Julie Elion, seated in the rear of the interview area at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome on Tuesday, tried to be inconspicuous while Justin Thomas gave his Ryder Cup Press Conference. Thomas was asked about his mental state midway through the Q&A session.
He said, “You need to focus on what is going on in your head just as I do with my wedges when I measure my yardages.”
He then showed his appreciation to Elion who, through his confidence, has helped the golfer, who had struggled over the last year.
He said, “I think that she has done a fantastic job.”
He told Golfweek, in Napa, that he had a great year, given the timing. It’s not that I won’t be able to talk to my wife Jill, or parents or friends. But it’s good to get some unbiased opinion. She’s great. “She’s good at letting the person who comes up with the answer or solution to the problem be you, I would say.”
Elion is a Ryder Cup veteran. It is the 10 th Cup, between the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cups where at least one client has been in one of the teams. She counts three Team USA members this week – she helped Max Homa, Wyndham Clark and the reigning U.S. Open Champion, Wyndham, to perform well enough to be selected.
Thomas gives credit to caddie Jim “Bones Mackey” for suggesting Elion.
Thomas explained that “Bones” brought it up based on the way I expressed my feelings. “He said I think there is someone worth talking to.”
Thomas began working with Elion in late January after several years of previously working with Phil Mickelson. Mickelson was the former boss of Bones.
Elion said, “I believe he is one of the most ambitious people I have ever met.” In addition to being an excellent sounding board for Thomas, Elion reminded him that “talent doesn’t go away.”
Thomas has not won a major since the PGA Championship in 2022. He also failed to win the U.S. Open or British Open. Thomas failed to finish in the top 70 and finished 71 th by the end of regular season. This was the first time he missed the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Zach Johnson made him his controversial captain.
Zach said, “You don’t just leave JT home. He’s got the ability to come when he’s needed or wanted.” This week, he’s needed and wanted. He is a fighter. He said today: “He shakes your hand and then wants to kill you. I wouldn’t like to be on his bad side.”
It has been a long time since the mental aspect of the game was appreciated. There have always been some players who recognized its importance. Homa, who had never won a tournament before this season, credited Clark’s improved attitude and self-confidence for his two wins and qualification to represent Team USA. Clark began working alongside Elion in January, after his agent and caddie convinced him to meet Elion.
She said, “He is the hardest worker that I have ever had.”
This week, the Ryder Cup is a high-pressure event. Every mistake will be magnified. It will affect not only a player’s performance, but also his partner and the team. Elion is a great asset for Team USA. Clark and Homa will be especially happy to see Elion in a new situation.
Max Homa, a mental coach at the 44th Ryder Cup held in Italy, is observed by Julie Elion during practice. (Adam Schupak/Golfweek)
She said that she had listened to many press conferences. “Everyone mentioned fun,” she stated. “That sounds so simple, but the key is to stay in the lane. You have to embrace the nervousness so that you can enjoy yourself.
Homa is one of the many who consider Elion to be an important member of his team. He knows that her presence in the ropes, with his group, and the tools she has given him, could give him an advantage this week.
I think everyone, whether they play golf or are not, should be able to talk with a professional if possible. “I do think it is really helpful,” said he. “We are so consumed by golf, but there are real-life things that can impact your golf. There are many reasons to speak to her. “It’s nice that JT and myself are working together because we can chat and we know what she will say to us so we can brainstorm on how to improve our golf game.”
Homa continued, “It is always a great week when Julie comes to visit.”
