Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and honed his game at Harmony Landing Country Club in nearby Goshen, Kentucky, where his father, Mike, served as head professional for three decades (1990 through 2020) and later became Golf Professional Emeritus. Justin's mother, Jani, ran the pro shop at Harmony Landing.

Father, Mike, followed his father, Paul (Justin's grandfather), into the club pro ranks and is the only coach Justin has ever had. Mike, who became a PGA of America professional in the 1980s and later earned PGA Master Professional status, served as head professional for three decades (1990 through 2020) and later became Golf Professional Emeritus at Harmony Landing Country Club in Goshen, Kentucky (roughly 20 miles outside Louisville). Prior to his time at Harmony Landing, Mike played collegiately at Morehead State University, spent time as an assistant pro at multiple clubs in Pennsylvania, and became head professional at Cherrington Golf Club in Pittsburgh in 1987.

Grandfather, Paul, who also went by PT, passed away at 89 years of age on February 6, 2021, the Saturday evening of the WM Phoenix Open. Paul attempted to play on the PGA TOUR in 1957 with little success, though he qualified for the 1960 PGA Championship (Firestone Country Club), 1961 PGA Championship (Olympia Fields), and 1962 U.S. Open (Oakmont). Paul most notably began a 26-year stint as head professional at Zanesville Country Club in Ohio in 1963, and later finished his career at Peek'n Peak Resort in Clymer, New York prior to retirement.

One of his favorite golf memories is making a hole-in-one with a cut-down driver on the 144-yard par-3 16th at Harmony Landing Country Club when he was six years old. Thomas noted, "For years it was the only hole I could reach in regulation. My dad had made an ace there, and so had my grandpa, Paul. Three generations scoring aces on the same hole. How many families can say that?"

Prepped at St. Xavier High School, a powerhouse golf program in Louisville, Kentucky. As a junior, Thomas won the individual state title at the 2009 Kentucky High School Athletic Association Boys State Championship, and helped St. Xavier win back-to-back team state titles in 2008 and 2009 (the 17th and 18th team state titles in program history). Other notable St. Xavier alums include 12-time PGA TOUR winner Bobby Nichols, who won individual state titles in 1953 and 1954, and 11-time PGA TOUR winner Frank Beard, who won the 1957 individual state title.

In the leadup to the 2024 PGA Championship, contested at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, Thomas was named a Kentucky Colonel -- the state of Kentucky's highest honor -- by Governor Andy Beshear. As part of the same ceremony, a "Hometown Hero" banner was unveiled, and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg proclaimed May 6th "Justin Thomas Day" in Louisville. The "Hometown Hero" banners are public displays sponsored by the Greater Louisville Pride Foundation recognizing famous Louisvillians.

Avid collector -- predominantly shoes, signed jerseys, and Rolex watches. Enjoys collecting / gifting Rolex watches to mark special occasions or dates; he had a gold Rolex engraved with the date he first reached No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking (May 13, 2018). Framed and signed jerseys he owns include those of Tom Brady, Vince Carter, Stephen Curry, Josh Donaldson, Wayne Gretzky, Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan (college and professional), Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers.

Launched the Justin Thomas Foundation in 2019 in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky to positively impact children in need, junior golf, and military families with the intent of helping all achieve their full potential. The Justin Thomas Foundation has made significant charitable contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana, First Tee, Kentucky Golf Foundation (via the Justin Thomas Fund), and USA Cares.

Established the Justin Thomas Junior Championship, an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) event, in 2016. Following the inaugural event at University of Louisville Golf Club, the tournament relocated to Harmony Landing Country Club in Goshen, Kentucky, where Thomas learned the game as a youngster while his father, Mike, served as head professional. After the tournament moved to Harmony Landing in 2017, Mike took a more active role and later became tournament chairman of the event, which has won several AJGA Tournament Awards, including the Charitable Giving Award, Volunteer Award, and multiple Tournament Fundraising Awards. In 2023, Thomas announced a personal commitment of $40,000 to provide a $500 stipend to every player in the tournament field, making the tournament as accessible as possible. A notable past champion of the event is Austin Greaser, who won the title in 2018 and later finished runner-up at the 2021 U.S. Amateur Championship.

Entered the golf course design business with Panther National, a luxury golf community in Palm Beach County, Florida. Thomas co-designed the property, the county's first new golf course community in nearly two decades, with Jack Nicklaus. Thomas' biggest influence was the layout of the driving range and practice facilities. The project broke ground on February 22, 2022 and officially opened on November 17, 2023. The opening featured a star-studded exhibition match with Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Morgan Hoffmann, Erik van Rooyen, and Lexi Thompson.

After experiencing a skin cancer scare, has been very vocal about protecting your skin and wearing sunscreen. Launched his own sunscreen line -- Wear SPF -- in May 2022, with a portion of proceeds from every sale going directly to the Justin Thomas Foundation.

Cover star of PGA TOUR 2K21, the August 2020 release of the popular sports video game franchise PGA TOUR 2K.

Made a cameo appearance in Happy Gilmore 2, released on Netflix in July 2025.

Played two seasons at University of Alabama (2011-13), where he broke school records for career scoring average (70.73), career wins (six), single-season scoring average (70.44 in 2011-12), and single-season wins (four in 2011-12). Notably earned individual medalist honors at the 2012 Southeastern Conference Championship.

As a freshman at Alabama, earned the 2012 Jack Nicklaus Award and 2012 Haskins Award -- two of the three national player of the year awards for collegiate golf. Also earned the 2012 Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award.

Alongside fellow future PGA TOUR winner Trey Mullinax, helped Alabama win its first national title at the 2013 NCAA Championship. Alabama defeated a University of Illinois team led by future PGA TOUR winners Brian Campbell and Thomas Detry in the championship match, though Thomas lost his match against Thomas Pieters.

As a 16-year-old amateur, became the third-youngest player to make the cut in a PGA TOUR event at the 2009 Wyndham Championship. Earned the sponsor exemption for his PGA TOUR debut as the winner of the 2009 FootJoy Invitational, an AJGA event contested at Sedgefield Country Club.

Runner-up finisher at the 2010 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. Notably defeated Denny McCarthy in the semifinals, but fell to Jim Liu in the championship match.

Qualified for match play at three consecutive U.S. Amateur Championships (2010, 2011, 2012), with his best finish being a semifinals appearance at Cherry Hills Country Club in 2012. Path to the semifinals in 2012 included victories over Max Homa (Round of 32) and Bobby Wyatt (Round of 16).

Represented the United States at the 2012 and 2013 Palmer Cups, 2012 World Amateur Team Championship (won Eisenhower Trophy), and 2013 Walker Cup, his final event as an amateur. Teammates on the victorious Walker Cup team included Max Homa, Michael Kim, and Patrick Rodgers. Teammates on the victorious 2013 Palmer Cup team included Kim, Rodgers, and Daniel Berger.

Represented the United States at the 2010 Junior Ryder Cup at Gleneagles Resort in Scotland; his teammates included Denny McCarthy and Jordan Spieth.

One of three recipients of the Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Award in 2011, with the others being Denny McCarthy and Michael Johnson. The award recognizes the achievements of junior golfers who distinguish themselves with a high level of junior tournament play, as well as excellence in academics, exceptional character, and a commitment to community service.