When it comes to international match play, no one has been a bigger lightning rod over the last couple of years than Justin Thomas. Heading into the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, much of the discussion centered around whether the slumping Thomas should be included in the squad. Thomas was selected as a Captain’s Pick and went 1-2-1 in a disappointing display for the entire U.S. team, leaving many to question captain Zach Johnson’s decision.
In 2024, Thomas once again found himself on the cusp in the weeks leading up to the Presidents Cup. This time, U.S Captain Jim Furyk opted to leave Thomas off the team. Although the U.S. team cruised to victory at Royal Montreal, many felt Furyk’s decision to leave Thomas at home was the wrong one.
Now, with the 2025 Ryder Cup returning to American soil at the Bethpage Black, all eyes are once again on Thomas and captain Keegan Bradley, one of the players memorably snubbed in favor of Thomas at Marco Simone. Thomas currently occupies the fifth of six automatic qualifying spots for the U.S. team but there’s a lot of season left and he’s leaving nothing to chance. During Monday’s night TGL match between Bradley’s Boston Common Golf and Thomas’ Atlanta Drive G.C., the pair were heard chatting about a putt that Bradley didn’t give to Thomas. Though both are fiery competitors—thus explaining their match-play prowess—Thomas quickly ceded to Bradley, perhaps realizing his spot on this fall’s Ryder Cup team may yet depend on Captain America’s favor.
Whoa. Easy there, cowboy. He ain’t your captain yet.
For now, it looks like Thomas won’t have to leave too many apples on Bradley’s desk. The two-time major champ has posted three top-tens in five events this season, including a runner-up finish at The American Express, and clawed his way back to ninth in the world. But golf is a fickle mistress, and a lot could still change between now and September. Better safe than sitting at home on the couch.
