Nina Caldwell
Standing at 6 feet 9 inches tall, Jonathan Thomson is a professional golfer with an incredible story. Affectionately nicknamed 'Jigger' as a child, Thomson has beaten the odds to become a successful golfer, overcoming a battle with leukaemia as a child and breaking records along the way. With his height giving him a unique advantage, Thomson has achieved his dream of becoming a professional golfer and continues to inspire others with his perseverance and talent. In this article, we will explore Thomson's journey, from his early years to his record-breaking achievements, and uncover what sets him apart from other golfers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Thomson |
| Nickname | Jigger |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 19.5 stone (273 pounds) |
| Average Drive | 320 yards-plus |
| Major Championship Debut | 36-hole Final Qualifying at Hollinwell |
| Childhood Club | Rotherham Golf Club |
| Cancer Battle | Leukaemia for 4-5 years |
| Chemotherapy | Super-intensive course called Regimen C |
| Hospital | Sheffield Children's Hospital |
| Hole-in-One | Royal St. George's, Sandwich, England |
| World Ranking (2021) | 889th |
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What You'll Learn
- Jonathan Thomson's height of 6'9 makes him the tallest player in European Tour history
- Thomson's golf clubs are likely 6 longer than Bryson DeChambeau's
- Thomson beat leukaemia as a child and went on to achieve his career dream of a European Tour card
- Thomson's average drive is 320 yards-plus
- Thomson made his major championship debut after finishing second to Daniel Hillier in the 36-hole Final Qualifying at Hollinwell
Jonathan Thomson's height of 6'9 makes him the tallest player in European Tour history
At 6 feet 9 inches tall, Jonathan Thomson is the tallest player in European Tour history. Nicknamed 'Jigger' because he often danced in his nappies as a toddler, Thomson made his major championship debut after finishing second to New Zealander Daniel Hillier in the 36-hole Final Qualifying at Hollinwell.
Thomson first picked up a club at the age of five at Rotherham Golf Club, where he practised alongside future Masters winner Danny Willett. However, his journey to becoming a professional golfer was not without its challenges. At the age of seven, Thomson began hemorrhaging weight at a concerning rate and was subsequently diagnosed with leukaemia. He underwent four years of gruelling treatment, including lengthy hospital stays and brutal rounds of chemotherapy.
Despite the odds, Thomson persevered and successfully battled cancer. Golf served as a source of motivation during his treatment, and he continued to work on his game despite being unable to play impact sports. In 2017, Thomson achieved his career dream of earning a European Tour card. He became the tallest player in European Tour history when he came through the Qualifying School that year.
Thomson's height gives him a significant advantage in driving distance, with an average drive of 320 yards or more. In 2020, he equalled a long-standing world record for the most consecutive birdies, recording nine in a row on the Portugal Pro Tour. Thomson continues to work hard and improve his game, aiming to win a European Tour event and eventually a major championship.
Thomson's story is an inspiring one, demonstrating determination, resilience, and a passion for the sport. His height of 6 feet 9 inches, combined with his skill and perseverance, makes him a unique and remarkable player on the golf course.
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Thomson's golf clubs are likely 6 longer than Bryson DeChambeau's
At 6'9", Jonathan Thomson is the tallest player in European Tour history. Thomson's golf clubs are likely 6 inches longer than Bryson DeChambeau's. This is because, for taller individuals, longer clubs are recommended. However, it is important to note that a 1" increase in club length does not equal a 1" increase in the length from the floor to the ground. It is the sine of the lie angle that determines the length component in the vertical direction.
The length of a golf club is important because it affects the golfer's posture and swing. For example, a taller person with a standard-length club may feel hunched over. In this case, a longer club may be recommended to improve their posture and swing.
On the other hand, some golfers have found that using a shorter club can actually result in greater distance gains and accuracy. This is because longer clubs require slower swings, which can affect the tempo of the swing. Additionally, shorter clubs can allow for faster swings and improvements in balance, swing planes, and contact.
Ultimately, the length of a golf club is not just based on the height of the individual but also on their arm length and wrist-to-floor measurement. It is recommended to get fitted for golf clubs by a professional club fitter to ensure the proper length and lie angle for one's specific body proportions.
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Thomson beat leukaemia as a child and went on to achieve his career dream of a European Tour card
Standing at 6 feet 9 inches tall, Jonathan "Jigger" Thomson is the tallest player in European Tour history. Thomson, who was first diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of seven, underwent chemotherapy at Sheffield Children's Hospital. For the next five years, he battled the disease while also working on his golf game. Despite the challenges, Thomson achieved his dream of obtaining a European Tour card.
Thomson's determination and resilience shone through during his cancer treatment. He described chemotherapy as a "horrendous thing," yet he bravely fought against cancer and refused to let it define his future. Thomson's mother, Sarah, dedicated herself to his care, giving up work to support him through his journey to recovery.
