Ryder Cup: Justin Thomas snub “would be worst call ever”

Major champion Geoff Ogilvy has claimed leaving Justin Thomas out of the US Ryder Cup team would be the “worst call ever.”

Thomas is one of a number of players relying on one of six captain’s picks from Zach Johnson as the biennial dust-up outside Rome looms.

So often the heartbeat of the American team, Thomas has given Johnson a serious dilemma and the US skipper will decide next week whether he will opt for form or experience.

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The 30-year-old, a two-time major champion, will certainly not be selected on form.

He has been in a malaise for over 12 months now, failing to qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoffs and shooting rounds in the 80s at both the US Open and The Open.

But a stellar 16-5-3 record across Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups will certainly work in Thomas’ favour.

And 2006 US Open champ Ogilvy is adamant that Thomas must make Johnson’s team based on his match play credentials alone.

“If they don’t take him, it’s the worst call ever,” Ogilvy told Golfweek. “He’s the best head-to-head match player in the world.

“JT would be my first pick. I’ve been inside the ropes at enough Presidents Cups there’s just no chance you don’t take Justin.

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“He does something to the team. He goes out front and leads and fist pumps and makes everyone behind him believe.”

Thomas has committed to playing the Fortinet Championship, a PGA Tour fall-season event from September 14-17, just two weeks before the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone.

It remains to be seen whether he will be simply trying to rediscover his own form ahead of the 2024 campaign, or whether the tournament in California will serve as a warm-up before a trip to Europe.

Johnson names his six captain’s picks on August 29 after the conclusion of the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake.

While Thomas is relying on a good show of faith, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young, Sam Burns and Keegan Bradley are also among the contenders desperate for a wildcard spot.

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.