'Mind-blowing' – US PGA champion Justin Thomas on why Tiger Woods' mental strength will boost recovery

Tiger Woods is already ahead of schedule in his recovery from his life-threatening car crash, according to new US PGA champion Justin Thomas. Thomas – who defeated Will Zalatoris in a play-off to claim his second PGA title in five years at Southern Hills – feels Woods has performed a minor miracle to make the cut at the past two majors.

Ad/> He finished 47th at the US Masters last month and carded opening rounds of 74 and a 69 to make the weekend in Tulsa, but the 15-time major winner was clearly in some pain when he opted to withdraw on Saturday night after slumping to a 79 in the third round. PGA Championship'Very, very special' – Thomas wins play-off to claim second US PGA title6 HOURS AGO It was his third worst round in a major after his 81 in the third round of the 2002 Open Championship around a stormy Muirfield and an 80 in the 2015 US Open at Chambers Bay amid ongoing back problems.

There are concerns over his physical condition ahead of the US Open at Brookline (16-19 June) and the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews (14-17 July), but close friend Thomas feels he is heading in the right direction 15 months after his golden career looked over. «I wouldn't say how tough it was to see him struggle,» said Thomas.

«He made the cut in his second major in a row, what, a year and a half after being in a gruesome car accident, broken leg? I don't think you guys understand how unbelievable that is. /> »I didn't play during his prime, but from the times I've been out here and him winning the Masters in '19 and winning the Tour Championship, him making the cut these last two tournaments for how – some of the conditions he was in last year, it's absurd.

Like beyond absurd. «I talked to him a little last night and asked how