2023 Ryder Cup picks: Justin Thomas fits best in crucial role as U.S. seeks to end drought on European soil

Thomas may not be the most popular choice, but his selection may prove worthy when it matters most in Rome

Justin Thomas is a lot of things: two-time major champion, one of the great PGA Tour winners in the modern era, multi-time Team USA participant at the Olympic Games, tremendous iron player, friend of Tiger Woods. Now, you can go ahead and add "most polarizing pick in recent Ryder Cup memory" to the list.

On Tuesday, Thomas was among Zach Johnson's captain's picks for the U.S. team along with playing partner Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, Sam Burns and Rickie Fowler. Five of those picks were justifiable when analyzing the numbers, wins and general performances from the last year. 

One of them was not.