Finishing safely inside the cut line at 2-under, there was no doubt that the amateur would be around for the weekend, even if he wouldn't be cashing a paycheck. 70 players, including Thomas, finished 36 holes at 1-under or better.
With the PGA Tour's standard cut rules allowing for the low 70 and ties to stick around for the weekend, that meant the cut would be 1-under, right?
Wrong. The rules allow for low 70 professionals and ties, meaning that 69 professionals (plus Thomas) finished in red numbers. Therefore, even par was good for a tie for 70th, so the cut fell at even par.
Still, none of the fortunate pros made an effort to thank Thomas for being an amateur.
"I don't think they really know who I am," Thomas said.
But some of them may start to recognize Thomas after his play on Saturday, when he went out early and shot a 4-under 66 that included four consecutive birdies on holes 12 thru 15. The round included six birdies and two bogeys (on holes 4 and 5) for the junior-to-be at Alabama, who dodged questions regarding rumors of turning pro. Rather, Thomas said that he will play a full amateur schedule through July and August in anticipation of this fall's Walker Cup (the amateur version of the Ryder Cup), after playing one more PGA Tour event, the John Deere Classic, in early July.
But if he makes a Sunday run and ends up contending here in Hartford, who knows? Those questions about turning pro might become more and more realistic.
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