Lee Trevino Defends Justin Thomas’s Ryder Cup Spot: ‘I Don’t Think It Had Anything to Do With Personality’

Zach Johnson made his confidence in Justin Thomas clear when he selected him as one of his six Ryder Cup captain’s picks, despite the fact that Thomas had just completed one of his worst PGA Tour seasons to date. But now, another highly influential voice on the U.S. side is showing his public support for Thomas’s spot in Rome: six-time major champion and Ryder Cup legend, Lee Trevino. 

Trevino, 83, joined Michael Breed’s SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio show, A New Breed of Golf, on Friday, and the pair discussed all things Ryder Cup. 

When Breed brought up Johnson’s apparent dependence on the ‘Old Boys Network’ for his captain’s picks, however, Trevino had a few thoughts. 

According to Trevino, Thomas’s close ties to the U.S. squad had little to no influence on Johnson’s decision. Instead, it was Thomas’s Ryder Cup experience that may have led the way. 

“That’s Jordan Spieth’s partner. And if you look at the record, it’s pretty damn good,” Trevino said.

“Most of the time, your No. 12 guy is weak. You know, I know that Justin hasn’t been playing very well but he’s not a weak player. He’s won two PGA’s, he’s won 13 tournaments, and he’s got experience. If you look at his record, it’s a winning record. I think this had a lot to do with it. I don’t think it had anything to do with personality,” he continued. 

Considering Trevino’s wisdom and his own experience (he has a stunning 17-7-6 Ryder Cup record), the opinion is fascinating. But it’s hard to ignore that what Johnson said about Thomas during the announcement on Tuesday almost contradicts what Trevino argued to Breed. 

Speaking on the Thomas pick, Johnson explained: “[Justin Thomas] has without question been the heart and soul of Team USA, Ryder Cups, our emotional leader I would say, and I don’t think he would argue with that. He just leads by example. Overall, a fantastic Ryder Cup record. 

“His passion for the Ryder Cup is very evident. He would say it himself. In my mind, he was born for this, and there is—you just don’t leave JT at home,” Johnson said. 

In referencing passion and emotion, it doesn’t appear that the U.S. captain ignored Thomas’s personality when making the choice. But it also doesn’t seem like it was the only factor in his decision. 

Whether or not Johnson and Trevino align on the logic behind selecting Thomas, they clearly agree on one thing: The two-time PGA champion deserves to be on the squad in Rome.