CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As the major championship season reaches its midpoint, the Ryder Cup is now just four months away. Neither the U.S. nor the European team lineups are solidified yet, as captains Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald continue to evaluate players before finalizing their selections.
While Bradley is reportedly playing well and moving up the U.S. standings, Donald recently scouted Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, which will host the event from September 26-28.
The qualification process dictates that the top six players in each team`s points standings will automatically earn a spot, with the captains then adding six more players through discretionary picks.
Here`s an assessment of where things stand for each team:
U.S. Team
Considered Locks
Scottie Scheffler
The world`s top-ranked player recently secured his third major championship title and is currently in dominant form. Scheffler will be seeking a better performance after a disappointing 0-2-2 record in the 2023 loss in Rome, including a record defeat in one match. His driving prowess, accuracy, and exceptional iron play make him a crucial asset, especially on a demanding course like Bethpage Black. He previously had a successful Ryder Cup debut with a 2-0-1 record in the 2021 victory.
Xander Schauffele
Schauffele, a winner of two major championships last year, is showing strong form after recovering from a rib injury. His Ryder Cup history includes a solid 3-1-0 showing in 2021 but a less favorable 1-3 record in 2023. Regardless, he remains one of the world`s elite players and a definite inclusion.
Bryson DeChambeau
Known for his immense driving distance, DeChambeau has been a consistent contender in recent majors, including a U.S. Open title last year and a strong showing at the Masters. His putting skills are often underestimated. After a tough start in 2018 (0-3), he rebounded in 2021 (2-0-1). His absence in 2023 was noteworthy. DeChambeau`s energetic presence is expected to be popular with the New York crowd at Bethpage Black, where he previously won the PGA Championship in 2019.
Justin Thomas
Thomas has overcome a period of inconsistent form, marked by a recent PGA Tour victory. While he missed the cut at the recent PGA Championship, his strong record in team competitions (7-4-2 in three Ryder Cups) makes him a vital component. Despite a controversial captain`s pick in 2023 and a 1-2-1 record in Rome, his overall value to the team format is significant.
Collin Morikawa
A two-time major winner, Morikawa`s Ryder Cup results mirror Schauffele`s: 3-0-1 in 2021 and 1-3 in 2023. Although he hasn`t won recently, his ball-striking is back to an elite level. His game, characterized by exceptional iron play and tee-to-green performance, complements various potential playing partners on the team.
Should Be on the Team
Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay hasn`t secured a PGA Tour win since August 2022 and missed the cut in both majors this year, but he boasts extensive Ryder Cup experience. His record (5-2-1) and Presidents Cup record (10-4) highlight his success in team formats. Despite generating attention regarding player compensation in Rome, where he finished 2-2, his reliable performance in past events makes him highly likely to be selected.
Russell Henley
Renowned for his precise iron play and putting when in form, Henley adds a different dynamic despite not being a long hitter. He won on the PGA Tour in March but missed the cut in the subsequent majors. His 3-1 record at the 2023 Presidents Cup, including a successful pairing with Scottie Scheffler, suggests he could be a valuable partner at Bethpage Black.
In Contention
Brooks Koepka
A five-time major champion, Koepka`s recent performances outside of the LIV Golf League majors have been less consistent, missing the top 25 in his last seven major starts. However, he is one of the most experienced American players in the Ryder Cup (7-6-2 record) and previously won the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black in 2019.
Harris English
English secured a win in January and has played well in the last two majors, finishing T-12 at the Masters and 2nd at the PGA Championship. At 35, he combines sufficient length off the tee with strong putting. He gained Ryder Cup experience with a 1-2-0 record as a rookie in 2021.
Jordan Spieth
Spieth is likely still recovering form after a wrist injury and surgery last year. Recent top-15 finishes at the WM Phoenix Open and the Masters suggest improvement. Despite a less than stellar performance in Rome, his overall Ryder Cup record (8-9-5) and experience make him a strong candidate. It`s hard to imagine Captain Bradley overlooking his history.
Brian Harman
Harman added another tour victory in April. Although critics might question if Bethpage Black suits his game due to length, he is an excellent putter and has a strong match-play background from his amateur career. The Homa/Harman pairing was a notable success for the U.S. team in Rome.
Maverick McNealy
McNealy earned his first PGA Tour victory in November and has several high finishes this season. While he would be a Ryder Cup rookie, his experience on Arnold Palmer Cup and Walker Cup teams could be beneficial. At 29, he represents a potential new face for the team.
