Moments Before Justin Thomas’ $8.4m Attempt, Captain Zach Johnson Is Not Placing Much Bets on His Controversial Ryder Cup Pick’s Result

Ryder Cup is just two weeks away, and the excitement is clouding the air. Zach Johnson revealed his squad for Rome and received mixed reactions due to an unexpected presence on the roster. The controversial choice for the patriotic showdown, Justin Thomas, was much debated by the golf world.

As part of the PGA Tour’s fall schedule, two American golfers are preparing to tee off in Napa, California. Along with the captain, Thomas and Max Homa will be present. While the golfing community thinks it’s a great chance to see JT’s form ahead of the Ryder Cup, captain Zach Johnson is sailing in the opposite direction.

Justin Thomas might have a chance for redemption

The 2023 season was not an ideal one for Thomas. He failed to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs for the first time as a professional golfer. He experienced missed cuts at five of eight events. There might not be many who will easily forget his shocking start of 82-71 at the Open Championship. However, Zach Johnson decided to give him a chance for the prestigious Ryder Cup.

When speaking about observing the form of the players in the events they are playing currently, Johnson refused to put too much thought into it. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, he said, “I’m not going to put too much merit in their scorecards (at the Fortinet) in two weeks. Hopefully, they show signs of great form. But I’m not overly concerned about that.”

Zach also mentioned the need to take a break from golf to play good golf. “The majority of the team played so much golf in July and August and your body needs a break. We have a month off from the Tour Championship to the Ryder Cup.” However, Justin Thomas last played in August at the Wyndham Championship and failed to secure a spot in the top 70 to qualify for the playoffs.

Johnson had defended his pick concerning Justin Thomas earlier. He cited the latter’s Ryder Cup experience as one of the many reasons he deserves to be on the squad.

Yet, fans have relentlessly debated the decision, with many naming other players who could have taken up one of the elusive spots. However, JT can silence many of them with a successful weekend at the upcoming Fortinet Championship

Also Read: ‘1 Up Already’: Golf World Left in Splits As Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, and Co Get Savagely Roasted By Their European Nemesis

What’s in store at the PGA Fortinet Championship?

The North Course in Silverado Resort, Napa, will see the Fortinet Championship gain momentum from 14 September. It is the first of the seven in the inaugural fall schedule. It will help the players to work on improving their overall FedEx ranking.

It is also the first PGA Tour event after the Tour Championship in August. A total of 174 players will take on the North Course and start the event with points earned during the regular season and the St. Jude Championship. Those beyond the 51st rank will especially look to earn points in the fall.

Justin Thomas will also step on the field to earn points for the FedEx ranking. The prize purse of the event has also increased to $8.4 million, with a winner’s payout of $1.512 million. A win will also offer an entry into the Players Championship, the Sentry Tournament of Champions, and the Majors.

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