Captain Zach Johnson went on the Golf channel and announced who he was selecting as his "Captain Picks" to head to Rome to represent the US. We had already gotten confirmation that Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Max Homa, and Xander Schauffele were confirmed.
It had been rumored that Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, and Rickie Fowler were going to make the cut, but it came down to the questionable last two picks, which turned out to be Sam Burns, and Justin Thomas. Going to share my thoughts on the Captains picks.
Justin Thomas:
Listen, I like JT, I know he has the experience, and is a better player than he showed this season, but I don't personally agree with this pick. I know they'll pair him with his best friend and playing partner, Jordan Spieth, I just think there were better, more deserving golfers than JT.
Despite Thomas failing to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs, Captain Johnson clearly loved Thomas’ fight at Wyndham to almost get into the postseason – and he surely thought that Thomas’ experience and ability to form a ferocious pairing with Spieth was too good to pass on. With a 6-2-1 record in two Ryder Cups, Thomas should be leaned on heavily in Rome, whether he’s in elite form coming in or not. These team matches just bring out the best in him.
Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2018, 2021)
U.S. Ryder Cup record: 6-2-1 (2-2 in foursomes, 2-0-1 in four-ball, 2-0 in singles)
Sam Burns:
Since winning the WGC-Dell Match Play in March, Burns has just two top-10s, one being a T-9 at East Lake. He struggled on approach this season, ranking outside the top 100, but he was No. 11 in putting and No. 30 in strokes gained total.
Although this will be his Ryder Cup debut, he has proven experience in Match play and his play these last two years have earned him a spot on the team.
Rickie Fowler:
If you've followed along with this blog the last year, you know I am a Rickie Fowler stan, and happy to see him back on the Ryder Cup squad.
Fowler’s resurgent summer (win at Rocket Mortgage Classic; 54-hole lead at U.S. Open, where he tied for fifth; first Tour Championship berth since 2019) has him back on the U.S. Team for the first time since 2018. Fowler ranked ninth in strokes gained approach this season and was No. 64 or better in all four individual strokes-gained categories. Yes, his record in previous Ryder Cups aren't elite, but his game has been heading in the right direction this last year.
Ryder Cup appearances: 4 (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018)
U.S. Ryder Cup record: 3-7-5 (1-3-2 in foursomes, 1-2-2 in four-ball, 1-2-1 in singles)
Brooks Koepka:
His wife, Jena Sims, took to instagram yesterday to give a little spoiler of Brooks eating pizza captioning it "IYKYK", so it put the rumors to bed that Koepka will be joining the squad in Rome. Thats right everyone, a LIV Golf League captain will represent the United States when it takes on Europe in next month's Ryder Cup in Italy. Through the injuries, inconsistent play, joining LIV, Brooks was able to turn his game around, content at Augusta, and win his 3rd PGA Championship back in May. After being bumped out of the sixth and final automatic qualifying spot by Xander Schauffele after the BMW Championship, there were questions of whether Koepka would make it. Clearly those has been answered.
Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2016, 2018, 2021)
U.S. Ryder Cup record: 6-5-1 (2-2 in foursomes, 2-3 in four-ball, 2-0-1 in singles)
Collin Morikawa:
Although Morikawa has said his game hasn't been where he likes it to be, he finished strong with a top 25 finish in every playoff event, as well as a T-6th at East Lake this past weekend. I also noticed he is still using a TaylorMade "SIM" driver.....there has since been a "SIM 2" as well as the Stealth, and Stealth 2. Just goes to show, equipment doesn't make the player. Someone should've told Uncle Timmy that before he spent $700 on the Stealth.
Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2021)
U.S. Ryder Cup record: 3-0-1 (2-0 in foursomes, 1-0 in four-ball, 0-0-1 in singles)
^This is for Collin Morikawa, not CubeMonkeySports blogger, Uncle Tim.
Jordan Spieth:
As if there was any doubt that Spieth, who has just two top-10s since a playoff loss at the RBC Heritage, would warrant a pick. This U.S. Team needs experience, and Spieth has a lot of it with four Ryder Cups under his belt. As I mentioned I have no doubt Spieth and JT will be paired together for group play where they have shared success, but Spieth's solo record is a little concerning considering he has yet to win a solo match.
Ryder Cup appearances: 4 (2014, 2016, 2018, 2021)
U.S. Ryder Cup record: 8-7-3 (3-2-2 in foursomes, 5-2 in four-ball, 0-3-1 in singles)
