In an unexpected yet thrilling pairing on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” golf aficionado and two-time PGA Championship victor Justin Thomas shared the spotlight with retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. Fans checking off their unlikely guest combos might have been pleasantly surprised on Monday night. Fresh from a captivating visit to the Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, where he enjoyed the exhilaration of floor seats alongside his wife, Thomas captivated the audience with a tale from his teenage years—a golf match with none other than basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Golf, a sport celebrated for its blend of precision, strategy, and serene competition, has always attracted enthusiasts from all walks of life, including sports legends like Michael Jordan. Thomas, with his profound connection to golf, recounted an unforgettable experience that intertwined his path with Jordan’s, all set against the backdrop of the prestigious Kentucky Derby. It was here, in Louisville, near the course where Thomas’s father, Mike Thomas, held the position of head professional, that this remarkable story unfolded.
Initially serving as a caddie for the first few encounters, Thomas’s golfing prowess remained a well-kept secret until Jordan, affectionately referring to him as “Little Man,” invited him to join the game. Seizing the opportunity to play the last seven holes as Jordan’s partner, Thomas showcased his golfing skills under the watchful gaze of one of basketball’s greatest icons. Without succumbing to the immense pressure of playing alongside Michael Jordan, Thomas excelled, making four birdies in seven holes. This impressive performance not only highlighted his golfing talent but also contributed to purchasing his first car, thanks to a winning sum of 3-4 thousand dollars—a detail that Thomas was initially kept in the dark about to prevent any potential overwhelm.
Winning stakes and a generous tip
The tale took a humorous turn as Colbert and Thomas delved into the aftermath of the match, focusing on the winning stakes and a generous tip that followed, encapsulating the essence of golf’s gentlemanly spirit. Thomas’s anecdote underscores the unique intersections of sports, camaraderie, and the unexpected moments that enrich the tapestry of golf lore.
This delightful exchange between Thomas and Colbert not only entertained but also shed light on the profound impact golf has on fostering connections across diverse realms, from the courts of the NBA to the halls of justice and late-night television. Golf enthusiasts and fans of these two accomplished figures were treated to a story that resonates with the core values of the sport—integrity, respect, and the joy found in shared passions and remarkable achievements.
