Ryder Cup: Breaking down each member of Team USA

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain Jim Furyk announces Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods as the Captain's Picks for the 2018 U.S. team during a press conference at the Philadelphia Marriott West on September 4, 2018 in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

12 of 14

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – AUGUST 11: Justin Thomas of the USA in action during the third round of the 2018 PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club on August 11, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

This is going to be Justin Thomas’s first appearance at the Ryder Cup. He definitely earned his way here with his play in 2018. He played well enough to avoid any doubt towards the end of the year, finishing third in the final points standings for the U.S. Ryder cup team.

Thomas had one of the most dominant three match stretches of any player in 2018. He won at the Honda Classic, finished second at the WGC-Mexico Championship, and came in fourth at the WGC Dell Match Play event. The high finish in the match play event should be a good indicator of his singles ability for the Ryder Cup.

Another aspect of Thomas’ play that could be a precursor to Ryder Cup success would be his college career. A six-time winner at the University of Alabama, Thomas was the freshman golfer of the year, as well as a member of the 2013 National Title Team.

Thomas finds himself as one of the few members on this year’s team with no Ryder Cup experience. With this being his first event, eyes will be on Furyk to see how he uses Thomas. Although he has been one of the best players the last two seasons on the PGA, success doesn’t always follow to the Ryder Cup. Bubba and Fowler are examples of this. With Thomas’ consistency all year, look for him to buck this trend.

Home/Ryder Cup