Ryder Cup: Top 5 Contenders for Love’s Final Pick
By Sam Belden
Justin Thomas
Age: 23
PGA Tour wins: 1
Ryder Cup appearances: 0
The case for: If team spirit is an essential part of the Ryder Cup, then Thomas just might be the ideal final pick for Team USA — months ago, the Alabama product attracted plenty of media attention for saying he’d rather win a Ryder Cup than a major. He also has an ideal game for Hazeltine, possessing plenty of length off the tee as well as a lights-out putting stroke. Universally acknowledged as one of the game’s foremost up-and-comers, it could be a wise move for Team USA to plan for the long term and give him some experience now.
The case against: Thomas is an inconsistent player. He’s notched four top 10 finishes this year, but not a one of them was directly preceded by anything inside the top 50. He’s also not a great ball striker.
Recent results: Thomas survived to two weekends in the first three playoff events, tying for 10th at The Barclays. He shot a 68 in the first round of the Tour Championship to sit in a tie for seventh.