Justin Thomas’ Leeds United play-off message as golf star ‘excited’ for Elland Road clash

The US PGA Championship contender will be watching Leeds United’s play-off semi-final second leg against Norwich City

Leeds United investor Justin Thomas may be 4000 miles and focusing on his US PGA Championship, but the golf star will give the play-off semi-final second leg his full attention come Thursday evening.

Thomas is one of several US sports stars who have invested in the Elland Road club as part of the 49ers Enterprises, and admits he’s learned a lot about the game over recent months. His early tee-time in Thursday’s opening round at Valhalla means he will be able to take in Daniel Farke’s side bid to reach Wembley when they face Norwich City.

There’s nothing between the two sides after Sunday’s goalless stalemate at Carrow Road, with second-leg home advantage a potential key factor for Leeds this week. A Wembley date awaits the winners, with Southampton and West Bromwich Albion similarly goalless ahead of their second leg at St Mary’s on Friday.

Thomas may not be a football expert yet, but says he’s learning fast, along with fellow investor Jordan Speith.

“I’m very excited about my morning tee time on Thursday,” Thomas said. “That has worked out nicely for that game.

“My advice is very different than probably anything that would be useful or helpful to them, but I know I’ve really, really enjoyed learning a lot more about the sport.

“Billy Foster [Matt Fitzpatrick’s caddie], I think between him, Jordan and I, we’ve definitely become a lot closer over the last year, and he’s given us a lot of insight and knowledge in terms of Leeds and sending us videos from games.

“Right now I like the fact that they’re playing at Elland Road. I know that they’re a tough team to beat there, so I’m excited to watch.”

Leeds will be hoping their Elland Road form, which was so formidable for much of the season, returns after recent home defeats to Southampton and Blackburn, plus a goalless draw with Sunderland.