Justin Thomas Nears Free Car in Scotland

A Near Miss for Justin Thomas at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open

Justin Thomas came incredibly close to winning a luxury car at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open after an impressive shot on the par-3 17th hole. The 32-year-old golfer hit a nearly perfect tee shot that landed softly on the green and rolled almost directly toward the hole. However, the ball stopped just a foot short, denying him the chance to drive away with a new Genesis GV70 SUV. His caddie, Matt Minister, would have also received a Genesis GV60 as part of the prize package.

The 17th hole at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, has always been a highlight of the tournament, and this year it added even more excitement due to a special prize from the event’s sponsor, Genesis. The South Korean car company offered two brand-new vehicles to the first player who could achieve a hole-in-one on this particular hole—one for the golfer and one for their caddie.

Thomas had a strong opportunity when his tee shot landed perfectly at the top of the green, rolling smoothly toward the flag. It looked like it might go in, but the ball ultimately stopped just short of the hole. This near-miss left Thomas and Minister disappointed, as they were just inches away from claiming their prizes.

The 17th hole has become one of the most anticipated moments of the weekend at The Renaissance Club. With the hole-in-one prize on the line, every swing adds an extra layer of excitement. Thomas is currently in good form following a challenging period in 2023. He has made a strong comeback in 2025, delivering consistent performances across both the PGA Tour and DP World Tours. As a result, he is now considered one of the favorites for The Open, which is set to take place next week.

Despite missing out on the car prize, Thomas finished the round at two-under-par and remains in contention for the rest of the tournament. With strong winds expected over the next two days, the competition is likely to be unpredictable.

The two Genesis cars are valued at over £100,000, making them a significant reward for any player who manages to achieve a hole-in-one. However, they are not the only incentives at stake this week. Players who finish in the top-17 will earn more than six figures in prize money, and the overall winner will take home over a million dollars from a total purse of $9 million, shared among the top 80 players.

Only one player has managed to win the hole-in-one prize so far. Jordan Smith, an English golfer, is the only one to have achieved this feat since 2022. Tournament organizers awarded him and his caddie, Sam Matton, the cars during a special event at Battersea Power Station after they successfully completed the challenge.

While Thomas did not claim the prize this time, his performance shows that he is still a formidable competitor. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the tournament progresses, with many expecting more exciting moments in the coming days. Whether or not he wins the car, Thomas's presence on the course continues to draw attention and admiration from golf enthusiasts around the world.