A Week to Remember
The surprising reason Justin Thomas’ week just got even better (and even more lucrative)
On Sunday evening, Justin Thomas walked off the course a PGA Tour winner for the first time in almost three years, defeating Andrew Novak in a playoff at the RBC Heritage. The two-time major champion was buoyant as he reflected on his long journey back to the winner’s circle, but believe it or not, the victory wasn’t JT’s only big win of the week.
The second came on Monday, less than 24 hours after Thomas' Harbour Town triumph, when Leeds United—the English soccer club Thomas became a part owner of in 2023—defeated Stoke City 6-0 to secure their promotion back to the Premier League.
After the full-time whistle, Thomas took to Instagram to celebrate …
Thomas, along with SB2K alumnus Jordan Spieth, purchased shares of 49ers Enterprises—the investment division of the San Francisco 49ers—in anticipation of the group’s takeover of Leeds United two years ago. Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League during the final stages of the deal, leading Rickie Fowler to pull out. Thomas and Spieth stuck, and their patience has now been rewarded.
"Relegation wasn't ideal, but we got involved with the 49ers group about purchasing a larger share and getting in with them doing things so successfully as they do everywhere they've touched," Spieth told Sky Sports at the time. "[The 49ers] renegotiated after relegation and it was possibly a better deal—as long as they can get promoted [to the Premier League] soon."
The PGA Tour duo’s wish has now been granted. Thanks to the Premier League’s TV money, promotion from the Championship (the second tier of English football) is widely regarded as one of the most lucrative windfalls in all of sports, earning clubs nearly £150 million in their first season back in the topflight. That figure can double should the club manage to survive the challenges of promotion.
Between that and the $3.6 million Thomas pocketed at Harbour Town on Sunday, beers are definitely on JT this week.