TALKING Thomas says hitting fairways is the key to success in Paris

JUSTIN THOMAS has claimed Le Golf National will take the driver out of the hands of the big-hitting Americans and give the Europeans a huge home advantage.

Thomas Pieters slammed the Hazeltine layout in 2016 as “ridiculous” because it allowed

Phil Mickelson to carve his ball “six fairways left or right” and still compete.

Former world No.1 Thomas is a big fan of the “strategic” Parisian course after finishing tied eighth at the French Open in July.

But last year’s US PGA champion said he only used his driver seven times in four rounds on a layout which punishes any failure to find the fairway.

“I loved playing there – it is in a great spot, great course and a great vibe there,” said the world No.4.

“It’s a very strategic course – you have to play for position. I hit seven drivers in four days.

“I think the conditions are going to be very different in terms of firmness and we had some wind.

“That week it was just all about getting the ball in the fairway because the fairways are extremely narrow and the rough was very long.

“It was more so about getting the ball in the fairway and then from there you could attack on some of the holes.

“I remember the scoring was pretty high – Alex Noren won at seven-under par.

“It’s a great test of golf, and I think it’s going to be a lot different than some Ryder Cups in the past where you could have pars and bogeys winning holes.

“We are going against a very tough team in their backyard on a course they are extremely comfortable with. It is going Atlanta to be very tough.” Thomas, who insisted the tendonitis is in right wrist will not trouble him in France, will become the first player to make his Ryder Cup debut after already winning a Major and being world No.1 since Tiger Woods in 1997.

But the son of a PGA coach has already visited three Ryder Cups – and experienced the unique atmosphere on the first tee. “I was on the first tee at Celtic Manor when I played in the junior Ryder Cup,” he said.

“At that point we were winning so everyone was talking trash to me. I just kept referring to the scoreboard.

“The first time I went to the Ryder Cup was unfortunately Oakland Hills in 2004 so I try to forget that one. I was at Valhalla as well. A lot of good memories there.”