After overcoming leukaemia, Thomson pursued his passion for golf. He first picked up a club at the age of five at Rotherham Golf Club, where he practised alongside future Masters winner Danny Willett. Despite having to give up impact sports due to his health, Thomson persevered with golf and continued to develop his skills.
In 2017, Thomson's hard work paid off as he obtained his European Tour card, fulfilling a long-held dream. He made his major championship debut after finishing second to New Zealander Daniel Hillier in the 36-hole Final Qualifying at Hollinwell. Thomson's talent and perseverance were recognised, and he became a source of inspiration for others facing adversity.
Thomson's journey serves as a testament to his strength and dedication. By beating leukaemia and achieving his career dream, he proved that no matter the challenges, determination and resilience can lead to remarkable accomplishments. Thomson's story inspires us to pursue our passions and never give up, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
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Thomson's average drive is 320 yards-plus
At 6 feet 9 inches, Jonathan Thomson is the tallest player in European Tour history. Thomson's golf clubs are likely 6 inches longer than those of Bryson DeChambeau, who is known for his driving distance. DeChambeau has experimented with a longer-than-usual 48-inch driver, the longest allowed in competition under the Rules of Golf. DeChambeau added that the 48-inch driver increased his ball speed by 4 to 5 mph and allowed him to achieve swing speeds of up to 143-144 mph.
Thomson's average drive of 320 yards or more is impressive, especially when compared to other long drivers on the PGA Tour. To put this into perspective, Cameron Champ was the longest driver in 2024 with an average of 320.7 yards, while Rory McIlroy became the first to surpass the 326-yard mark in 2023. McIlroy led the long-drive category in 2017 and 2018, with averages of 317.2 and 319.7 yards, respectively, falling just short of the 320-yard average.
Thomson's height and club length certainly contribute to his impressive driving distance. With his clubs being potentially six inches longer than DeChambeau's, Thomson gains an advantage in terms of leverage and swing arc, allowing him to generate more power and speed in his drives.
It's worth noting that DeChambeau, despite his shorter stature, has achieved remarkable distances with his drives. During the 2019-20 season, he broke the previous mark of 321.4 yards set by Hank Kuehne in 2003, and then broke his own record the following year. DeChambeau's analytical approach to the sport, including his use of thicker grips and irons of uniform length, has earned him the nickname "the Scientist."
While Thomson's average drive of 320 yards-plus is impressive, it's important to consider other factors that contribute to success in golf besides driving distance. Accuracy, course strategy, and putting skills are also crucial aspects of the game. However, Thomson's driving distance certainly gives him a powerful tool that can be leveraged to his advantage on the course.
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Thomson made his major championship debut after finishing second to Daniel Hillier in the 36-hole Final Qualifying at Hollinwell
Jonathan Thomson, who stands at 6 feet 9 inches tall, made his major championship debut after finishing second to Daniel Hillier in the 36-hole Final Qualifying at Hollinwell. Thomson became the tallest player in European Tour history when he came through the Qualifying School in 2017. He marked his Open debut with a hole-in-one at Royal St George's in 2021.
Thomson's road to the major championship began at Hollinwell, a golf club with a rich history of hosting qualifying tournaments. The 36-hole Final Qualifying at Hollinwell served as a gateway to prestigious golf events, and Thomson's second-place finish to Daniel Hillier showcased his potential.
Daniel Hillier, a New Zealand professional golfer, has had a successful career. As an amateur, he won the New Zealand Amateur Championship twice and the Australian Boys' Amateur Championship. Hillier turned professional in September 2019 and has since achieved notable victories, including his first European Tour win at the 2023 Betfred British Masters.
The 36-hole Final Qualifying at Hollinwell provided a challenging course for golfers vying for a spot in the championship. Hollinwell is known for its demanding layout, making qualification a significant feat for Thomson and Hillier. Their performances at Hollinwell paved the way for their future successes in the world of professional golf.
Jonathan Thomson's journey to the major championship debut is a testament to his perseverance and talent. Finishing second to Daniel Hillier at Hollinwell marked a pivotal moment in his career, and he went on to create memorable moments in the Open Championship. The 36-hole Final Qualifying at Hollinwell served as a springboard for these golfers to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams.
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Frequently asked questions
Jonathan Thomson is 6 feet 9 inches tall.
Yes, at 6 feet 9 inches, Thomson became the tallest player in European Tour history when he came through the Qualifying School in 2017.
Jonathan Thomson weighs 19.5 stone, or around 300 pounds.
Jonathan Thomson is a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with leukaemia at age 7 and underwent four years of treatment. He also achieved his career dream of obtaining a European Tour card.
Jonathan Thomson's average drive is 320 yards or more.
