Max Homa rekindled his hopes of making the United States Ryder Cup team after an unexpected top-five finish last weekend at the John Deere Classic. Despite struggling this season and missing the top 50 since May, the 34-year-old golfer surprised many by leading the field at TPC Deere Run during Sunday’s round before concluding tied for fifth alongside Matt Kuchar and three others.
Chances for Ryder Cup Spot Still Within Reach but Challenging
Homa’s recent surge has reignited debate around his possibility of joining the US Ryder Cup squad set to compete in September. Currently positioned 38th in the team standings, his path to qualification remains difficult. Former PGA Tour player Smylie Kaufman believes Homa’s outlook isn’t bleak, comparing his situation to Justin Thomas’ remarkable rise two years ago and emphasizing the need for a strong finish to the current season.
Kaufman emphasized the importance of a win late in the season, stating,
“He’s got to win down the stretch, and he doesn’t need to finish outside the top five. That would get him in the bubble. Maybe he’s a partner for somebody. He’s got to have luck go his way as far as who he would be partnered with.”
—Smylie Kaufman, Former PGA Tour Player
Improved Iron Play Could Be Key to Homa’s Revival
Alongside the encouraging finish, Kaufman observed a significant improvement in Homa’s iron play, an area that once made him a top 10 golfer globally. He noted how Homa’s swing mechanics appeared more confident during the John Deere Classic rounds, highlighting the potential for a return to his best form.
“I think his iron swing looked really good this week. It just looked like his arms and the golf club were more out in front of him.”
—Smylie Kaufman, Former PGA Tour Player
Homa Aims to Emulate Justin Thomas’ Inspirational Ryder Cup Journey
With the Ryder Cup selection battle intensifying, Max Homa is focused on maintaining momentum and securing his spot by following the example set by Justin Thomas. His recent performance has sparked optimism that, like Thomas, he can mount a late-season surge to claim a place among the elite golfers representing the United States in the prestigious tournament this September.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Justin Thomas’s wife have a baby?
A. Thomas and Wisniewski got married in November 2022. Their daughter, Molly Grace, was born on November 18, 2024. They announced her birth on Instagram, saying, “Our little girl is here! Molly Grace Thomas arrived on 11/18/24, and we couldn’t be happier.”