Justin Thomas would rather win the Ryder Cup than a major in 2016. Really.

If we take him at his word, Justin Thomas is one hell of a team player.

In Maui for the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, Thomas was asked if he'd rather win a major championship in 2016, or play on a victorious Ryder Cup squad. Thomas, one of the game's rising stars, picked the latter.

No, really:

We get there's an awakening spirit in the Ryder Cup on the American side. And we also get how team competitions have helped define Thomas' career before turning pro: he was part of Alabama's 2013 NCAA title team as well as the victorious 2013 U.S. Walker Cup squad. But a major title defines you as a PGA Tour player. You've climbed the mountain, tamed the beast. No matter what you do the rest of your career, you're in a special, rarefied echelon; you're a major champion.

Winning a Ryder Cup? A nice feather in your cap, and a player can be remembered for his performance at this event (see: Leonard, Justin). More often that not, however, the competition is an ephemeral affair.

It's possible that Thomas has different priorities, or knows that -- having made just one major cut in his young career -- making the Ryder Cup is a more attainable ambition.

Personally, I think the 22-year-old is playing a PR game. Also in Maui this week: Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III. Think he took notice of Thomas' comments?

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