13 September 2023 , 18:44
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Rory McIlroy has admitted he is more than aware of the threat poised by Justin Thomas following the American star's call-up to Zach Johnson 's Ryder Cup team.
Thomas has become an important part of Team USA in recent years, starring at both the 2021 Ryder Cup and last year's Presidents Cup whilst representing his nation. His place in the team this year though has been questioned by many, after struggling for form in 2023.
In his last eight outings on the PGA Tour, Thomas missed the cut on five occasions, which led to him missing out on the season-ending FedEx Cup playoffs last month.
The two-time major champion's failure to make the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season on Tour did his Ryder Cup chances no favours, having already struggled throughout the majority of the year.
Despite this, captain Johnson appeared to go for experience over form, after naming Thomas as one of his six Ryder Cup picks.
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The selection was one that was questioned by many in American golf, with Johnson's U.S. Ryder Cup team branded a 'boys club' by Tiger Woods' former coach Hank Haney, having opted for Thomas due to his popularity within the team rather than his recent performances.
Johnson himself jumped to the defence of both Thomas and his decision to select him, claiming the two-time major winner was 'born' to play in the Ryder Cup. And the pick is also one that is respected by their rivals, with Europe's talisman McIlroy also singing the praises of the out-of-sorts Thomas.
Rory McIlroy rose to the defence of Justin ThomasSpeaking on the , McIlroy said: "I felt the conversation around [Thomas being selected as a captain’s pick] was completely unjustified. In my opinion, being a European and knowing that I have to face some of these guys, honestly there are other guys on that team that I’d rather face than JT.
"So, to me it was a no-brainer. Even though he’s not had the best year and he’s struggled to perform, JT’s still one of the first guys that you put down on that tee sheet for the U.S.” Thomas appears keen to find some sort of form heading to Rome later this month, after entering this week's Fortinet Championship.
The majority of his Ryder Cup teammates have opted to sit out at the Silverado Resort this week, with Scottie Scheffler and co taking time off from competing before their trip to Rome later this month. Thomas is not completely alone though, with rookie Max Homa also competing at the Fortinet, having won the last two editions of the event.