Thomas turns attention to Bethpage date with Europe

Scottie Scheffler helps Justin Thomas look for his ball on the 13th hole during the first round at the Masters. Pic: David J. Phillip/AP

For players packing up and leaving Augusta National, thoughts for most turn to a signature event this week at Harbour Town or the next major chance in May at Quail Hollow.

For some, it’s already time to start looking ahead to the Ryder Cup in September.

American Justin Thomas left the Masters with a desultory finish outside the top 30, but he was already talking about Bethpage Black and the U.S. chance to win back the Ryder Cup on home soil.

The winner of the last PGA Championship played at Quail Hollow in 2018, Thomas had to rely on a controversial captain’s pick to join the team in Rome in 2023. That gamble by U.S. captain Zach Johnson didn’t pay off as Europe trounced the Americans to win back the Cup.

Thomas doesn’t want to put the same kind of pressure on U.S. captain Keegan Bradley’s shoulders.

“I’ve not really enjoyed the last two team events having to rely on a pick,” he said. “It’s a tough spot to be in, but it’s also self-inflicted. If I don’t want to be there, just play better and qualify automatically. It’s a huge goal of mine, but I feel like if I keep doing what I’m doing and get in contention to win some tournaments and start winning some tournaments and majors, then it’ll all take care of itself.” 

Thomas has never played any of the majors hosted by Bethpage Black, but he’s played a FedEx Cup playoff event there and knows “it’s a brutal golf course” and the atmosphere will be even more brutal than the venue.

“The northeast has some very, very passionate sports fans,” Thomas said. “The Ryder Cup always brings it out no matter where it is in the world. I'’ obviously very, very hopeful or really want to make that team and get to experience those fans in hopefully a home course advantage of my own.” 

Thomas was picked last time because he was a veteran who has played in the crucible of international team events, and both captains, Bradley and Europe’s Luke Donald, believe experience might mean more than ever at Bethpage.

“I think experience is important in any home or away,” Thomas said. “It’s definitely important away. I think it’s just totally different. Even if you’ve had a chance to win tournaments and even major championships, at least to me it’s a totally different feel at a Ryder Cup.

“The nerves I’ve felt at that event are unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my career, but it’s good and fun nerves. But there’s two great captains on both sides, and that’s why they are who they are. They’ll be able to make those decisions themselves.” Considered one of the heart-and-soul American players, Thomas is willing to play any role just to be there.

“Whatever, as long as we bring the Cup home, that’s all that matters,” he said.