LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WKYT) – It’s been a major couple of weeks in the bluegrass with the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby and the 106th PGA Championship.
This is the fourth PGA Championship to be played at Valhalla Golf Course in Louisville, but the first in ten years, and this week there are a lot of eyes on the hometown player: two-time PGA Champion Justin Thomas.
Thomas hasn’t won since his 2022 PGA Championship, but playing in the Commonwealth is a new experience for him.
“I’m not really sure exactly how I’m going to feel. I’ve just never experienced it. I’ve never played a professional tournament, let alone a PGA in my hometown, so i’m sure it will be some new feelings,” Thomas said. “Just going to take it in and use it to my advantage. Use the energy, the support to try to kind of get me going and push me along as the week goes.”
Thomas tees off Thursday on the back nine at 7:53 A.M. with Ludvig Aberg and Xander Schauffele.
Also on hand at Valhalla Tuesday, another Kentuckian: Kenny McPeek, trainer of the 2024 Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan.
McPeek said he wanted to see some golf before heading to Baltimore in the afternoon for the second leg of the Triple Crown. He added his colt was eating well since he shipped to Maryland on Sunday, and they liked their post five draw for the Preakness Stakes.
“We wouldn’t have shipped him up there if we didn’t think we had a real chance. I think he can win this race. I think we’ve got a chance to knock out this second leg, and it’s going to be a competitive race, but we’re quite confident still,” the Lexington native said.
Mystik Dan hit the track for the first time at Pimlico on Tuesday morning for a gallop with Robby Albarado aboard.
Wednesday is the final practice round at Valhalla before the 2024 PGA Championship tees off on Thursday.
Weekend coverage will air on WKYT beginning at 1:00 P.M.
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