Despite an Embarrassing Loss, Wild Card Justin Thomas Finds a Silver Lining; Courtesy of His Teammate

What’s the one positive takeaway from the USA’s Ryder Cup campaign this year? It depends on who you ask. Many fans would wear a look of exasperation; some might even find it audacious to contemplate that question.

But, if you happen to ask Justin Thomas, he would point towards his teammate, whose gritty display at Marco Simone won the hearts of everyone, including the boisterous European fans on the sidelines. The current world no. 26 has found a “hero” in his playing mate—a hero who he now looks up to and fawns over on Instagram.

Justin Thomas heaps praise on his Ryder Cup teammate

Two days have passed since the American team boarded the return flight with empty hearts and nothing to add to their trophy cabinet. But for JT, his teammate’s courageous display, if not worth more than that, weighs at par with a Ryder Cup medal around her neck.

The two-time major winner, arguably the most controversial pick in Zach Johnson’s squad, shared a story on Instagram heaping praise on his teammate, Max Homa. While Justin Thomas didn’t have an impressive performance, his teammate was rock solid. And, even after the heartbreaking loss, the 30-year-old golfer is exhilarated at the heroics of his comrade.

Sharing a clip originally posted by PGA on his story, the 30-year-old golfer wrote, “The dude is my hero. The passion and grit he plays with is so inspiring.” The video is of Homa’s putt on the 18th hole, which added one crucial point to the USA’s tally. Homa is seen punching in the air after winning his singles match against Matt Fitzpatrick. Noting the contribution of his Ryder Cup comrade, he further added, “Any team is better with Max Homa on it.”

While the experienced golfers faltered, the rookie Ryder Cup star notched a total of 3.5 points. However, it was his clutch win on the final hole that had the fans and his teammates fawning over him.

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A gritty and feisty display from Max Homa

It was all but done for America. Europe needed only half a point to retain the cup. But, cometh the hour, cometh the man. Max Homa stepped up to take a putt and win his single against Fitzpatrick. A gentle stroke from Homa’s Scotty Cameron T5.5 settled the ball nicely inside the hole. That meant the USA had little more chance to fight back.

Team USA had a forgettable weekend in Rome. The campaign that saw them going 4-0 down after the first round, where their best golfers lost by the biggest margin in Ryder Cup history, and a media report that dragged them through the mud, Homa’s relentless display was genuinely a heartening thing to see.

Although the USA failed to capitalize on Homa’s clutch performance, Justin Thomas is sure glad to have a teammate like him.

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