When one has to play a Ryder Cup as a visitor, it’s normal and even understandable that if asked about the rival fans, they try to be politically correct, at least. After all, they’ll have to endure them throughout the competition. But highlighting the other team’s supporters when you’re playing the tournament at home only proves that your words are sincere. This is the case with Justin Thomas when this afternoon, in his official press conference at Bethpage Black, he was asked about the difference between the American and European fans.
“The difference… the chants. I don’t know how the Europeans do it. It’s really impressive, to be honest. I don’t know if they have a 10,000-person group chat where they come up with these things, but they’re great. Obviously, the history of golf is more ingrained… it’s just different. The ultimate goal is the same, right? It’s clear that the Americans are very excited to cheer us on just as the Europeans are excited to cheer for Europe. But I’ll give you an example: our daughter’s name is Molly, and the number of times I’ve had that Tommy Fleetwood chant in my head and both Jill (his wife) and I have caught ourselves singing ‘Molly‘ following the ‘Tommy‘ song… There are many, and I have a lot of respect for European fans just as I do for American ones. It’s what makes weeks like this incredibly special,” explained JT.
“Our daughter’s name is Molly, and the number of times I’ve had that Tommy Fleetwood chant in my head…”
The man from Louisville also tried to explain how, when you have so much responsibility and tension, you manage to play golf well: “I think, simply, going through it as often as you can. It’s similar to trying to win a tournament. The more often you’re there, the more you can learn from mistakes or failures: what you did wrong, what you feel you can do right next time. It’s the same: when you’re trying to win tournaments, you’re very nervous, maybe sometimes more than others. But I think it’s about being put in that situation and figuring out how you feel and trying to deal with it as best as you can. I remember that, as a kid, being nervous wasn’t cool. It was like showing a sign of weakness. At least that’s what I thought. But being nervous is great. I think if any of us were here on the 1st tee or with the chance to have a putt to win a Ryder Cup or a match and weren’t nervous, it would be extremely concerning for our profession.”
Justin insists he doesn’t see himself as one of the leaders of the American team, despite having played in several editions of the Ryder on the field: “I struggle to see myself that way. I don’t know if I’m ready to call myself a veteran because I associate it with an older player, and I’m not ready for that yet. It’s coming at me. It’s reality. But I’m going to be what I feel I need to be for this team, for certain players, for the captains. Yes, I know I’m one of the team leaders, but I don’t think there’s necessarily one person on the team that you say: ‘When in doubt, you look to that person to see what we do or what’s happening.’ And I think that’s what has made this group, this generation, or whatever you want to call it, a bit different and special.”
“In New York, they expect us to play well and want us to play well, and if we don’t, they’re going to be angry and disappointed with us, and rightly so”
For the PGA Championship winner, the fact that this edition of the Ryder is being held in New York adds an extra level of expectation: “Something that will be unique about New York compared to other home Ryder Cup events is that they expect us to play well and want us to play well, and if we don’t, they’re going to be angry and disappointed with us, and rightly so. I think New York is known for liking victories. They want to win. It’s no different in the Ryder Cup. That’s what we’re going to try to do for them and give them more reasons to cheer. But I’ve said it all year and always: I’m glad to have them on my side, no doubt.”
JT was surprised when he was told that the European team had used virtual reality to get used to the chants or insults they might receive from the American fans on the field: “I hadn’t heard that. It’s pretty crazy. I’d be curious to see what that’s like. There’s so much noise that it’s hard… You can’t hear it all. You definitely hear some things. It’s tough. But in a Ryder Cup, you more or less know what you’re going to encounter. At the same time, if we want to be seen more as athletes and whatever, it’s a one-off thing. I think all the players are in the same boat: as soon as it becomes more personal, with families, loved ones… Look, if we’re not playing well and you tease us for it, we probably deserve it. But if you start getting into loved ones, I think that’s when everyone starts to get a bit more tense. Obviously, in any sport, it’s not right to get into personal matters or be disrespectful, but at the same time, it’s the Ryder Cup, and the home factor exists for a reason. There have been all sorts of things, good and bad on both sides, and you hope to give them reasons to cheer the good.”
“Keegan has always been quite quiet, the captaincy has brought out another side of him, we joke saying ‘hey, now you have to talk to us'”
Additionally, Thomas revealed a curious aspect of his captain’s personality, a very reserved player during his years on the circuit who now has no choice but to ‘open up’: “Keegan would be the first to say he’s always been quite quiet, keeping to himself, and I think this captaincy has been the best thing that’s happened to him. It’s brought out another side of him. We joke saying: ‘You have to talk to all of us; you can’t hide from us anymore. You have to hang out with us and such.’ I’ve known Keegan since I moved to Jupiter, about 10 years ago now, which is crazy. We’ve practised at the same places, so even though we’ve known each other forever, we’ve been much closer in the last, probably, four, five, six years, because I think we both respect each other’s game and also the work ethic. He’s practising a lot, and I respect the level of golf he’s continued to show. And playing the best golf of his career at this age is incredible. I don’t necessarily see him more as one of ours, but I also think that’s the unique part of golf.”
Finally, Justin explained how, in his opinion, a captain can make a difference in a Ryder Cup: “I think so. I think it’s extremely important. I remember thinking that Luke did an incredible job in Rome with that, having a variety of age groups, different demographics. I think having José María there for Rahm and Sergio, obviously very close to them. And I think with Nicolai, Rasmus was there, his brother. I mean, the Europeans have done a great job taking advantage of that, because if it’s something that makes a couple of rookies more comfortable… Making this week easy and comfortable for everyone, I think that’s the main goal, and I think Keegan has done an incredible job with that.”
