As Captain of Team USA at the Presidents Cup, Jim Furyk was spoiled for choice with his Captain’s Picks. He had the likes of Justin Thomas, Akshay Bhatia, Sam Burns, and Tony Finau to pick from. Max Homa was also one of them, and fans and analysts alike speculated about his chances.

It turns out he had a great chance since he made the team. But a section of fans does not like it. When asked by Sirius XM about the controversial pick, Jim Furyk said he was justified in doing so. He said, “Max (Homa) at BMW, he made like 18 birdies that week, I believe. It might’ve been 18 birdies and an eagle or something.” He went on to say that he did hit a few wayward balls off the tee but “did a lot of good there as well.”

Max Homa’s last PGA Tour event was the BMW Championship, where he made 18 birdies and an eagle. However, his scores were not the best. He finished T33 with a 1-over-par final score, which he rescued in the last round with a 5-under-par. In a year where he didn’t play too well, that was his best finish.

Furyk also emphasized his holistic approach, counting Homa’s Presidents Cup record and Ryder Cup record, as well as his ability to get along with others, saying, “He’s kind of like a glue. He’s the emotional leader on and off the course, he’s glue. You see his presence, how he brings the fans together, the team together. Folks like to be with Max (Homa). He brings a lot of people together.”

Indeed, Max Homa has delighted fans with his sarcastic humor and online personality, whether it’s him posting a geeky childhood photo or roasting fans. So, he does have a magnetic personality and lots of charisma on the course and off. In the Presidents Cup last time, he went 4-0. And in the Ryder Cup, he was one bright spot in a cloudy tournament. So, the reasons Furyk cites do make sense.

Picking Homa may not be a grave error for Jim Furyk. He is a very good golfer. But picking him meant leaving someone else out, and when you look at the wealth of golfing talent that America has, some very good players will not be playing in the Presidents Cup.

Who did not make the Presidents Cup team?

The biggest name to not make Team USA in the Presidents Cup was Justin Thomas. ‘JT,’ as he is affectionately known, did not qualify on points due to his low finishes this year. He was hoping to make the team via the Captain’s picks route, but Jim Furyk decided not to include him this year.

Another name left on the cutting room floor was Chris Kirk. Kirk was ranked 13th, and Furyk was picking the best 12 players. He did play in the Tour Championship but has not been in magnificent form this year. Akshay Bhatia was also someone that people called on Jim Furyk to pick. This was due to him being a young and fresh athlete who won a PGA Tour event this year and has gained significant ground in position and status. Giving him a taste of a big team tournament could be good for his development, as he is also in line as a potential Ryder Cup team member in 2025.

However, Jim Furyk has picked his team. He will be hoping that they have what it takes to extend the number of wins for Team USA in the Presidents Cup. And with the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele on the team, that is a very real possibility.