Justin Thomas has Michael Jordan to thank for his first car

Justin Thomas knows what it's like to cash monster paychecks on the golf course. The two-time major champion has banked over $56 million in on-course earnings in his PGA Tour career, but his money-making days on the links date back to before he even turned pro.

As a teenager, Thomas won enough money on the golf course to help pay for his first car. He also had a little help from Michael Jordan. Thomas appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on Monday night and told the incredible story.

Jordan frequented the Kentucky Derby, which was always held in Thomas' hometown of Louisville in the late 2000s. Being the avid golfer he is, MJ would always try to get a round in the same weekend. Former NBA player Junior Bridgeman, who made the trip with Jordan, just happened to be friendly with Mike Thomas, Justin's dad. Mike was the Head Golf Professional at nearby Harmony Landing Country Club, so he would host Jordan and Bridgeman whenever they made the trip to Louisville. 

Justin caddied for the group for the first few years, but he eventually got the chance to show Jordan what he could do. He didn't disappoint. 

"The third year, the last year they came out — he would always call me 'little man.' He's like, 'Little man go get your clubs. You're gonna play the last seven holes with us.' And he knew that I played golf, but he didn't know that I was decent.

"I made four birdies in seven holes and helped pay for my first car. I won, I think, probably three or four grand."

Not too shabby for a 15-year-old. 

Thomas and Jordan are still in touch today, and they played together at MJ's The Grove XXIII club in Florida. That day 15 years ago likely wasn't the last time this superstar duo teamed up to win money on the golf course.