U.S. Captain Zach Johnson has finalized his selection of six players for the upcoming Ryder Cup, rounding out the Team USA lineup. The chosen players include Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Sam Burns, Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, and Rickie Fowler. These selections come in addition to the previously named players Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa, and Xander Schauffele.
However, the omission of certain players who had displayed strong performances has sparked discussion about those who may have deserved a spot on the team. Here are three notable contenders who could have had a greater claim to participation:
Keegan Bradley, an avid supporter of the Ryder Cup and deeply patriotic golfer, finds himself on the outside looking in. Bradley has previously participated in two Ryder Cups but has not been part of the competition since 2014. Unfortunately for Bradley, his past experiences have been marked by the U.S. team’s losses, making his absence from this year’s roster all the more disheartening. Despite his personal achievements this season, including a victory at the Travelers Championship and several top 10 finishes, Bradley’s absence will be felt, especially given his strong putting skills, a crucial asset in Ryder Cup play.
Lucas Glover has been making waves with his recent performances on the golf course. His impressive showings at tournaments since July, which included two victories, demonstrated his remarkable form. At the age of 43, Glover’s chances of making a Ryder Cup appearance were potentially dwindling, making this exclusion particularly poignant. Although he did not meet the criteria for major championships this year, his stellar summer and consistent performance overall should have been taken into greater consideration.
Cameron Young, a promising 26-year-old talent, has a bright future ahead in terms of Ryder Cup opportunities. However, his omission from this year’s roster is a notable one. Young did have a chance to represent Team USA in the 2022 Presidents Cup, where he posted a respectable record. Unfortunately, his inconsistent 2022-23 season, combined with struggles in driving accuracy, may have influenced Captain Johnson’s decision to overlook him. Despite Young’s impressive strokes gained off the tee ranking, his difficulty in finding fairways likely played a role in Johnson’s ultimate choice.
In conclusion, while Captain Johnson has made his selections for the Ryder Cup team, there are several players who, based on their passion, recent performances, and potential, could have been given an opportunity to don the stars and stripes. The absence of Keegan Bradley, Lucas Glover, and Cameron Young will undoubtedly be felt by fans and may lead to further discussions about the selection process. With the Ryder Cup approaching, all eyes will be on the players chosen to represent Team USA in Rome.