‘Know What He Does’: Despite Unending Setbacks, a Forlorn Justin Thomas Finds Solace in PGA Tour Veteran

Justin Thomas had great expectations riding on him as he waltzed into the Royal Liverpool for the 2023 Open Championship. After all, he was entering the major event following 3 missed cuts in 5 starts, including an early exit at last month’s US Open!

However, the 30-year-old faltered at Hoylake as well. During Thursday’s opening round, Thomas shot a disastrous 11-over 82, the worst-ever round of his professional career. Following another disappointing turn in the second round that saw him miss the cut, a fellow PGA Tour pro and 2-time major winner has now come out in support of the golfer.

PGA Tour veteran exudes confidence in Justin Thomas despite his poor form

Justin Thomas’ first-round 82 at Hoylake comes just weeks after he carded a tragic 81 at the Los Angeles Country Club. In fact, the golfer’s slump has carried on for quite some time now, with his last win coming at the 2022 PGA Championship over a year ago.

The latest missed cut at the Open means that he is in danger of failing to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs. To add to Thomas’ woes, his Ryder Cup chances also look bleak at the moment, something that the former World No. 1 is extremely concerned about himself.

But, one golfer who has high hopes for Thomas’ comeback is US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson. “As a friend and roommate, I’m concerned just because he’s my buddy and I know what he’s capable of and that sort of thing,” Johnson said on Friday after his second round.

The 47-year-old further added that Thomas is not only backed by a great team but is also a diligent worker. “I might be slightly concerned, like I said, as a friend, but I’m not worried about him because I know what he does and I know what he’s capable of,” he said.

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As of now, the 2-time Wanamaker Trophy winner sits at the 13th spot in US Team Rankings. The top six players on the list by August 20 will automatically secure their places in the American team. Meanwhile, Johnson will have six captain’s picks.

Former world no. 1 worried about his Ryder Cup chances

On Friday, at Royal Liverpool, Justin Thomas carded an even-par 71. Despite being 11 shots better than his opening 82, the golfer won’t be playing at the venue over the weekend.

Thomas’ string of unfortunate scores has now raised one big question: Is he going to make the Ryder Cup this year? The Louisville native isn’t too confident himself. “I want to make the Ryder Cup more than anything,” Thomas said after his second round. “I’m probably honestly trying too hard to do it.”

The World No. 20 has been a part of Team US twice for the biennial event in 2018 and 2021. He has also been one of the more successful players in the Ryder Cup, boasting a record of 6-2-1. While Thomas’ fears persist, Team US captain Zach Johnson’s recent comments will undoubtedly bring him some much-needed peace.

The 2023 Ryder Cup will take place at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome from 29 September to 1 October. This year, the Johnson-led team will be hoping to end US’ three-decades-long trophy drought on European soil when they take on Luke Donald’s Team Europe.

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Do you think Justin Thomas will be able to bounce back into form ahead of the Ryder Cup? Let us know in the comments below!