Presidents Cup skipper Jim Furyk: "You guys are going to pick on me anyway, right?"

Team USA Presidents Cup captain Jim Furyk has defended not picking Justin Thomas for the forthcoming contest in Canada. 

Thomas was a controversial choice for Zach Johnson's Ryder Cup team eight months ago but to many it seemed bizarre he was omitted by Furyk. 

The 31-year-old hasn't been incredible this year but his turnaround in form is evident since his mediocre performance in Rome. 

Since the RBC Heritage, Thomas has posted four top-10s, hasn't missed a cut and even made it to the Tour Championship, finishing seventh. 

Thomas boasts an overall Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup record of 17-7-4 and is widely considered to be one of, if not the best, current American match-play golfers. 

Furyk attempted to defend his decision not to include Thomas in a call with reporters on Wednesday. 

But the 54-year-old was somewhat evasive in his reasoning. 

He was asked if there was anything about his team selection that was influenced by the 'negative optics from last time'. 

The question was a reference to the inclusion of Thomas in Italy which drew allegations that the American Ryder Cup team is just a 'boys' club'. 

Furyk said: "Was I worried about what would be said? Absolutely not, because it didn't matter who I picked, you guys are going to pick on me anyway, right?

"No matter who I pick, there's going to be a push-back that I left someone off the team that should have been on there. 

"From an optics perspective, the only thing I really care about is getting these 12 guys together, getting them to gel, getting them to bond moving forward towards Montreal, and being prepared and ready to go.

"No, I think when I look back to my past experiences with this and going back to '18, no, I didn't make picks off of popularity, I didn't make picks off of how it would be perceived in the media because ultimately it matters what the 12 guys inside feel, and definitely JT would be a great addition to this team, there's no doubt about it. 

"He's got a great record. He's an emotional guy, a feisty guy, a leader. He definitely would have been a good pick.

"But it has nothing to do with optics. That's definitely not part of my thought process."

For his part Thomas has confirmed that he was obviously disappointed not to be picked. 

But he is looking forward to some time away from the game and preparing to become a father for the first time. 

Thomas and his wife Jillian will become parents at the end of November, he said. 

Furyk played it safe with his captain's picks, electing to choose players 7-12 in the standings. 

The 2024 Presidents Cup will be played over 24-29 September at Royal Montreal Golf Club in Quebec.

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