“He’s not a weak player,” PGA Tour legend Lee Trevino DEFENDS selection of Justin Thomas for Ryder Cup

PGA Tour veteran Lee Trevino has come out in support of Justin Thomas and defended his selection for the Ryder Cup squad.

“He’s not a weak player,” PGA Tour legend Lee Trevino DEFENDS selection of Justin Thomas for Ryder Cup

Lee Trevino and Justin Thomas (Pic Credit: Imago)

This past Tuesday, US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson announced his six picks for the Ryder Cup squad. The announcement has since seen mixed reactions from fans and experts online, mostly regarding the pick of Justin Thomas. PGA Tour legend and ex-Ryder Cup captain Lee Trevino has now come to his support and defended his selection.

Thomas has endured a difficult year on the greens. The former world number one failed to make cuts at several events and missed out on FedEx Cup qualification. His selection saw a huge outrage on Twitter (now X) as fans called him out. Recently, team vice captain Fred Couples also defended the team’s picks.

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“Most of the time, your No. 12 is weak. You know, I know that Justin hasn’t been playing very well but he’s not a weak player. He’s won two PGA’s, he’s won 13 tournaments, and he’s got experience,” the golf great said. The legendary figure pointed out that the previous experience Thomas has on the course will make him a great asset for the event.

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“If you look at his record, it’s a winning record. I think this had a lot to do with it. I don’t think it had anything to do with personality,” he further added while speaking on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. This also comes at a time when Tiger Woods’ former coach, Hank Haney, called out the selection as a “boys club.”

Related: “The team has spoken,” Fred Couples DEFENDS controversial Ryder Cup picks following heavy social media backlash

Justin Thomas’ record at the Ryder Cup

Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas (Pic Credit: Golf Magazine)

While the selection of Justin Thomas for this year’s Ryder Cup is debatable given his form at the moment, there is no denying that he has experience. The two-time major champion has enjoyed success in the biennial tournaments previously. He was a key figure for Team USA in the previous two editions.

During his previous two appearances in 2018 and 2021, he was partnered with Jordan Spieth. In the 2018 edition, he would defeat a formidable foe in the form of Rory McIlroy in the singles match. He would finish the tournament while contributing four points, the most by any player on his team. He eventually bowed out with a 4-1-0 record as Europe defeated the USA.

The previous edition, which took place in America, saw Thomas once again team up with Spieth. The two had another incredible outing at the greens together as they chased down glory. Thomas managed to contribute with a 2-1-1 record and collect 2.5 points. He did defeat Viktor Hovland which set the USA on course for victory.

JT and his team will now head to Rome, hoping to retain the crown. With the likes of three major winners this year, Brooks Koepka, Brian Harman, and Wyndham Clark, along with the current world number one, Scottie Scheffler in their squad, Team USA will undoubtedly enter the tournament as favorites. If Thomas can find his form back, it would be the cherry on top for them.

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