07 September 2023 , 18:07
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World no. 26 Justin Thomas has switched coaches ahead of the Ryder Cup, in an attempt to improve his form ahead of this year's edition in Italy.
Thomas was a surprise inclusion to the USA roster, which led to some backlash as fans felt that he had made the cut due to his name rather than his current form. Thomas has struggled in PGA Tour tournaments in 2023, but is hoping that the Ryder Cup - to be held in Rome at the end of September - can be the turning point.
Across Thomas' past two Ryder Cups he has won six, lost two and halved one of the matches he has played. In a team with four rookies, his experience may prove crucial despite his struggles. But to prepare for the 2023 edition he's parted ways with putting coach John Graham, someone he's worked with since 2020.
Thomas' all round game hasn't been up to standard, but it's been on the greens where he's really let himself down. Missed putts could be the difference between Team USA winning or losing to Team Europe, and he's not taking any chances.
In 2023, Thomas is ranked 144th in strokes gained while putting across and is ranked all the way down at 180th in three putt avoidance, meaning he's ahead of just one player. Thomas has already been changing his putting equipment, and now he's changed coaches too.
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There were reports that Thomas had also distanced himself from his father Mike, who has acted as his long-time swing coach. But Thomas' father came out to deny the rumours, laughing them off instantly.
"You’re kidding. That’s just stupid," Mike Thomas said. "That’s what some people in the media do. It’s ridiculous. I just left Justin. We worked all morning.
Thomas has kept his dad close but parted ways with John Graham (Getty Images)"But, listen, if he did fire me, and it was for the better, then what’s the problem? I guess they have to have something to talk about." Thomas won the PGA Championship as recently as 2022, but he could only manage a tied-65th finish this year.
Thomas was cut from the other three majors, with the former world No. 1 losing his way. But Thomas will join Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa, Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, Sam Burns and Rickie Fowler on Team USA.
Team Europe will feature Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Fitzpatrick, Robert MacIntyre, Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Sepp Straka, Nicolai Hojgaard, Ludvig Aberg. The tournament begins on September 29, meaning Thomas has three weeks to prepare.
Team USA are favourites to win the Ryder Cup, although it's a close call this year. USA are priced via Betway at 10/11 to lift the trophy, with Europe currently 13/10, and a draw 12/1.