Justin Thomas was the highest-profile omission after Jim Furyk’s 12-man USA team for the Presidents Cup was confirmed.
The 54-year-old added six more players to those who had automatically qualified ahead of the event at Royal Montreal Golf Club.
Thomas wanted to make the team but was overlooked as Furyk selected Keegan Bradley, Russell Henley, Max Homa, Tony Finau, Brian Harman and Sam Burns.
Jim Furyk backs Justin Thomas for further USA team success
Speaking to the Golf Channel, Furyk has now explained he expects Thomas to be a captain one day despite leaving the two-time major winner out of his Presidents Cup plans.
“He’s a great team room guy,” Furyk explained. “He’s going to play on a ton of these teams in the future as well & one day be a captain & a great one.
“Tough omission, but I had to take the 12 guys I saw fit.”
Justin Thomas would’ve been a controversial pick for Jim Furyk
Furyk has played his captain’s picks very carefully. The players selected were the six directly after the automatic picks.
Bradley’s win at the BMW Championship has earned him a spot, and Homa will feel fortunate to have been selected after a disappointing end to the season.
As for Thomas, the two-time major winner earning a pick would’ve been controversial. The 31-year-old has endured a sub-par season and is by no means playing his best golf.
Furyk’s decision means Thomas will now have to focus his efforts on making the 2025 Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black.
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