Justin Thomas has spoken out after being left off the United States’ Presidents Cup team, missing the event for the first time in eight years.

The 12-man team was unveiled by captain Jim Furyk on Tuesday and two-time major champion Thomas failed to make the cut as his frustrating downturn in form continues.

His absence came as a surprise to many, given his track record and prowess when representing the United States. Thomas took to social media to express his feelings, offering congratulations to Scottie Scheffler for his stellar season while also reflecting on his own year.

“I’m obviously very bummed not to be joining the boys in Canada for the Presidents Cup, but completely understand. Jim has put together a great team,” he shared on Instagram. “I will be the first one pulling for them and watching while using it as motivation to not miss a team event again, as they are some of my favourite weeks I’ve had.

“It will be nice to have some time to work on things, [such as the] foundation event, some R&R, and even become a dad at the end of November.

“While I’m excited for the ‘off-season’, I’m already looking forward to practicing and getting ready for Maui. Thanks to everybody for their countless support and kind words, as I always appreciate them. That’s enough of me getting in my feels for today.”

Jim Furyk didn’t select Justin Thomas for the Presidents Cup team

Furyk had the opportunity to make six captain’s picks for his team and he opted for Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns, Tony Finau, Brian Harman, Russell Henley, and Max Homa. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark, Patrick Cantlay, and Sahith Theegala secured their spots through automatic qualification.

Another player who will not be representing the Americans at Royal Montreal Golf Club in Canada from September 24-29 is Billy Horschel. The Florida native put together a strong run at the end of the season, finishing in a share of second place at The Open Championship, but it was not enough to force his case for selection.

“I knew I was way down the list and I made a little push at the end,” Horschel told Fairways of Life. “It hurts because Jim’s a good friend, and I wanted to make the Ryder Cup team in 2018. I wanted to make this Presidents Cup team because he is the captain, but it’s just not in the cards for me this year. I’ll play really hard next year to hopefully make the team and become part of the team’s next year.”

The Presidents Cup pits Team USA against a global squad of top golfers, excluding Europeans. Held biennially, the Americans have been nearly unbeatable since its inception in 1994, losing only once and tying once.