Ryder Cup: Watson picks Bradley, Mahan and Simpson

USA captain Tom Watson has named Keegan Bradley, Hunter Mahan and Webb Simpson as his three wildcard picks for the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

The announcement followed Paul McGinley’s decision to add Ian Poulter, Stephen Gallacher and Lee Westwood to the European team.

Watson’s picks were widely expected with Bradley forming a great partnership with Phil Mickelson at Medinah, Mahan winning The Barclays last month and Simpson showing a timely return to form.

Simpson was also a successful partner for Bubba Watson last time around.

Watson admitted he had plenty of options but is confident he has the right 12 players to take the Ryder Cup trophy back over the Atlantic.

“There were several people in the mix for my three picks,” Watson said.  
I think this is a redemption year for a lot of guys who were on the team in 2012 “A lot of players are starting to play well from the American side and that’s a good thing. We are going to need it.

“The Europeans, on paper, have been touted as being the favourites and we are the underdogs but I have a fundamental belief in my team.”

Bradley, 28, who was undefeated playing alongside Mickeleson at Medinah before losing to Rory McIlroy in the singles

“I’ve made no secret of how important this team is to me and how badly I want to go back and win the Ryder Cup,” he said. 

“I think this is a redemption year for a lot of guys who were on the team in 2012.”

Mahan, 32, was part of the successful USA team at Valhalla in 2008 but crucially lost to Graeme McDowell in the singles at Celtic Manor in 2010 which ultimately cost his team. 

Simpson, the 2012 US Open Champion was a rookie at Medinah where he performed well with Watson in the singles before losing to Ian Poulter in the singles.

TEAM USA

Bubba Watson
Jimmy Walker 
Rickie Fowler
Jim Furyk
Phil Mickelson
Patrik Reed
Matt Kuchar
Jordan Spieth
Zach Johnson
Keegan Bradley
Hunter Mahan
Webb Simpson