Justin Thomas Makes Changes to His Team As Ryder Cup Preparation Intensifies

According to Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, Thomas is making some important tweaks to his coaching staff before he heads to Rome.

Justin Thomas is in grind mode. On Tuesday, the two-time PGA Champion shared a swing video from a recent range session at the Troubadour Club outside of Nashville, Tenn., where he flashed some new accessories in his practice routine: two strategically positioned pool noodles. 

The training aids aren't the only changes he’s making ahead of the fast-approaching Ryder Cup. 

According to Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, Thomas has made some significant adjustments to his team as he prepares to represent the U.S. in Rome later this month following one of his worst PGA Tour seasons. 

Justin Thomas was a controversial captain's pick for the 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup team / David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas has reportedly put his father, Mike Thomas, in the “background” when it comes to swing work. For the majority of Thomas’ PGA Tour career, Mike has doubled as a dad and a swing coach on the road. But now, Thomas mainly wants to find his groove on his own. 

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“He’s still working with his father Mike as his swing coach, but not as much right now. He’s kind of put his father a little in the background. They’ve worked it out together. JT wants to own his swing,” Lewis said.

The Golf Channel analyst noted that despite the slight tweak in the father-son duo’s routine, they still maintain a close relationship. 

“Mike wasn’t with him at the Wyndham Championship when he was trying to make the playoffs. So he’s kind of digging it out of the dirt, figuring it out himself, but still consulting with his father. By the way, they still have a wonderful relationship,” Lewis said on Golf Today. 

Update: In an interview with Golf Digest, the elder Thomas refuted reports that his role as his son's swing coach had changed: “It’s ridiculous. I just left Justin. We worked all morning.” 

Apparently, Thomas has made a more definitive change with his putting. Lewis reported that Thomas has split with his putting coach, John Graham. 

“He has parted ways with John Graham, who has been his putting coach for a while. He’s worked with him on Aim Point, I don’t know if this is a permanent change or just a pause right now, but he is trying to figure out his putting by himself,” Lewis said. 

Putting has been a major point of weakness for Thomas amid his struggles this year. As of the conclusion of the 2023 season, Thomas was ranked 144th in strokes gained putting and 187th in three-putt avoidance. 

Looking to rediscover his form in the weeks leading up to Rome, Thomas will tee it up at next week’s Fortinet Championship in Napa Valley. It will mark his first PGA Tour start since the Wyndham Championship, where he narrowly missed qualifying for the FedEx Cup playoffs.