“You don’t leave JT at home,” Captain Zach Johnson gives SHOCKING reason for picking Justin Thomas in Ryder Cup squad despite recent struggles

Team USA Captain Zach Johnson has provided an explanation on why he picked the struggling for form Justin Thomas for the Ryder Cup team.

“You don’t leave JT at home,” Captain Zach Johnson gives SHOCKING reason for picking Justin Thomas in Ryder Cup squad despite recent struggles

Justin Thomas and Zach Johnson (Image via Imago)

On Tuesday, Zach Johnson brought an end to a much-discussed topic as he announced his final six picks for the Ryder Cup. The excitement around the biennial tournament is already underway. However, one name that is now being debated heavily by fans is Justin Thomas. He was one of the six players announced by Johnson to complete the roster.

Thomas, a former world number one, has had a tough year. He failed to make cuts at several tournaments and also missed out on the FedEx Cup playoffs. His form has been a concern for many. Johnson though backed him after his disappointing performance at the Open and has once again trusted him.

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Johnson is reported to be close friends with Thomas. This though is not the reason according to the team captain for his pick. He would point out the experience JT carries along in the Ryder Cup and how he has done in team tournament.

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He would call Thomas as their “emotional leader” who has been the heart and soul of the US Team. “In my mind, he was born for this and you just don’t leave JT at home,” Johnson said in his defense of picking the two-time major winner.

Related: Max Homa DOMINATES 2023 Tour Championship, sets sights on upcoming Ryder Cup glory at Rome

Is it the right move to pick Justin Thomas?

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Justin Thomas (Pic Credit: Golf Magazine)

The Ryder Cup is an iconic event that takes place every two years. The integrity and the prestigious it carries make it one of the most important events in the golfing calendar. This year the event will be hosted from Rome, Italy as Team USA looks to defend their crown. Justin Thomas would be hoping to put his worries aside and help his team like he did in the previous edition.

Since the team was announced, the name Thomas started trending on social media. Fans and experts would discuss whether it was the right move by captain Zach Johnson. While the struggles of JT are not hidden this year, the experience he has for this event makes him a valuable asset. This alone gives him a slight edge over the others who were not picked up for the tournament.

Recently he admitted that he wants the make the team badly. He would even add that he prefers to be at the Ryder Cup rather than the FedEx Cup playoffs. He now has less than a month’s time to get back in shape and form. Thomas now has the chance to prove his doubters wrong and help his side retain the crown with a strong performance in Europe.

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