Getty
Keegan Bradley of the United States and Justin Thomas of the United States walk the second fairwayduring the third round of the TOUR Championship 2025 at East Lake Golf Club on August 23.
When Keegan Bradley finalized his six captain’s picks for the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, one remark stood out above the rest. In speaking about Justin Thomas, Bradley didn’t just offer praise; he delivered a statement about identity: “He [Justin Thomas] is the heartbeat of our team. This guy was born to play Ryder Cups, and specifically at Bethpage Black.’’
The declaration was significant. In a roster stacked with talent, Bradley singled out Thomas as the emotional core of the squad. It wasn’t about world ranking, recent form, or stats. Instead, it was about intangibles–leadership, fire, and an ability to rise in match play. Bradley’s comment signals his trust in Thomas not only as a competitor but as a rallying force who can connect teammates and fans alike.
“It’s been a really, really cool process to be part of as a player,” Thomas said. “Everybody does it so differently and every captain is great in different ways, but the communication and how transparent Keegan has been isn’t something that we’ve experienced before.”
Early Career and Rise to Stardom
Thomas was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1993, and golf was in his blood. His father, Mike Thomas, is a teaching professional, and his grandfather was also a PGA professional. That foundation gave him an early start, and Thomas quickly made waves as a junior player.
He attended the University of Alabama, where he played a key role on one of college golf’s most dominant teams. Thomas was named national freshman of the year in 2012 and helped the Crimson Tide capture a national championship. By the time he left school early to turn professional, it was clear he was destined for the PGA Tour.
Thomas made his debut in 2013, but didn’t earn his PGA Tour card until 2015. His true breakthrough, though, came a couple of years later. In 2017, he exploded onto the global golf stage, winning five times, including his first major at the PGA Championship. That year, he also captured the FedEx Cup and was named PGA Tour Player of the Year.
Known for his aggressive play and ability to get hot in stretches, Thomas has since added a second major (the 2022 PGA Championship) along with multiple Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup appearances. His fiery celebrations and vocal presence make him stand out in a sport where many prefer to let their clubs do the talking.
Ryder Cup Experience
Thomas has already been part of several Ryder Cup teams, and his record demonstrates both consistency and passion. He made his debut in 2018 in Paris, where, despite a difficult week for Team USA, Thomas impressed by winning four of his five matches.
He followed that up with strong showings in subsequent Ryder Cups, often paired with close friend Jordan Spieth. The duo has become one of the most reliable partnerships for the U.S., combining Thomas’s energy with Spieth’s creativity. His ability to feed off the crowd and handle pressure moments has made him one of the most trusted players in team competition.
And perhaps no moment captured his connection with fans more than in 2021 at Whistling Straits, when Thomas famously shotgunned a beer on the first tee, igniting roars from the crowd and underscoring his role as the emotional spark of the team.
Bethpage Black is known for its rowdy crowds and demanding layout. For Bradley, selecting Thomas and making him was about more than statistics; it was about putting someone in the lineup who thrives in chaos. Thomas embraces high-stakes moments and seems to elevate his play when adrenaline is flowing.
“It obviously means a lot,” Thomas said in an interview on Golf Channel. “[It’s a] huge goal for myself and all of us at the beginning of the year. So it’s nice to be on this side of it.”
As the Ryder Cup returns to U.S. soil, having Thomas as both an emotional leader and a proven match-play competitor may be the key to Team USA’s success.
Alyssa Polczynski Alyssa Polczynski is a multimedia journalist covering Major League Baseball for Heavy.com. She has experience as an editorial producer for MLB.com and contributed to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). More about Alyssa Polczynski
More Heavy on Golf
Loading more stories