Keegan Bradley
Captain Bradley has indicated he would only play if he automatically qualified. However, if other players don`t step up, his consistent top-25 finishes and a recent T-8 at the PGA Championship might lead him to consider using a captain`s pick on himself. This would be ironic, given his controversial exclusion in 2023.
Daniel Berger
Berger is working back to form after a significant back injury sidelined him for extended periods. He has appeared on leaderboards this year and was part of the victorious 2021 Ryder Cup team, bringing valuable experience.
Max Homa
Homa has faced recent struggles but seems to be improving, highlighted by a T-12 finish at the Masters and a performance at the PGA Championship better than his T-60 finish suggests. He was the top American performer in Rome with a 3-1-1 record and has a solid 5-2 record in the Presidents Cup, making him a strong candidate if his form continues to rise.
Other Names to Keep an Eye On
- Andrew Novak
- Sam Burns
- J.J. Spaun
- Wyndham Clark
- Michael Kim
- Tony Finau
- Lucas Glover
- Denny McCarthy
- Ben Griffin
- J.T. Poston
- Davis Riley
European Team
Considered Locks
Rory McIlroy
Following his Masters victory, McIlroy didn`t contend at the recent PGA Championship but has already had a stellar season with wins at Pebble Beach and the Players Championship, placing him comfortably atop Europe`s Ryder Cup standings. With a career record of 16-13-4 in the event, he is undeniably the team`s leader and best player. Winning a Ryder Cup on away soil remains a stated career goal for him.
Jon Rahm
Rahm showed glimpses of his top form at the PGA Championship, even holding a share of the lead on the back nine before a difficult finish. Despite the disappointment, the performance reportedly reenergized him. While currently lower on the points list (24th), Captain Luke Donald will certainly use a captain`s pick to include the three-time Ryder Cup participant on the team.
Should Be on Team
Ludvig Åberg
Åberg`s selection as a rookie in 2023 was a surprise to some, but Donald`s faith proved justified. Now one of the world`s top players, despite a recent dip in form and missed cuts in both majors this season, there`s little doubt about his inclusion. He already has a win this year and brings successful Ryder Cup experience from Rome.
Sepp Straka
Straka missed the cut at the PGA Championship after a win the previous week, perhaps due to fatigue from a busy schedule. Despite two missed cuts in majors this season, his position (5th) in the standings and successful participation in the 2023 team make him all but a lock for selection.
Shane Lowry
A consistent top-15 player, Lowry isn`t a lock purely because McIlroy and Rahm occupy that tier. He had a strong showing at the Masters but missed the cut at the recent PGA Championship. However, his overall play remains solid with multiple top-10s this season. His success paired with McIlroy at the Zurich Classic suggests they could be a potential pairing at Bethpage.
Tyrrell Hatton
Despite moving to LIV Golf, Hatton`s play has remained steady, positioning him high (4th) on the European standings. He was a standout performer in Rome with a 3-0-1 record, including a singles win. It would require a significant drop in form for him not to make the team.
Viktor Hovland
Hovland`s game has shown volatility, marked by periods of missed cuts alongside significant wins, including a PGA Tour victory this season. While currently lower (12th) in the standings, his talent and successful partnership experience from Rome make him a near certainty for a captain`s pick.
Tommy Fleetwood
Fleetwood is arguably one of the most consistent players without a major win. He has not missed a cut this season and boasts several top-10 finishes, placing him high (7th) in the Ryder Cup standings. His reliable form and previous team contributions make him a highly probable selection.
In Contention
Justin Rose
Many expected the 2023 Ryder Cup to be Rose`s last appearance, but his continued strong play, including a near-win at the Masters and multiple top-10s this season, keeps him firmly in the conversation. Don`t count out the veteran`s potential inclusion.
Rasmus Højgaard
The young Dane (24) has the advantage of having been on the victorious 2023 team. While his individual results this season haven`t been spectacular (one top-10), his potential and the opportunity to build on his early team experience could weigh in his favor over older contenders.
Robert MacIntyre
MacIntyre also debuted in the last Ryder Cup. Initially seen by some as a potential weak link, he performed admirably with a 2-0-1 record. He is currently 15th in the standings, making him a contender for a captain`s pick based on that successful performance.
Thomas Detry
A PGA Tour victory this year propelled Detry into the Ryder Cup discussion, and he has climbed to 9th on the European standings. However, missed cuts in both majors this season are not ideal. He likely needs strong performances in the coming months to convince Captain Donald to select him.
Other Names to Keep an Eye On
- Aaron Rai
- Stephan Jaeger
- Nicolai Højgaard
- Alex Norén
