2023 Ryder Cup: Justin Thomas – The controversial Captains Pick

Justin Thomas was named by captain Zach Johnson to the squad for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome. This has caused quite a stir as he has not played a good season. Still, his Ryder Cup history speaks for itself. In the past two Ryder Cups in which he has taken part, he has suffered only one defeat in nine matches. In the Dream Team with Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas is also one of the mood setters and pulls the whole team along with his passion.

Justin Thomas at the 2023 Ryder Cup

It was a very mixed season for Thomas. He failed to make the cut in three of the four major tournaments. He was unable to win a tournament and failed to make the FedEx Cup Playoffs at the end of the season for the first time since he started his career in 2013. His best finish was fourth at the World Cup Phoenix Open.

So why would Zack Johnson give one of his captain’s picks to Justin Thomas, who is in a slump of form? Zack Johnson trusts “JT” because he has the skills to compete against the best players in the world. This is also proven by his Ryder Cup statistics, he won six out of nine times and only had to admit defeat once. Over the years, Justin Thomas has earned an outstanding reputation for his consistent performance and team spirit in the Ryder Cup. His contribution to the victory of Team USA 2021 and his commitment to the competition have made him one of the most respected golfers in the prestigious tournament.

Justin Thomas the conqueror of Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup

The 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome will be the third of JT’s career. Two years ago, he contributed to the overall victory of the USA with his victory in the singles match against Tyrell Hatton and with his victory in the foursome, together with Jordan Spieth. In the previous Ryder Cup 2018, the USA had to admit defeat, but Justin Thomas was victorious in four of his five matches. The highlight was undoubtedly his victory over Rory McIlroy in the singles match.

Captain Johnson chose Thomas not only for his skills, but also for his passion and character traits. In previous years, he already pulled the entire team along with him and constantly ensured a good mood and motivation with his heart and soul. In an interview, Johnson said, “You don’t just leave JT at home.”

“He has without question been the heart and soul of [the U.S. Team].”

A closer look at why Captain @ZachJohnsonPGA dubbed @JustinThomas34, @BKoepka and four others as the final pieces of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team.

— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) August 30, 2023

Justin Thomas’ greatest successes and prize money

Thomas’ track record is reflected not only in his victories, but also in his impressive prize money. Since entering the professional golf scene, he has earned around $55 million. Throughout his career, he has claimed some of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour, including the “PGA Championship” in 2017, where he secured the title for the first time and earned major-winning glory as one of the youngest players in history. His fearless style of play, combined with a precise stroke technique, has allowed him to stand at the top of the world rankings and win the PGA Championship for a second time in 2022.

A look inside Justin Thomas’ bag – this is the equipment he wants to use to shine at the 2023 Ryder Cup.

Justin Thomas also joins Brian Harman in his choice of equipment. Equipped with the latest models from Titleist, the recently stumbling Major winner wants to score points at the Ryder Cup 2023. Thomas will be using the TSR3 driver, one of the latest additions to the Titleist Speed Project. He also relies on the TSR3 series for his woods, in this case a 15-degree 3-wood. For the irons, the American uses the latest variant of the T100 irons as a 4-iron, and from the 5-iron onwards he relies on the Titleist 620 MB Players irons. Thomas also uses the Vokey Spin Milled 9 47 degree, 52 degree and 57 degree wedges. In addition, a Lob wedge from Titleist-Wedgeworks completes the bag. For the putter, Thomas switched back to the Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 Tour in July. The model is inspired by his prototype and features a short slant neck. As a playing ball Thomas chooses the Pro V1x from Titleist.