Nicklaus sent Thomas congratulatory text before playoff loss

Jack Nicklaus jumped the gun this past Sunday, congratulating Workday Charity Open runner-up Justin Thomas for a victory at Muirfield before his playoff with Collin Morikawa ended.

Nicklaus planned to be there in person, but inclement weather moved Sunday's tee times forward. Before his flight took off, the Golden Bear sent Thomas a congratulatory text after the world No. 3 dropped an incredible 50-foot putt on the first playoff hole that Morikawa ultimately answered.

"Barbara and I both texted Justin, and said to him, 'Wow, what a fantastic putt, unbelievable, fantastic, super putt; can't believe you made that putt. Now you've got a chance to win two in a row, "Nicklaus said, according to Golf Channel's Rex Hoggard.

"I had to send (Thomas) a text and say, 'Oops, a little premature,'" Nicklaus added. "He was good about it. He texted back and he said, 'All's good, it's OK.'"

Morikawa ultimately won the event on the third playoff hole.

Muirfield Village, one of Nicklaus' courses, will also host this week's Memorial Tournament.