Rich Beem thinks one US player has just confirmed his spot on the Ryder Cup team with his performance at the Players Championship

Add as preferred source on Google

The Ryder Cup is still over six months away and not even Scottie Scheffler has guaranteed his spot on the United States team.

Still, 2002 PGA Champion winner Rich Beem thinks one man has confirmed his place at Bethpage with his performance at the Players Championship.

The tournament remains far from over, with many players in with a chance to win, but Beem reckons someone has already done enough to convince team captain Keegan Bradley.

What makes it an even bolder statement is that they are not even in the top 20 at TPC Sawgrass. Who could it be?

• READ MORE: Smylie Kaufman shares whether he wants to see Keegan Bradley as a Ryder Cup playing-captain after his Arnold Palmer Invitational performance

Rich Beem predicts United States player to make Ryder Cup team

Will Zalatoris, Akshay Bhatia and Collin Morikawa are a few of the American players towards the top of the leaderboard at The Players.

However, Beem believes that Justin Thomas will make Bradley’s Ryder Cup team “no matter what” after his performance at Sawgrass.

Thomas’ first round – six-over-par 78 – was an absolute shocker but he bounced back with a course record-equalling 62 (-10).

His response was an incredible display of character and Beem clearly thinks that’s what’s needed in the Ryder Cup.

He told Sky Sports Golf: “Quite extraordinary how you can shoot 78 and figure out exactly… and forget all of it, actually, and come out and shoot 62 yesterday, nearly 61. What a round that was. That just shows all kinds of heart and class.

“If nothing else, guys, I truly think with that round yesterday he solidified his place on the Ryder Cup team. No matter what, I don’t care what he does for the rest of the year.”

Where is Justin Thomas in Ryder Cup qualification standings?

The United States Ryder Cup squad for Bethpage will consist of six qualifiers and six players picked by Keegan Bradley.

The six in position to qualify before the Players Championship were Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau and Maverick McNealy.

Those just outside the magic number included 11th-place Justin Thomas, who has had three top-10 finishes already this season.

Thomas will be desperate to make the climb into the top six by the end of the summer but, as Rich Beem pointed out, he is highly likely to make the team anyway.

The 31-year-old has featured in the last three Ryder Cups and developed a reputation as a great team player so it would be surprising if he wasn’t selected if it comes down to it.