Justin Thomas ended a nearly three-year winless drought with a dramatic victory at the RBC Heritage this year, capturing his 16th PGA Tour title in a playoff at Harbour Town Golf Links. With his wife, Jillian, and baby daughter, Molly Grace, beside him, Thomas expressed, “I’ve worked my butt off.” JT delivered a bogey-free final round 68 to reach 17-under, then buried a clutch 21-footer for birdie on the first playoff hole to take down Andrew Novak and earn the $3.6 million top prize. More than anything, this was the return of a major player—and in a Ryder Cup year, the timing couldn’t be better.
With Bethpage Black looming in September, this win has made a loud case for automatic qualification on Team USA. And after what he’s been through, Thomas wants no part of relying on a captain’s pick again. On the Pardon My Take podcast, Thomas opened up about what the last few years have felt like, especially regarding the Ryder Cup.
The hosts brought up what everyone’s been thinking: that awkward lead-up to the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome when JT’s name became the center of endless debates. Should he get a captain’s pick? Had he done enough? He made the team, but it was far from a sure thing. “Having to rely on a pick for Rome, and then hoping to get a pick at the Presidents Cup last year—and not—it sucks. Like, it’s the worst feeling ever,” he said.
Thomas didn’t deflect blame. “It’s kind of hard to be looking for sympathy or for people to feel bad for you… it’s my own fault,” he admitted. That honesty is why JT’s always had the respect of his peers, even during the rough patches.“If I would have played better or put myself in a position where I qualified, I wouldn’t have had to deal with it.” Still, he isn’t leaving anything to chance. He’s been a golden boy and a controversial pick, and he’s crystal clear on where he’d rather be.
“I was fortunate that I had in the past, and I like being an automatic qualifier and being part of those conversations of who the picks are a lot more,” Thomas said. “So, I definitely want to make sure that I’m not relying on a pick, because it’s not a fun place to be in. It’s just… you know, you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t. But as long as I can get in that top six, I don’t have to worry about it.”
With his form improving and confidence returning, JT has his sights set on Bethpage Black. And after everything he’s battled through since his last win in 2022, no one’s questioning whether he’s earned his shot this time. With momentum firmly on his side, Thomas is poised to keep his foot on the gas as the season unfolds. So, what’s next for the pro before the big Ryder Cup?
Where will Justin Thomas be next?
After his emotional victory at the RBC Heritage, Justin Thomas isn’t slowing down. Although he skipped the Zurich Classic of New Orleans this week, his schedule remains packed as he looks to build on his recent success. His next confirmed appearance is at the 2025 CJ Cup Byron Nelson in May, where Taylor Pendrith returns as the defending champion. With a strong start to the season, Thomas has made ten cuts in ten starts and already boasts five top-10 finishes, including two runner-up results, proving his form is on the rise.
Looking further ahead, Thomas is especially focused on the upcoming PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, a course with sentimental value. It’s the site of his first major championship win in 2017, and his stats suggest he could be in prime position for another victory there. The summer will see Thomas compete in the remaining two majors of 2025, starting with the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in June, followed by The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July.
With his game in top form, Thomas has every reason to be optimistic about his championship prospects at each event.
The post ‘It Sucks’: Justin Thomas Makes His Feelings Clear on Ryder Cup After Waiting 1064 Days for PGA Tour Win appeared first on EssentiallySports.
