With half a year to go until the Ryder Cup, Rich Beem, the champion of the 2002 PGA Championship, has boldly predicted that one US player has already secured his spot on the team, following his performance at the Players Championship. This prediction is even more audacious considering that the player in question is not currently in the top 20 at TPC Sawgrass.
The tournament is far from its conclusion, with a multitude of players standing a chance to clinch the title. However, Beem confidently asserts that one player has sufficiently demonstrated his skills and determination, impressing team captain Keegan Bradley enough to earn a spot on the Ryder Cup team.
The leaderboard at the Players Championship is dominated by American players such as Will Zalatoris, Akshay Bhatia, and Collin Morikawa. Despite this, Beem’s prognostication centers on Justin Thomas, asserting that his performance at Sawgrass has ensured his presence on Bradley’s Ryder Cup team, irrespective of future performances.
Thomas’ initial round at Sawgrass was a dismal six-over-par 78. However, he showcased his resilience and resolve by bouncing back with an impressive course record-equalling 62 (-10). Beem was particularly taken with Thomas’ show of character, and views such grit as an essential quality for the Ryder Cup. Speaking to Sky Sports Golf, Beem celebrated Thomas’ turnaround, stating, “That just shows all kinds of heart and class.”
The composition of the Ryder Cup team for Bethpage comprises six qualifiers and six players chosen by Keegan Bradley. Before the Players Championship, the potential qualifiers included Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, and Maverick McNealy. Justin Thomas, who had already secured three top-10 finishes this season, narrowly missed out on securing a spot, ranking in 11th place.
Despite his current ranking, Thomas is eager to ascend into the top six by summer’s end. However, Beem maintains that regardless of his ranking, Thomas’ inclusion in the Ryder Cup team is almost certain. At 31, Thomas has already participated in the last three Ryder Cups and has earned a reputation as a reliable team player. If the decision comes down to it, it’s unlikely that Bradley would overlook such a seasoned and dependable player.