Thomas to lead U.S. Ryder Cup effort, avoids 'veteran' label

Justin Thomas, 32, is stepping into a leadership role for the United States at this year’s Ryder Cup, but he’ll have none of the veteran labels attached to him. With four Ryder Cup appearances already on his resume, Thomas is the elder statesman on a Team USA roster that features a handful of rookies this fall. The event is set to unfold at Bethpage Black in New York as late September approaches, with players arriving for practice and team events in the days ahead.

Thomas said he doesn’t see himself as a veteran, even as he enters his fourth Ryder Cup and acts as a steadying presence for a group that includes several first-time participants. “I think I associate the veteran with an older player, and I’m just not quite ready for that yet,” he said on Tuesday. Still, the experience he brings is undeniable, and he has already become a shorthand source of guidance for some of the young players in the mix.

Thomas’ Ryder Cup résumé underscores his value to the U.S. squad. He was the leading points scorer for the Americans in his 2018 debut and played a pivotal role in the 2021 triumph at Whistling Straits. Across his Ryder Cup career, he carries a 7-4-2 record, including a spotless 3-0-0 mark in singles. Those numbers, combined with a willingness to mentor teammates, have made him a cornerstone for a team counting on several rookies to contribute immediately.

Russell Henley, who is part of the same team, said Thomas has been helpful in little, practical aspects of the game and has brought “an encouraging and fun attitude” to the group. Henley’s remarks reflected a broader sentiment within Team USA: Thomas is one of several leaders who will help steer the team through a demanding schedule and an unfamiliar mix of personalities.

“I’ve talked to J.T. quite a bit, and he’s like: You earned your spot on this team, don’t feel like this is a handout or a pick. You have a major that a lot of us are very jealous of, and you deserve to be on this team,” J.J. Spaun said. “Hearing that has helped me feel like I fit in more as a core player than a rookie that is just trying to make some sort of impact. So I think that’s huge for my confidence.” Spaun added that Thomas’ leadership extends beyond any single moment or match, emphasizing that the crew will rely on multiple voices when needed.

Thomas acknowledged that leadership on this squad will come from a broader group rather than from one designated figure. “I’m going to be anything that I feel like I need to be for this team, for certain players, for the captains,” he said. “Yeah, I know that I’m one of the leaders on the team, but I don’t think there’s necessarily one person on the team the last handful or couple times I’ve been on that I’m like, this is the person that when in doubt, you’re looking at them like what do we do or what’s going on kind of thing. I think that’s kind of what has made this group, this age group or whatever you want to call it, a little bit different and special.”

As the Ryder Cup approaches, the U.S. roster’s youth is paired with Thomas’ experience, creating a dynamic aimed at maximizing every player’s strengths. The event schedule features practice rounds leading up to competition, with the opening sessions drawing attention not just to the top names but to the collaborative chemistry expected to define Team USA this year. Bethpage Black has hosted major championships before, and this iteration is shaping up as a proving ground for a younger lineup leaning on a veteran couple of dozen tournaments’ worth of perspective.