Justin Thomasis opening up about why he decided to write a check to PGA Tour newbieMike Visacki.
On Wednesday, the 28-year-old professional golfer told reporters that he was touched seeing the emotional Visacki displayed when he qualified for his first-ever PGA Tour event.
Video of Visacki’s reaction went viral back in April, after Visacki sunk a 20-foot putt to earn a spot at the Valspar Championship in Tampa, Florida.
The Florida native, 27, turned pro in 2013, according toUSAToday, but had never qualified for a PGA Tour event until then. And one of the first things he did to celebrate was call his father to tell him the news, breaking down into tears in the process.
“I made it,” Visacki told his father on the phone call.
Justin Thomas and Mike Visacki.getty (2)
After seeing the clip, Thomas showed his appreciation, writing Visacki a check for an undisclosed amount at the end of May so that he could continue to pursue his dreams in the sport.
He explained, “For some reason, it hit home to me and it just was like, man, you know, this is a dude who’s been grinding for a long time and there’s a lot of people, not just him, that are doing that, but I just wanted to help in a little way.”
Justin Thomas.Sam Greenwood/Getty
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Initially, Thomas and Visacki were going to play a practice round of golf but the weather wouldn’t allow that to happen so the Thomas decided to give the PGA Tour newbie money instead.
“I want to be helpful more than just money. I told him, I’m like, dude, if you ever want advice, if you ever want to pick my brain, you ever just want to talk, I’m here for you,” Thomas said, per the Golf Channel. “I’m happy to help.”
Visacki’s dad was also present when Thomas made the donation.
source: people.com
