Justin Thomas Surprised by 49ers' Rangers Takeover Amid Leeds Enthusiasm

Justin Thomas, the renowned American golfer and Ryder Cup star, has expressed his enthusiasm for visiting Leeds following their return to the English Premier League. However, he recently admitted to being unaware of the San Francisco 49ers’ takeover of Rangers, a development that has caught many by surprise.

Thomas, alongside fellow golfer Jordan Spieth, became involved with the American group’s acquisition of Leeds United, a move that has generated significant interest. The golfer shared that he was teased by Sheffield United fan Matt Fitzpatrick about attending a game now that Leeds has secured promotion back to England’s top flight.

Unexpected News of Rangers Takeover

When asked about the 49ers’ involvement with Rangers, Thomas candidly admitted his ignorance. Initially, he was under the impression that the inquiry pertained solely to Leeds United. Upon clarification, he expressed surprise and excitement, stating, “They have? No, I didn’t see, that’s awesome. It’s all very cool. I’m still learning.”

Despite his involvement with Leeds, Thomas clarified that he is not deeply embedded in the operations or decisions of the 49ers group. He likened his role to that of a venture capital firm participant, indicating his limited knowledge of the broader football landscape.

American Influence in Scottish Football

Thomas’s revelation comes amid a growing trend of American ownership in Scottish football, with six top-flight clubs now under U.S. control. When asked about the appeal of investing in Scottish teams, Thomas admitted, “You’re asking the wrong guy. I’m not sure. I’m sure like the rest or everybody else, they’re seeing the opportunity and the interest, you know, globally.”

This trend highlights the increasing globalization of football, where American investors see potential in expanding their portfolios across the Atlantic. The 49ers’ involvement in both Leeds and Rangers exemplifies this strategic expansion.

Preparation for the Scottish Open

While Thomas may not be a football expert, he is well-prepared for the Genesis Scottish Open. He emphasized the importance of the tournament as preparation for the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Portrush. “It’s huge. I don’t know what the stats are exactly, but I’m pretty sure a pretty fair amount of Open champions have played the Scottish the week prior,” he noted.

Thomas elaborated on the unique challenges of links golf, which require strategic adjustments not typically encountered in the United States. “All the different little lies around the greens and how the ball reacts. In the States, it’s just that the ball sits very similar all the time,” he explained.

Ryder Cup Hopes and Woodland’s Role

Meanwhile, Thomas praised the appointment of Gary Woodland as a Ryder Cup vice-captain, following Woodland’s recovery from a life-threatening operation. “He’s great. I love Gary. I hate to give him credit, but he’s been a great role model of mine!” Thomas said, highlighting Woodland’s resilience and competitive spirit.

Looking ahead, Thomas is focused on securing his place in the Ryder Cup team through performance, emphasizing the importance of upcoming tournaments and the FedExCup. “There’s a lot of golf between now and then and my goal is just to make that team on points so I don’t have to necessarily worry about a pick,” he stated.

As Thomas continues to balance his golf career with newfound interests in football, his journey reflects the dynamic interplay between sports and business, underscoring the evolving landscape of global sports investments.