In a stunningly candid admission that has sent shockwaves through the world of professional golf, 15-time PGA Tour winner and former World No. 1 Justin Thomas has publicly disclosed a private battle with a severe anxiety disorder. The revelation comes after a routine drug test conducted by the PGA Tour returned a positive result for a banned substance, which Thomas attributes to prescribed medication for his condition.
The news broke not through a formal press release, but in a raw and emotional post on Thomas’s social media channels Thursday evening. In it, the two-time PGA Championship winner detailed his struggles over the past year, describing a period of intense mental turmoil that he had kept hidden from the public and even many close to him.
“For the last several months, I have been grappling with overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks,” Thomas wrote. “It got to a point where it was affecting my sleep, my practice, and my ability to be the person I want to be on and off the golf course. Following the advice of medical professionals, I was diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder and was prescribed a medication to help manage it.”
Thomas explained that the prescribed medication contained a substance that is on the PGA Tour’s prohibited list. Upon being notified of the positive test, Thomas and his team immediately provided the Tour’s anti-doping program with all necessary medical documentation to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
“The TUE was granted retroactively,” Thomas confirmed. “The PGA Tour has been incredibly supportive throughout this process once they understood the full medical situation. There will be no suspension or competitive penalty. This is strictly a health matter.”
The PGA Tour released a brief statement affirming Thomas’s account: “We can confirm that Mr. Thomas has complied with the PGA Tour Anti-Doping Program policy regarding Therapeutic Use Exemptions. The matter is closed, and we commend Justin for his courage in addressing his health openly.”
The reaction from the golf community has been one of overwhelming support. Close friend and frequent playing partner Tiger Woods stated, “JT is like a little brother to me. I’m proud of him for facing this head-on. It’s a reminder that all the success in the world doesn’t make you immune to these challenges.”
Rival-turned-colleague Rory McIlroy, a vocal advocate for mental health in sports, added, “It takes a huge amount of bravery to do what Justin did. By speaking out, he’s helping to dismantle the stigma that still exists, not just in golf, but everywhere. We’re all behind him.”
Mental health professionals are also praising Thomas’s decision to go public. Dr. Rebecca Bennett, a sports psychologist, noted, “An athlete of Thomas’s stature admitting to a mental health struggle is incredibly powerful. It validates the experiences of millions and shows that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Thomas concluded his statement by expressing hope that his experience could help others. “I’m not ashamed of this. I’m ashamed that I was afraid to get help for so long. If me sharing my story helps one person feel like they’re not alone and encourages them to seek help, then something positive will have come from this struggle. I’m on a path to managing this, and I’m excited to get back to competing soon, hopefully as a healthier and happier person.”
Thomas is expected to return to competition at the Wells Fargo Championship in two weeks.
