The now-funny story of Justin Thomas not picking Scottie Scheffler for “his” team – “That was a good call, me”

Justin Thomas recently shared a funny story about Scottie Scheffler’s early days in professional golf. The story happened in ocassion of the 2021 Ryder Cup, held at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, one of the most anticipated events in the golf calendar, particularly as it marked a return to competition after the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The selection process for the U.S. team was intense, with several players vying for the coveted captain’s picks. Among them were two of the then brightest young talents in the game: Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns.

As the U.S. team members deliberated on who should make the final cut, it became evident that the decision would not be an easy one. Both Scheffler and Burns had shown immense potential, and the team was evenly split on who to choose.

Justin Thomas, one of the key voices in the room, had his own views on the matter. At the time, Scottie Scheffler had not yet secured a PGA Tour victory, while Sam Burns had already made a name for himself with his exceptional putting skills and consistency on the greens. This led Thomas to lean towards Burns, believing that his proven track record gave him the edge.

However, as fate would have it, the captain’s pick eventually went to Scottie Scheffler, a decision that Justin Thomas would come to revisit in light-hearted conversations with team captain Steve Stricker. Reflecting on the moment, Thomas now jokes about how his judgment may have been a bit off, given Scheffler’s subsequent rise to the top of the golfing world.

This is how Justin Thomas recalled the hilarious situation on the No Laying Up podcast:

“I guess it would have been 2021, when the Ryder Cup, you know, when you had the whole Covid year and we’re all sitting in Atlanta, like going through the ‘who do we want the captain’s picks to be’, what we’re thinking, and it was kind of… it basically got down to the point of like between Scottie [Scheffler] and Sam [Burns].”

“Everybody, every single person, was like ‘we can’t go wrong with either one of these guys’… But at the end Strick [captain Steve Stricker] obviously wants an answer, like, who between them and I was like, ‘Scottie hadn’t won yet’, I was like ‘Sam’s won and he is like maybe one of the best putting strokes and setups of a putter I’ve ever seen’ and I was like ‘if I had to choose, I’d probably choose him.'”

“Every once in a while, after Scottie wins, I’m like [to Steve Stricker] ‘hey remember when I told you that Sam was probably better… that was good call, me'”.

The Turning Point in Scottie Scheffler’s Career

Justin Thomas’s story about Scottie Scheffler offers a fascinating glimpse into the uncertainties that even seasoned professionals face when making crucial decisions. In 2021, Scheffler was still relatively new to the PGA Tour, having only turned professional a few years earlier.

Despite a strong amateur career and solid performances on the Korn Ferry Tour, he had yet to secure a breakthrough win on the PGA Tour. This made him a somewhat risky choice for the Ryder Cup, especially when compared to Sam Burns, who had already proven his mettle with a PGA Tour victory.

Yet, the Ryder Cup would prove to be a turning point in Scottie Scheffler’s career. His selection was met with some skepticism, but he quickly silenced his doubters with a series of stellar performances during the tournament. Playing alongside the best in the world, Scheffler demonstrated not only his skill but also his composure under pressure, earning the respect of his teammates and competitors alike.

Justin Thomas’s initial hesitation regarding Scottie Scheffler is a testament to how unpredictable the world of professional golf can be. While Burns was undoubtedly a strong candidate, Scheffler’s selection ultimately paid off, setting the stage for his future success on the PGA Tour.

Since the 2021 Ryder Cup, Scottie Scheffler has emerged as one of the most dominant players in golf. His ascent to the top of the world rankings is a story of hard work, determination, and an unwavering belief in his abilities.

In 2022, Scheffler captured his first PGA Tour win at the WM Phoenix Open, a victory that would be the first of many that season. His success continued with victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, and most notably, the Masters Tournament, where he donned the coveted Green Jacket.

Today, Scottie Scheffler stands as a testament to the importance of perseverance and self-belief in sports. His journey from a relatively unproven player to the top of the world rankings underscores the unpredictable nature of golf, where talent, opportunity, and timing often intersect in unexpected ways.

Scheffler’s ability to seize his moment and continue improving has made him a formidable force on the tour and a key player for the U.S. team in future Ryder Cups.

In hindsight, Justin Thomas’s story about the 2021 Ryder Cup selection process serves as a reminder that even the most informed opinions can sometimes miss the mark. However, it also highlights the camaraderie and respect among top players, who can look back and laugh at how things have unfolded. As for Scottie Scheffler, his journey is far from over, and the world will be watching to see what heights he will reach next.