The USGA backtracked Tuesday on its prior statement that Justin Thomas had canceled every meeting about the new Rules of Golf.
In a tweet from the USGA communications department, the organization said Thomas did not in fact “avoid a discussion with the USGA nor cancel any meetings.”
After further and more direct conversations with @JustinThomas34, we realize he did not avoid a discussion with the USGA nor cancel any meetings. We value his and all players’ opinions and are committed to a productive dialogue as the golf world adjusts to the modernized rules.
— USGA PR (@USGA_PR) March 5, 2019
“We value his and all players’ opinions and are committed to a productive dialogue as the golf world adjusts to the modernized rules,” the USGA said.
That contradicts what the USGA had said Saturday, when it singled out Thomas in a tweet, saying: “We need to talk. You’ve cancelled every meeting we’ve planned with you, but we are reaching out again. ... We’d love nothing more than to give you a seat.”
Justin, we need to talk. You’ve cancelled every meeting we’ve planned with you, but we are reaching out again. We were at the first 5 events, and tournaments last year, and your tour has had a seat at the table for 7 years. We’d love nothing more than to give you a seat. Call us.
— USGA PR (@USGA_PR) March 2, 2019
The USGA’s tweet on Tuesday suggests that some of the organization’s representatives had a “more direct conversation” with Thomas this week. The world No. 4 is not playing in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.