Only once in his professional career has Justin Thomas felt as though he’s had anything like an overwhelming ‘home’ crowd support.

That was in 2017 for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow where Thomas came from two shots back with a round to play and shoot a last round 68 to capture a maiden Major.

Thomas won prevailing over compatriot Patrick Reed and also ‘foreigners’ Francesco Molinari and Louis Oosthuizen.

Rory McIlroy’s savoured four Major Championship victories and has done so really without full 100% crowd support even though the Manchester United fan prevailed in winning the 2014 Open at Royal Liverpool, and very much a strong Liverpool supporter base as he made reference in his victory speech.

Though that will all change this coming week when the now 30-year old tees-up in front of an overwhelming ‘home’ crowd, and with close to three-quarters of all ticket sales scooped-up by fans with an Irish address.

“It’s hard for me to know what Rory is going to facing next week as I’ve not something I can relate to myself,” said Thomas.

“The closest I can think of was winning the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow but then the support I was receiving that Sunday was from most from the city of Charlotte whereas Rory’s going to have pretty much the entire country behind him this week.

“That’s going to be cool, and it is something that most of know what is going to be happening particularly if we are drawn to play alongside Rory.

“If I was in Rory’s shoes next week, it would be unbelievable to experience that atmosphere but then if could also be a tough week to be playing alongside Rory or any of the rounds.

“I know now whoever it may be, that player is not going to be a favourite as Rory will be deserving so given so much he has done and also for the game of golf in Ireland.

“The thing is also that for Rory versus someone who may be much younger, he will now how to handle the crowd support, the weight of expectation and everything that will go with being a home favourite.”