Keegan Bradley described Justin Thomas as ‘the heartbeat’ of the US Ryder Cup team after naming as his first captain’s pick for Bethpage Black.
Bradley decided not to pick himself for the US Ryder Cup team, in what was somewhat of a shock decision.
Thomas was one of the names selected, alongside Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns.
Bradley was always expected to name Thomas as one of his picks for the US Ryder Cup team. The 32-year-old has one victory to his name this year and despite his inconsistent form, he’s still one of the best players in the world when he’s on his ‘A’ game.
Thomas said he was gutted for Bradley after the 39-year-old from Vermont chose not to select himself for the upcoming clash with Europe at Bethpage Black.
However, it was probably the correct decision from Bradley. Giving his all to being both a captain and a player may well have been an impossible task.
Justin Thomas was texting Keegan Bradley prior to the Ryder Cup team announcement
Bradley addressed the media after naming his six captain’s picks on Wednesday.
The topic of conversation quickly turned to Thomas and the 16-time PGA Tour winner’s importance to the US Ryder Cup team.
Bradley told the media just how invested the man known as ‘JT’ is in the US team.
He explained: “Thomas has been on almost every team for the last 10 or so years and he is a guy who everyone looks up to.
“He has a great team record, he plays with a lot of passion which is something you need at Ryder Cups, especially at home.
“He is a guy who a lot of the rookies have reached out to for advice. Justin is always texting me saying what do you need from me? Who do you need me to call? Who do you need me to text? What can I do to help X player do their best and be on the Ryder Cup team?
“He is a guy that is a huge asset to have on the team, especially when he is playing at this high a level.“
Thomas will quite obviously be a key man on the US team, perhaps more off the golf course than on it.
Justin Thomas said if he would have picked Keegan Bradley for the Ryder Cup team
Thomas is very close with Bradley and he has been in constant contact with the Ryder Cup captain over the past few months.
Just last week, Thomas was asked if he were the Ryder Cup captain, would he pick Bradley to be on his team.
He responded, “Yeah, I would.”
Many people shared that viewpoint and there are some questions being asked of Bradley as to whether he now has a weaker team at his disposal without him being part of it.
Only time will tell in that regard.
If the United States are successful at Bethpage Black, nobody will be suggesting that Bradley should have picked himself for the Ryder Cup team.
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