Justin Thomas Explains Why Ryder Cup Appearance Could Get His Game Back on Track

It is no secret that 2023 has not treated two-time Major Champion Justin Thomas well. But after missing the cut by a substantial margin at The Open Championship this week following a +11 82 at Royal Liverpool, Thomas has high hopes he can still make an appearance at the Ryder Cup.

Thomas has typically been one of golf’s best players, well within the Top 10 of the OWGR and normally in contention week in and week out. This year has just been rough, and as most golfers know, the game is full of both peaks and valleys. 

Thomas has missed the cut at three of the four Majors this year, only making the weekend at the PGA Championship, where he finished T65.

It is the first time in his career he has missed the weekend at three Majors, and with his FedEx Cupu position currently at 75th, there is a chance he could miss the PGA Tour’s playoff schedule, and there is even the chance he would need sponsor’s invites to get into some designated events in 2024.

Rory McIlroy on Justin Thomas struggling in 2023, “He’ll be OK. We all go through bad patches, thats golf.” JT finished 11-over par and will miss the cut. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/1JgEa4uBm3

— Chris McKee (@mrmckee) July 21, 2023

But while things are not bright currently, JT is far from discouraged. He thinks the Ryder Cup, which will be played on European soil in Rome this year, might be just what he needs to get his game back into shape (via NUCLR GOLF):

“I love the team events. I thrive in them. I just enjoy it. Playing with a partner could kind of ease me a little bit, relax me.”

However, he knows that his current form may not be enough for Captain and friend Zach Johnson to give him the nod:

“…I don’t want to put him in this position. I hate even having to hope for a pick. This is the first time since I first qualified that I’ve had to rely on a captain’s pick, and it’s not fun, especially when you’re trending the wrong way when other people are trending toward it.”

Johnson said he is “concerned,” but not worried because “I know what he does and I know what he’s capable of:”

🚨🇺🇸🗣️ • Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson speaks on a struggling Justin Thomas: “Well, as a friend and roommate, I’m concerned just because he’s my buddy and I know what he’s capable of and that sort of thing… obviously he’s a stalwart in that event, right. I don’t know his… pic.twitter.com/obQKjmcWfB

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 21, 2023

As fans, it is always hard to see players go through a rough patch. We all suffered through years of Rickie Fowler going through perhaps the coldest spell of any career in recent memory, but he has evidently rebounded and gotten his form back.

We can only hope JT’s lost game is found soon, but with his already impressive resume and strong Ryder Cup track record, maybe the team event will be just what he needs to regain his confidence on the course.

Cover Image via Sky Sports