The PGA Tour starts its network television schedule this week with CBS at Torrey Pines for the first of its 19 tournaments. And it already has received a boost from Justin Thomas.

Just over a year ago, Thomas was hesitant to get involved with tour policy, preferring others to carry the load. Now he’s in his second year on the Player Advisory Council, and he sent a memo to players asking them to consider doing more with broadcast partners to improve the product.

“We’re incredibly lucky to have many passionate people tuning in to watch us every week, but let’s be honest — this game can feel a little distant at times,” Thomas said in the memo, first reported by The Athletic.

“The more I think about it, the more I feel us giving more access and insight can make a WORLD of difference.”

Thomas cited interviews before and during the round — CBS was the first to do a walk-and-talk at Torrey Pines with Max Homa two years ago — and anything else involving their game or equipment the networks might find appealing.

Thomas was part of the PAC’s subcommittee dealing with tournament, fans and sponsors last year, serving with Homa, Mackenzie Hughes and Adam Schenk.

Sellers Shy, the lead golf producer for CBS, applauded Thomas for reaching out to players about more access. Jim Nantz, the lead announcer who is starting his 40th year with CBS, suggested the walk-and-talk could be expanded.

“We want their personalities to shine,” Nantz said.

Thomas did a walk-and-talk at Kapalua and jokingly chided Golf Channel for doing it on a part of the course where he had to walk uphill. Thomas said he was among those who initially resisted such an offer during a round.

“I’m not asking anybody to be somebody they aren’t or change anything in their routine that would affect their performance,” Thomas said in the memo. “Instead, just to be open to possibilities and changes.”

Financial context

Justin Thomas was runner-up at The American Express and earned $959,200, making him the 13th player in PGA Tour history to surpasses $60 million in career earnings.

That’s to be expected given the rapid increase in prize money. Hideki Matsuyama and Xander Schauffele would appear certain to join the $60 million club by the end of the year, if not sooner.

For context, consider what the career earnings list looked like as Thomas was starting his rookie season in 2014-15.

Tiger Woods, then and now, leads the list at nearly $121 million. Phil Mickelson remains second to Woods — a theme in Lefty’s career — at just over $96.6 million, though his earning opportunities are limited to the four majors now that he’s with LIV Golf.

At the end of 2014, the next eight were Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk, Ernie Els, Steve Stricker, David Toms, Sergio Garcia and Adam Scott. Of those, only Furyk (No. 6), Singh (No. 7) and Scott (No. 8) remain among the top 10.

The newcomers — for now — are Rory McIlroy (No. 3), Dustin Johnson (No. 4) and Scottie Scheffler (No. 5). Scheffler was in his freshman year at Texas when Thomas was a rookie.