“Obviously very bummed to not be joining the boys in Canada,” expressed a sad Justin Thomas. What was he referring to? Well, the athlete was alluding to the upcoming President’s Cup that will tee off on September 24. The golfer was, surprisingly, overlooked by Jim Furyk as he was excluded from being a captain’s pick. But will the skipper regret his decision in the end?
Dylan Dethier, a reporter for the sport, pointed out how it would be the first time since 2012 that the American team would be without the likes of Jordan Spieth or Justin Thomas. The former, however, is currently taking a break from golf owing to his wrist injury and the subsequent surgery. The latter, on the other hand, seemed to be surprised and sad at the unexpected news of not being able to represent his country.
The 31-year-old golfer became part of the President’s Cup American team for the first time in 2017, followed by the 2019 and 2022 editions (a 7-year streak). He helped his team win over the International squad. And as a result, the athlete has raked in 10 wins and 2 ties, while losing just three times in the biennial event throughout his career over the years he represented America.
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Polls of the day Poll 1 of 5 Is Justin Thomas’ absence a major setback for Team USA in the President’s Cup? Absolutely Not at all Maybe a little Too early to tell Do you think Donald Trump’s taunt at Joe Biden was justified? Absolutely Not at all It was hilarious Completely inappropriate Whats your Perspective on: Is Team USA doomed without Justin Thomas in the President’s Cup lineup this year? Have an interesting take? Join The Debate Do you think Team USA’s early preparation gives them an unbeatable edge in the Presidents Cup? Absolutely Maybe Not at all It’s too early to tell Do you think Max Homa deserves his spot in the Presidents Cup despite his recent performance? Absolutely No way Maybe, but he needs to prove himself Not sure
When it comes to the Ryder Cup, the 2-time major champ has played in the U.S. team a total of three times as well. However, the American squad only won one out of the two times he took part in the same. Over the years, starting from 2018 to 2021 and finally to 2023, Thomas boasts a figure of 7-4-2, including a 2-1-2 in Fourballs, 2-3-0 in Foursomes, and a remarkable and flawless 3-0-0 in the singles matches.
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That’s not all. Many in the community have, since the captain’s picks announcement by Jim Furyk, pointed out how the captain got it wrong. That, coupled with his recent performance and the 2023 Ryder Cup stats, does paint a concerning, yet hopeful picture for the American team which will see the 2024 President’s Cup without him.
Justin Thomas’s 2023 Ryder Cup record amid backlashes
Back in the 2023 Ryder Cup, the golfer garnered a total of 1.5 points for the American team. Interestingly, the PGA Tour Pro managed to continue his streak in the Singles category by clinching a win against Sepp Straka and gaining a point. He also tied a four-ball match alongside Jordan Spieth while teeing off against Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton thereby raking in 0.5 points for the same. Even so, he did lose a foursome and a four-ball match each over the three days, thereby boasting a 1-2-1 record in the end.
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Fast forward to 2024, and the athlete has raked in a total of 5 top-10 finishes with his best coming off a T3 at the American Express. However, he was able to end the season with a T7 at the TOUR Championship, thereby boosting his confidence a lot and increasing his hopes of a potential President’s Cup pick only to be left disappointed later on.
In the end, only time will be able to tell if the decision taken by Furyk deserves praise as the two teams tee it off on September 24, at The Royal Montreal Golf Club. Who do you think would emerge victorious? The Furyk-led squad or the Mike Weir-led one?