Is Choosing Justin Thomas Over Bryson DeChambeau Justified? Diving Deeper Into the Controversial Pick

The biennial Ryder Cup is just around the corner. In absolutely no time, the most-awaited event will commence, and the eagerness amongst the fans is just increasing with each passing second. The 12 American men are all ready and set to take on their 12 European counterparts in Rome, Italy, at Marco Simone Golf Country Club. The tournament will be a very enthralling one to spectate for fans and the other golf world members as well. Although it will be an interesting watch, certain aspects of the Ryder Cup have been controversial so far, and the one that tops the chart is picking up Justin Thomas for the team.

Out of the 12 American golfers, six were automatically selected, and choosing the other was not an easy task for skipper Zach Johnson. The captain’s picks were mostly deemed correct by the golf fraternity, except for one. The fans and the golf world just could not put their fingers as to why Thomas was chosen over Bryson DeChambeau and Keegan Bradley, who showed much better performances throughout the year.

Was Justin Thomas a justified pick for the 2023 Ryder Cup squad? 

Before Captain Johnson announced his top six to complete the American squad, a lot of speculations around the captain’s picks were going on, and the most controversial player up until that point was the 2023 PGA Championship winner, Brooks Koepka. A lot of theories and speculations were floating around as to whether or not he would find his way to fight for national glory because of the league he plays for. But after the captain’s announcement, the hat of being the most controversial and unjustified pick went on to JT’s head.

Why? Well, because Justin Thomas has not been a great player this year and has been out of form for the entire 2023 season. Since the first major tournament of the year, the Masters, his performance has been subpar. He failed to make the cut throughout the year in all four major tournaments and struggled to finish in the top 10 in the regular PGA Tour events as well. He struggled so much this year that all of it has been very evident and loud as well.

JT sadly did not make the cut at Augusta this year, and in the 2023 PGA Championship, he finished at T65 on the leaderboard. His rank deteriorated even further in the US Open and The Open; at the US Open, his spot on the leaderboard was at T152, whereas it was at T135 at The Open. However, the 2x major champion did come close to performing well during a few regular PGA Tour tournaments such as Hero World Challenge, WM Phoenix Open, Travelers Championship, and Fortinet Championship, wherein he finished in the top 10. 

JT’s lackluster performance this season was not a testament to his old ferocious self, but still, he found his way to one of golf’s most anticipated and prestigious tournaments, the Ryder Cup. Despite all the hiccups and obstacles the golfer had in his way, he was able to win Zach Johnson’s heart, and Johnson just could not leave JT at home.

Read More: ‘Does Sting’: After Dominating Ryder Cup Bound Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau Expresses Dismay Over Zach Johnson at LIV Golf Chicago

With JT taking the utmost vital spot on the American team, it meant that LIV Golf’s shining knight in armor, Bryson DeChambeau, could not get his, despite some of the bold performances he has given throughout the year.

Was Bryson DeChambeau a more appropriate choice for the American clan?

With the performance DeChambeau has been giving this year, had he shifted to LIV Golf, he would have definitely gotten his spot on the team. Though he failed to make the cut at Augusta this year, his performance in the other three major events has been great. He finished at T4 at Hoylake during the PGA Championship, and he was in 20th position at the US Open. Though his performance somewhat deteriorated in the Open Championship as he finished at T60, it was still far above JT.

Not only great major finishes, but Dechambeau got a new name this year, all thanks to his stellar score of 58, which he shot during the final round of the rain-softened Greenbrier LIV event. His historic score made him Mr. 58 and helped him card his name alongside the golf greats. Not only in Greenbrier, but DeCheambeau also displayed a stunning performance in LIV Golf’s Chicago event and won. This marked his second victory in the Saudi-funded league.

Whether or not Bryson DeChambeau could have been a good pick or not, nobody can for sure, but there were allegedly better picks than JT after his abysmal year. It will indeed be enthralling to see whether or not Thomas will be able to justify his spot on the team at Marco Simone in just a few days! Tune in to find out!

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