Justin Thomas disclosed his strategy for the upcoming Ryder Cup as he prepares to compete in the FedEx St. Jude Championship this week. The FedEx St. Jude Championship marks the first event in the FedEx playoff series, which also includes the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship.
Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference on Thursday, Thomas outlined his focus on securing a top-six spot for Ryder Cup qualification rather than relying on a captain’s pick, emphasizing his desire for certainty and less pressure.
“I’m thinking about it, but in terms of form and playing well for it, first and foremost, I really, really want to earn — I want to be in that top six. Just for me personally, it just would mean a lot to me to get that done because having been picked or having to rely on a pick a couple times, I definitely like the level of low stress and just the sense of calm knowing that you’re qualified versus waiting for that phone to ring.” —Justin Thomas, Professional Golfer
He also expressed how quickly the season seems to progress, highlighting the significance of performing well during the playoffs and the excitement surrounding these prestigious events.
“It seems like it gets here quicker and quicker every single year. It’s wild that we’re already in the Playoffs and here in Memphis. Yeah, it’s great. It’s the time of year that everybody wants to be obviously peaking and playing their best. I think it’s very exciting. It’s such an accomplishment, and in my opinion becoming as challenging as ever to qualify for the Playoffs and then BMW and TOUR Championship.” —Justin Thomas, Professional Golfer
At this year’s FedEx St. Jude Championship, Thomas finished tied for 30th place with a score of 5-under par. He did not participate in this tournament last year but had a solid performance in 2022 when he tied for 13th place at 9-under par.
Progress and Highlights of Justin Thomas’ 2025 Season
Justin Thomas has displayed remarkable form throughout the 2025 season, capturing the RBC Heritage title with a strong total score of 17-under par. His consistency has been evident with six top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, including multiple runner-up spots and steady performances in difficult fields.
Thomas’ key results for 2025 so far include:
2025 PGA Tour tournament finishes:
- The Sentry: Tied 26th
- The American Express: 2nd place (23-under)
- AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Tied 48th
- WM Phoenix Open: Tied 6th (15-under)
- The Genesis Invitational: Tied 9th (6-under)
- Arnold Palmer Invitational: Tied 36th
- THE PLAYERS Championship: Tied 33rd
- Valspar Championship: 2nd place (10-under)
- Masters Tournament: Tied 36th
- RBC Heritage: Winner (17-under)
- Truist Championship: Tied 2nd
- PGA Championship: Missed cut
- The Memorial Tournament: Tied 31st
- U.S. Open: Missed cut
- Travelers Championship: Tied 9th
- Genesis Scottish Open: Tied 22nd
- The Open Championship: Tied 34th
In comparison, Thomas’ best result last year was a tie for second at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP, where he posted 19-under par, underscoring his ability to contend in high-profile tournaments consistently.
Implications of Thomas’ Ryder Cup Objectives and Upcoming Competitions
Justin Thomas’ determination to secure automatic qualification for the Ryder Cup reflects his commitment to competing at the highest level with confidence and focus. His recent performances demonstrate strong form, which could be critical for both his playoff aspirations and his Ryder Cup ambitions.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship serves as a vital stepping stone in the FedEx Cup playoffs, testing players’ readiness ahead of the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship. For Thomas, peaking now could solidify his Ryder Cup position and boost his momentum heading into one of golf’s premier team events.
As the playoff series advances, all eyes will be on Justin Thomas to see if he can maintain his impressive run, ensuring he not only claims a spot but also arrives at the Ryder Cup prepared to compete at his best for Team USA.