Justin Thomas could convince Zach Johnson

• golf

By not qualifying for the FedEx Cup Playoffs, Justin Thomas has complicated the task of American Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson who is wondering how to complete his team with the 6 choices he has. Unthinkable in the aftermath of his second major success last year in Southern Hills, the absence of Justin Thomas in the American Ryder Cup team at the end of September in Rome is now plausible.

Indeed, the one who has been one of the immovable pillars of Team USA since 2017 will have to wait for a call from captain Zach Johnson. The fault of a series of results far below its standards. The former world No. 1 and two-time Major winner has missed 5 of the last 9 cuts and failed to make it into the FedEx Cup Playoffs in early August in Springfield.

This year, JT also played two major rounds in the 80s and despite remarkable American team stats, 16 wins 5 losses and 3 draws (Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup), it is not certain that Zach Johnson will call on him.

Justin Thomas, statements

“We communicate and we will continue to be sincere with each other.

I hope he understands. We will give everything to Rome. And I said to him, I don't know yet what decision I'm going to make but obviously he's still one of the candidates,” Johnson explained on the Subpar podcast. "When you have someone with that talent, with that character, you don't want to see them in trouble.

Not to mention the Ryder Cup, I just wish he could produce some good golf. When JT plays well, it's good for everyone. It's one of the strengths of the PGA Tour." Leader at heart
The decision to remove Thomas from the team, however, seems unlikely because in addition to his ability to bounce back on big occasions, he has this extra soul and this particularly valuable team spirit.

"He's been on Team USA since 2017: guys want to be around him, he's great in the locker room and obviously everyone knows what he's done on the course. His CV speaks for itself. The fact remains that other parameters must be taken into consideration by Zach Johnson and his 5 vice-captains Steve Stricker, Davis Love III, Jim Furyk and Fred Couples when announcing their choice.

“I have to look at all the other factors. In particular the course by going into the detail of the statistics of each player and by considering his state of form. He (Thomas) knows he can call me at any time and that I am open to discussion.

As a reminder, six top players in the American rankings after the BMW Championship are automatically qualified for the American Ryder Cup team. The identities of the other six will be revealed by the captain on August 29 two days after the final round of the Tour Championship at East Lake.