Justin Thomas was back home in Kentucky for a special occasion, unlike any other in Louisville's history. The city bestowed upon him its prestigious "Hometown Hero" award, commemorated by a 60-foot banner unfurled from the building he passed by on his way to Saint Xavier High School.

During the emotional presentation, Thomas was overwhelmed with gratitude, admitting, "The things I’ve felt today, I’ve never felt in any golf tournament I’ve won."

This heartfelt ceremony occurred just a week before the PGA Championship, where the world's top golfers, including Thomas, a native of Louisville, are set to compete at Valhalla.

It's a rare opportunity for a player to have a hometown major in a city not accustomed to hosting championship golf events. Thomas acknowledges the uniqueness of the situation and wonders how he will respond. Despite being a two-time PGA champion, winning at Quail Hollow in 2017 and Southern Hills in 2022, Thomas is still striving to regain his top form, with his last victory being at Southern Hills.

Reflecting on the upcoming event, Thomas remarked, "It will be a new experience for me. The hardest thing I’ll have is putting pressure on myself and wanting to perform well. But at the same time, I do a good job of that without having a home event. Maybe two negatives will equal a positive."