2021 Open Heroes: Jonathan Thomson

‘Jigger’ was four over par after 11 holes and looking like going home. But then things clicked on his Open debut and he picked up four birdies coming home on Thursday. 

The following day on the 16th tee the 6”9 Yorkshireman, who battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia from the age of seven to 12, was right on the cut line when he holed his tee shot. He then followed it with another birdie for a 67 and a guaranteed pay day and two more rounds in the Open.

“It's just phenomenal, to be honest. Like the roar, the shot, everything about that hole, it's indescribable really. It sort of was a real booster because I was grinding out there as well, to be fair. It wasn't easy. I was playing good. I just couldn't seem to get anything going properly. Then that happened and it was like, you know, that's just awesome.

“You sort of have to have a look what the mark is otherwise you've got nothing to work towards. I kind of knew I was always right on the bubble, but I also knew that I was playing great, so patience was key, and thankfully it's paid off.”

On Friday night the messages kept rolling in for the very likeable Yorkshireman.

"To tell you the truth, my phone nearly broke last night. It was just absolutely mental. I tried to put it in a box, but it was tough last night to do that. I slept horrendous. I think the whole team slept horrendous to be honest. Everyone's phone blew up."