Justin Thomas’ Ryder Cup selection prompts divisive fan reactions
Justin Thomas has made the Ryder Cup staff regardless of having the worst yr of his PGA Tour profession.
This season, Thomas missed the lower at three main championships, did not make the weekend at three different occasions, and didn’t even qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs.
“Clearly, type is part of our decision-making course of; there are a selection of components in that course of, and type is considered one of them,” U.S. Captain Zach Johnson stated Tuesday.
“However so is match for the golf course, match for the staff room, expertise, and in my thoughts, if you find yourself speaking about [Thomas] particularly, he has ardour and full confidence in [the Ryder Cup]. He’s the place he belongs.”
Johnson picked Thomas due to his excellent Ryder Cup document, his expertise taking part in nicely on European soil, and since he will get alongside nicely with seemingly everybody on the American staff.
Thomas led Group USA with 4 factors on the 2018 Ryder Cup, the final time the competitors was held in Europe.
However Thomas’ choice to the staff got here on the expense of Keegan Bradley and Lucas Glover, two veterans who’ve had terrific seasons and longed to make the staff.
These two gamers, in addition to different Ryder Cup candidates, have carried out significantly better than Thomas this season. Each Bradley and Glover even made it to the Tour Championship.
So unsurprisingly, this decide has created loads of controversy amongst golf followers on-line:
Sam Burns was picked as a result of he’s good associates with Scottie Scheffler. Justin Thomas acquired picked as a result of he’s good associates with Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth.
The previous expression “it’s not who you’re it’s who you understand” couldn’t be extra true.
— Tour Professional ️♂️ (@OfficialTourPro) August 29, 2023
Very disenchanted that Lucas Glover is not on the Ryder Cup staff this yr. He is one of the best ball striker on Tour and has his placing straightened out. Justin Thomas higher maker Zach Johnson look good as a result of this might be 2nd guessed. #RyderCup
— TheGetDown71 (@TDown71) August 29, 2023
However some reactions for Thomas’ choice to the staff have been constructive:
A number of folks debating the JT decide! The dude is a beast. 16-5-3 in staff competitors. Look over on the different facet, Ian Poulter has been a captains decide in his final 4 Ryder Cups! Didn’t make it on factors and nobody ever questioned it! Why? Bc he’s a beast in staff occasions!!!
— Colt Knost (@ColtKnost) August 29, 2023
Right here’s only one instance of how a lot vitality Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas carry within the Ryder Cup.
Rome isn’t prepared for these two. pic.twitter.com/qk7H0pDyj1
— Jacob Rhymer (@Rhymetime05) August 29, 2023
And, in fact, many followers advocated for Bradley’s place on the staff versus Thomas:
I like Justin Thomas, however he has completely zero enterprise being on the Ryder cup staff. A man like Keegan Bradley deserves that’s spot 100x greater than a fan favourite decide. Play to win, don’t play for rankings….
— Brian Dunn (@bdunny17) August 29, 2023
Keegan Bradley must be on the Ryder Cup staff
Bradley has extra wins this yr than all the opposite captain’s picks. Lucas Glover does too
Additionally Bryson DeChambeau would have been a greater decide than Justin Thomas imo
Doubt we’re successful with this staff
However will nonetheless be watching!
— max gagliardi (@max_gagliardi) August 29, 2023
Do you suppose Thomas ought to have made the 2023 Ryder Cup roster? Tell us your ideas within the feedback beneath!
Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By means of. You’ll be able to observe him on Twitter @jack_milko for extra golf protection. You should definitely take a look at @_PlayingThrough too.
