Local reaction to Justin Thomas’ PGA Championship victory

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Zanesville Country Club golf pro Mike Durant couldn’t contain his excitement when Justin Thomas won the PGA Championship on Sunday.

Thomas started the final round in Charlotte tied for fourth. But with an impressive Sunday he managed to win the tournament with a two stroke lead over three golfers who came in second.

“I was watching at home and when Kevin Kisner’s shot went in the water (giving Thomas the win) we let out a shout of joy. I watched all the highlights and videos for the next three hours,” said Durant.

Overall, Thomas was eight under at Quail Hollow. It was the first Major win for the 24-year-old.

Thomas comes from a golf family. Both his father and grandfather are PGA pros. He grandfather, Paul, was the longest serving pro in the history of the Zanesville Country Club (1962-1988).

Durant took over at the ZCC in 1993. He knew from an early age that Thomas was destined for a bright future in the sport.

“He was right here (at the Zanesville Country Club) with his dad. And Justin would be here at 9, 10-years-old hitting balls, playing on the golf course, and putting. And he was so good then that everyone watched him instead of us pros. At a young age you knew he had the ability.” said Durant.

Durant said that they are hoping Thomas will be able to visit the Country Club, maybe with his Wanamaker Trophy, sometime in the near future.