Paramus, New Jersey ….
World No. 3 Justin Thomas singled out Ireland’s Seamus Power for praise in successfully negotiating his way through last Sunday’s nerve-wracking afternoon and find his way into this week’s Northern Trust.
Power was on the Ridgewood practice range Tuesday right alongside Thomas as the two honed their games ahead of today’s (THUR) start to the Euro 7.7m opening event of the FedEx Cup Play-Off Series in Paramus, New Jersey
The Irishman and the American each have their own agenda this week out on the Ridgewood Country Club course.
For Power it is looking to move from his 125th FedEx Cup standing and into the leading 100 that would see him tee-up in next week’s second Play-Off event in Boston.
American Justin Thomas full of praise for Ireland’s Seamus Power in holding onto the PGA Tour card. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Thomas’ goal is the double task of moving back to World No. 2 and also as No. 2 on the FedEx Cup standings he is very keen to unseat defending champ, Dustin Johnson who is both the current World and FedEx Cup No. 1.
And while the 25-year old Thomas would seem to have his hands full, he was full of praise for Power.
“I was travelling last Sunday afternoon so I couldn’t watch what was unfolding at the Wyndham but then those situations Seamus was in and also Tom Lovelady, who I was following and who lives with me, are always intense,” said Thomas.
“Guys are fighting for their jobs and it’s a big deal, and it can be more pressure than trying to win a tournament, and to me going through Q-School to try and earn your card is also like that.
“I don’t know Seamus all that well but it’s a great honour for him to have retained his card and he can be pleased knowing that so many doors will open for him now given the category he’ll have heading into the new season.
“The thing also that you never know what will happen in these Play-Offs as he could make a run.”
And Thomas hinted his hopeful key to the 25-year securing a hopeful third Tour title this year.
“If I have an opportunity to be in bed at 8am this week, I’m going to do it,” he said.
“I would love to be asleep by about 8.15 tonight. I don’t know if it’s possible or not but rest is going to be important this week.
“It sounds weird, but that two hours of extra sleep this week could make a big difference given the early tee times.”
Power, and the lone Irishman in the field, will tee off at 1.49pm Irish time.
