Normally Justin Thomas would be a tap-in for any Ryder Cup team selection, but he has not been named as a definite starter in Zach Johnson’s side.
The US team skipper has only announced the six guaranteed players that will travel to Rome next month to defend their title they convincingly won at Whistling Straits.
Veteran broadcaster and former 2006 US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy, believes omitting the former world number one would be a massive mistake.
Johnson has indicated that as many as 20 players are in the running for the six remaining spots, but leaving out Thomas would be undeniably a blot. “JT would be my first pick. I’ve been inside the ropes at enough Presidents Cups, there’s no chance you don’t take Just,” said Ogilvy.
Thomas won the 2017 and 2022 PGA Majors and has been a long-time contender on the final day of a clutch of major tournaments.
“He does something to the team. He goes out front and leads fist bumps and makes everybody behind believe in him,” Ogilvy added.
This is not an isolated comment, with another former world number 1 and five-time Major winner Rory McIlroy agreeing with Ogilvy.
The Northern Irishman will tee it up against the US team towards the end of September and believes the competition would be better with JT taking the Europeans, especially in a match-play format.
Thomas has picked up an incredible 17.5 points in two Ryder Cups and one Presidents Cup, when representing team US, and his competitive spirit should quell his poor recent form.
Teaming up with Jordan Spieth for example would set a winning tone. A US Ryder Cup team without the fiercely competitive friends would devalue the competition somewhat.
JT will take part in the Fortinet Championship this weekend for the 1st time in four years, as he hopes to impress Johnson.
