Justin Thomas shines in United States' Ryder Cup defeat

When Justin Thomas defeated Rory McIlroy 1 up in the opening singles match on Sunday, the final day of the Ryder Cup, the United States trailed Europe 10-7. Thomas had scored four of the U.S. points -- three in the previous two days with playing partner Jordan Spieth and the singles victory.

Thomas' win over McIlroy sparked a U.S. resurgence that would narrow the lead to one point. But Europe won six of the final seven matches to finish with a 17.5-10.5 victory over the United States.

With this year's Ryder Cup played at Le Golf National near Paris, the United States has not won the competition on the road since 1993.

An All-American golfer at Alabama, Thomas was playing in the Ryder Cup for the first time.

JT is amped! That match is now All Square!#GoUSA pic.twitter.com/EuWU28qj4K
-- Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 30, 2018

Justin Thomas speaks after winning his match against Rory McIlroy to give the U.S. another point. [?] [?] #RyderCup #GoUSA pic.twitter.com/B1lmxzuQqU
-- PGA of America (@PGA) September 30, 2018

On Friday, Thomas and Spieth defeated Paul Casey and Tyrell Hatton 1 up in fourball in the morning, but they lost to Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood 5&4 in the afternoon in foursomes.

On Saturday, Thomas and Spieth picked up two points. In fourball, they defeated Jon Rahm and Ian Poulter 3&1, then defeated McIlroy and Poulter 4&3 in foursomes.

Massive putt from JT.#GoUSA pic.twitter.com/DP1SJLvjtD
-- Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 29, 2018

JT closes out the match[?]
Justin and Jordan win 2&1 against Poulter and Rahm. pic.twitter.com/bTiM8hJzfn
-- Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 29, 2018

At Alabama, Thomas was the National Player of the Year in 2012 and a member of the Crimson Tide's national-championship team in 2013.

Justin Thomas reacts after sinking the winning putt during a fourball match at the 42nd Ryder Cup on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018.AP Photo

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @AMarkG1.

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