KAPALUA, Hawaii — Justin Thomas began the new year mildly disappointed by not having won more than he already has on the PGA Tour.

That’s not to suggest he ever thought it was easy.

Sunday at Kapalua was proof of that.

Thomas won the Sentry Tournament of Champions in a three-man playoff over Patrick Reed and Xander Schauffele for his third victory in his last six starts on the PGA Tour, and the 12th of his career. Thomas, 26, now has more victories than any active players younger than 30.

That took time to digest, mainly because of how he got to No. 12.

He birdied six out of eight holes to turn a two-shot deficit into a two-shot lead with three holes to play.

“Through 15 holes, it was one of the best rounds I had played,” he said.

He fell into a playoff by hitting at toe-hook off the tee at the par-5 18th, followed by a 3-wood that landed in knee-high vegetation so thick that a nine-member search party couldn’t find it. He made bogey.

“I botched it up pretty badly,” he said.

Schauffele became only the fourth player in the final round to reach the 18th green, a 3-wood that left him a 35-foot eagle attempt. He three-putted for par, missing a 7-foot putt for the win.

Thomas, with his head bowed anticipating defeat, suddenly had another chance. It also gave life to Reed.