No matter who Love were to pick this year, fans were likely going to be upset with one or more of them. Who should Love take to Hazeltine? He will play in his fourth straightRyder Cup. When Jimmy Walker got off the golf course, I called him. On J.B. Holmes, Love said: “He’s so steady”.
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The likely recipient is Bubba Watson, who was ninth on the USA points list at the deadline. He is 0-3-5 in the Ryder Cup.
Kuchar has played in the last three Ryder Cups and is eager to erase memories of Europe’s stunning triumph at Medinah. He’s easy to pick, got a lot of experience.
Woods has not played a competitive round since finishing in the top 10 at last season’s Wyndham Championship, but he announced last week that he will compete in the Safeway Open on October 13-16.
Fowler, who has yet to win a Ryder Cup point in eight attempts, was probably the most relieved to hear from Love after flying to his Florida home disappointed at his performance at the BMW.
“These three guys were really who we all wanted”. It probably came down to either JB or Bubba, and Holmes got the vote.
Love didn’t surprise many people with his first three picks. Rickie Fowler, J.B. Holmes and Matt Kuchar have previous Ryder Cup experience and were among the highest-ranked players not already on the team.
World number nine Fowler, 27, a triple victor on the PGA Tour, was a member of the 2010 and 2014 teams and has always been a popular figure among his peers.
Love’s first eight players include 11-time Ryder Cup player Mickelson and have, among them, 11 major championships, an individual distinction that hasn’t brought the Americans recent success in team competition.
Granted, the second half of that equation includes a bit more uncertainty.
Bubba skills: A self-taught shot-making virtuoso, Watson has shown over the years that he can pull a crucial shot out of his imagination at a crucial time, perhaps unlike any other golfer. He snagged his maiden win in Memphis, almost won again in Hartford and has compiled a consistent summer that includes making every cut since March – this despite dealing with multiple injuries. I don’t envy Davis’ position. I have no idea what recommendations the task force has made but here’s an idea for Love and the Americans: play better.
Who will get the spot?
“The players that are playing in the Tour Championship need to try and win the Tour Championship and not think about Ryder Cup points”. That alone should be plenty of motivation to figure out East Lake.
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The big question is how Europe’s relatively inexperienced side can handle the pressure of playing against a major-heavy USA lineup, backed by a passionate home support.
