Justin Thomas given Ryder Cup warning as golfer releases statement on Team USA omission
Justin Thomas’ omission from Team USA’s Presidents Cup picks provided him an early warning over his Ryder Cup hopes.
Thomas was left out of captain Jim Furyk’s chosen six to take on the international team in Montreal later this month.
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It is the first time since 2016 that Thomas will play no part in a team event despite boasting a solid record.
Furyk’s picks of Max Homa, Brian Harman, Russell Henley, Sam Burns, Tony Finau and Keegan Bradley have left many questioning why Thomas had not been given the nod.
Despite a string of improved performances in 2024, Thomas' stuttering 2023 season saw him drop down the points list and unable to break into the top 12.
He qualified for the 2024 TOUR Championship after failing to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs last year.
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A graceful Thomas took to social media on Tuesday evening to express his support for the team whilst admitting he plans to use the disappointment as motivation to get back into the team event picture.
“I’m obviously bummed to not be joining the boys in Canada for the Presidents Cup, but completely understanding,” Thomas wrote in an Instagram post.
“Jim has put together a great team,” he added. “I will be the first one pulling for them and watching, while using it as motivation to not miss a team event again as they are some of my favourite weeks I’ve had.”
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the 31-year-old who used his platform to announce that he and wife Jillian are expecting their first child in November.
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He continued: “It’ll be nice to have some time to work on things, foundation event, some R&R, and even becoming a dad at the end of November.
“While I’m excited for the “off season”, I’m already looking forward to practicing and getting ready for Maui. Thanks to everybody for countless support and kind words as I always appreciate it. That’s enough of me getting in my feels for today.”
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Meanwhile, captain Furyk revealed that while he expects Thomas to be on future teams, he could not justify a place on this one.
“He’s a great team room guy," Furyk said.
"He’s going to play on a ton of these teams in the future as well and one day be a captain and a great one.
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"Tough omission, but I had to take the 12 guys I saw fit.”
All eyes will be firmly on Thomas over the next 12 months as he bids to overturn his exclusion and claim his spot at next year’s Ryder Cup.
The event takes place in Bethpage Black Course in New York with hosts USA aiming to recapture the trophy they won in 2021.
Thomas, a two-time major champion, holds a record of six wins, two losses and one tie at the Ryder Cup, having represented Team USA on three occasions.