“Obviously very bummed to not be joining the boys in Canada,” expressed a sad Justin Thomas. What was he referring to? Well, the athlete was alluding to the upcoming Presidents Cup, which will tee off on September 24. Surprisingly, the golfer was overlooked by Jim Furyk and excluded from being a captain’s pick. But will the skipper regret his decision in the end?

Dylan Dethier, a reporter for the sport, pointed out that it would be the first time since 2012 that the American team would be without the likes of Jordan Spieth or Justin Thomas. The former, however, is currently taking a break from golf due to his wrist injury and subsequent surgery. Thomas, on the other hand, seemed surprised and saddened by the unexpected news of not being able to represent his country.

The 31-year-old golfer became part of the Presidents Cup American team for the first time in 2017, followed by the 2019 and 2022 editions (a 7-year streak). He helped his team win over the International squad. As a result, the athlete has raked in 10 wins and 2 ties, while losing just three times in the biennial event throughout his career.

When it comes to the Ryder Cup, the 2-time major champ has played in the U.S. team a total of three times as well. However, the American squad only won one out of the two times he took part. Over the years, starting from 2018 to 2021 and finally to 2023, Thomas boasts a figure of 7-4-2, including 2-1-2 in Fourballs, 2-3-0 in Foursomes, and a remarkable and flawless 3-0-0 in singles matches.

That’s not all. Many in the community have, since the captain’s picks announcement by Jim Furyk, pointed out that the captain might have gotten it wrong. Coupled with Thomas’ recent performance and his 2023 Ryder Cup stats, this paints a concerning yet hopeful picture for the American team, which will see the 2024 Presidents Cup without him.

Justin Thomas’ 2023 Ryder Cup record amid backlashes

Back in the 2023 Ryder Cup, the golfer garnered a total of 1.5 points for the American team. Interestingly, the PGA Tour pro managed to continue his streak in the Singles category by clinching a win against Sepp Straka and gaining a point. He also tied a four-ball match alongside Jordan Spieth while teeing off against Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton thereby raking in 0.5 points for the same. Even so, he lost a foursome and a four-ball match each over the three days, ending with a 1-2-1 record.

Fast forward to 2024, and the athlete has achieved a total of 5 top-10 finishes, with his best being a T3 at the American Express. He ended the season with a T7 at the TOUR Championship, boosting his confidence and raising his hopes of a potential Presidents Cup pick, only to be left disappointed later on.

In the end, only time will tell if Furyk’s decision deserves praise as the two teams tee off on September 24 at The Royal Montreal Golf Club. Who do you think will emerge victorious? The Furyk-led squad or the Mike Weir-led one?