if we can't win, we at least want to enjoy it with our friends" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 8/14). Fowler said, "It's a good kind of rivalry among the young guys. We all play together, we practice together, we travel together. JT lives right down the street from me. It's only going to make me want to beat him more. It's good to see" (ESPN.com, 8/13).
