Two years ago, Team USA was headed to Rome to defend its Ryder Cup title. And Justin Thomas was right there. His selection to the team was a huge question mark and was scrutinized vehemently. Many even said that he got picked because of his close connections with Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler rather than merit.

“I don’t feel like there is any good that can come from that. After I was picked from the team, doesn’t matter what it is … everybody’s got an opinion and theirs is right and everybody else’s is wrong, at least that’s what generally seems to be. So for that exact reason, I stayed away from social media, and stayed away from stuff online. Because I knew nothing good was going to come from it.” Thomas spoke about the reaction surrounding his selection from Rome.

However, despite his positive approach, the criticisms failed to stop. The claims got more powerful after Team USA suffered a heavy defeat to Team Europe. But Thomas failed to let go, keeping his head down and continuing his grind. Now, the two-time PGA Tour winner is currently poised for an automatic selection after strong showings on the PGA Tour this year.

Speaking to the press after two rounds of brilliant golfing at the RBC Heritage Open, Thomas made his feelings clear about being a part of Team USA for the Ryder Cup or the Presidents Cup. “I think I said it kind of in the fall or maybe beginning of the year. But I’m kind of excited about playing. A little pissed off that I didn’t get picked for the Presidents Cup team. I don’t like feel like I deserved to. But internally, I always feel like I’m going to be a great addition,” Thomas explained.

The 15-time PGA Tour winner did not have a particularly strong 2023 season, which was why his inclusion in the Ryder Cup was a surprise. He was also duly excluded from the squad for the 2024 Presidents Cup. Well, now, he has a chip on his shoulder, wanting to prove himself to the people who doubted him.

The University of Alabama alum is currently 9 in the official Team USA Rankings for Ryder Cup, just two places outside the automatic qualifying spot. Being 8 should mean that there would be no controversy attached to his selection. However, this time, Thomas is not leaving anything to chance. Strong showings in the upcoming events, including the RBC Heritage Open, where he is placed 1 after two rounds, could propel him to the top 6 and help him earn an automatic qualifying berth.

“It’s a nice thing for me to get to do, and I just thought I would really like to put myself in a position where I’m not relying on a pick anymore because it’s not fun. I can’t really complain about getting picked or not getting picked if I just qualify. So that’s the goal.” Thomas added.

The two-time PGA Championship winner will have a tough set of players to dethrone if he is to make the appointment at Bethpage without relying on Team USA captain Keegan Bradley to pick him.

Team USA Ryder Cup rankings

Currently, the six automatic selections are Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Bryson DeChambeau, Russell Henley, and Maverick McNealy. DeChambeau’s rankings got a huge boost after his performance at the Masters, while Henley is coming off a brilliant victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Thomas, who is currently ranked ninth, will need to push for one or two titles to leapfrog these names and into the top 6.

Then comes the tough choices Keegan Bradley has to make. Valero Texas Open winner Brian Harman is seventh and one spot outside of the automatic qualifying position, while JJ Spaun, who finished runner-up at the PLAYERS, is ranked 8th. The likes of Patrick Cantlay, Tom Hoge, Harris English, Billy Horschel, Akshay Bhatia, Patrick Reed, and Wyndham Clark are all part of the top 20, a delectable list from which Keegan Bradley has to make his pick. That means tough opt-ins and even tougher omissions.

Who do you think should go to the Ryder Cup this year? Do you believe Justin Thomas deserves a chance due to his form?