We take a look at how Team USA will shape up for this month’s Ryder Cup showdown in Minnesota.
Dustin Johnson
Apps: 2 P7 (W4 H0 L3) Singles 2-0-0 4somes 0-0-1 4balls 2-0-2
‘Personal challenges’ meant Johnson missed the 2014 defeat, his last appearance resulted in three wins from three. At Medinah he dovetailed brilliantly with Kuchar so no reason to expect anything different – though who wouldn’t want to partner the gunslinger.
Jordan Spieth
Apps: 1 P4 (W2 H1 L1) Singles ) 0-0-1 4somes 0-1-0 4balls 2-0-0
Plenty raised an eyebrow when he was sent out with Reed at Gleneagles then backed down when they were done by the 14th. Played Sullivan in 2011 Walker Cup – ‘all I noticed was his backside as he repeatedly kept picking the ball out of the hole!’
Phil Mickelson
Apps: 10 P41 (W16 H6 L19) Singles 5-0-5 4somes 4-4-6 4balls 7-2-8
Amazingly this will be his 11th match, thus far he has won only twice. His last Ryder Cup contribution was sitting with his wife on the Saturday, then getting stuck into his captain Tom Watson on the Sunday night. Hunter Mahan’s face was a picture.
Jimmy Walker
Apps: 1 P5 (W1 H3 L1) Singles 1-0-0 4somes 0-1-1 4balls 0-2-0
At the ripe old age of 37 Jimmy makes his second appearance, last time he was shown plenty of faith by Watson. Bizarrely he played all five matches despite halving the first three with Fowler. To be fair he then smashed Westwood, playing 16 holes in -8.
Brooks Koepka
Rookie
Some thought the big-hitting Floridian might get a surprise pick last time, this time he did it in style with a tie for fourth, despite a taped-up ankle, at Baltusrol. Should inject something different into the side and could end up as the poster boy of the matches.
Brandt Snedeker
Apps: 1 P3 (W1 H0 L2) Singles 0-0-1 4somes 1-0-1 4balls 0-0-0
Did the bulk of his good work at the turn of the year and desperate to get back on to Love’s team, his only other appearance coming at Medinah. More foursomes than fourballs and rolls the potato as well as anyone. Last contribution a 5&3 drubbing at the hands of Lawrie.
Zach Johnson
Apps: 4 P14 (W6 H2 L6) Singles 2-1-1 4somes 3-1-4 4balls 1-0-1
Like Snedeker, don’t expect him to play his own ball very much before the singles. Or perhaps Love will try something different and give him his wings as the Mr Steady role to someone more flamboyant. Which is basically anyone else in the team.
Patrick Reed
Apps: 1 P4 (W3 H1 L0) Singles 1-0-0 4somes 0-1-0 4balls 2-0-0
Shhhh… yes, yes he had the audacity to give something back to the European fans. He also, along with Spieth, provided the bulk of the US sparkle in Scotland. And then he took down Stenson in the singles. One day soon he’ll win a Major.
J.B. Holmes
Apps: 1 P3 (W2 H1 L0) Singles 1-0-0 4somes 0-0-0 4balls 1-1-0
The local boy got a captain’s pick in 2008 in front of the Kentucky fans and that all ended nicely, Holmes going unbeaten in three matches. Fourballs is more his thing and another 300+ merchant. Played on the same 2005 Walker Cup side as Anthony Kim.
Matt Kuchar
Apps: 3 P10 (W4 H2 L5) Singles 1-0-2 4somes 1-0-2 4balls 2-2-1
As you might expect, Kuch’s record is straight down the middle of the road. Will probably get the nod due to a bit of impresive previous with Dustin Johnson. We’ll also get to hear how good he is at table tennis at the start of the week.
Rickie Fowler
Apps: 2 P8 (W0 H5 L3) Singles 0-1-1 4somes 0-2-1 4balls 0-2-1
While McIlroy’s record may be a touch flattering Fowler’s certainly isn’t. Could easily have been the hero at Celtic Manor when he won the last three holes for yet another half. Has a bit of Sunday-itis in regular events, otherwise wouldn’t need a pick.
Ryan Moore
Rookie
Following a fine performance at the Tour Championship Davis Love would’ve been hard pressed to not give Ryan Moore his final captain’s pick. Alas, another rookie is at Hazeltine.
