No matter if you are looking for the stars and stripes to end their away soil losing streak or for the Europeans to continue their home turf dominance, this article highlights the team roster for both sides.
Team USA
Brooks Koepka’s Ryder Cup debut came in 2016 which included three match victories and dominate singles win against Danny Willett. He has since risen to 3rd in the world rankings as well as added the title “Major Champion” to his name. Brooks although soft spoken in nature, is no longer a rookie and will be looked upon to help lead this year’s team.
After retaining the number one ranking in his Tour Championship finish. Dustin Johnson will be making his forth Ryder Cup appearance. His overall Ryder Cup record is less than stellar starting before this year’s event less than .500. Holding the top spot in the world comes with many responsibilities, one which will be setting the pace for this American squad and continuing his undefeated singles record come Sunday.
Another top five player in the current world rankings representing the United States includes rookie Justin Thomas. It is hard to believe with as many times as this player has reached the winners circle this will be his first appearance in a Ryder Cup. With an impressive three points in the 2017 Presidents Cup, Thomas will be seen as one to bring the fire for the Americans as they travel to Paris.
Arguably the new face of the American Ryder Cup golf team is Patrick Reed. As the 15th ranked player in the world, he is making his third Ryder Cup appearance. With an impressive 6-1-2 record including 2-0 in singles, he will be one player on everyone’s watch list this week. With the home team energizers of Poulter and Rory ready to pump up the European crown, Reed will look to be one to help quite the noise.
The long hitting lefty Bubba Watson will be making his fourth Ryder Cup appearance this week. With a less than impressive overall record of 3-8 as well as winless singles record, his plate will be full this week with the rumored course conditions. Whispered to contain tight fairways and thick rough Bubba will have to hit it a bit straighter this week to add value to the team.
Jordan Spieth looks to warm up his cold putter while making the trip to France. After missing out in the Tour Championship this season, we shall see if possibly teaming up again with Reed again will bring back the Spieth of old to Le Golf National.
Another twenty something star on the Ryder Cup squad this year includes the always colorful Rickie Fowler. This will be Fowler’s fourth appearance and he will be veered more as a Ryder Cup veteran. Rickie known in the Ryder Cup as being scrappy and full of halves, look to him for added consistency and added leadership for this year’s team.
With one of the biggest comeback seasons on tour, Webb Simpson looks to represent the United States again after his last Ryder Cup appearance in 2014. Climbing up to 17th in the official golf rankings, Webb looks to bring the same play he had at this years Players to help gain points to bring back the cup.
The man needing no introduction and undoubtedly bringing a much-needed spark to the American team includes the return of the legendary Tiger Woods. Deeming himself this week on golfs pedestal of “Mount Rushmore”, looks to added to his hall of fame career by helping end the streak of European success on home soil. This will be his 8th Ryder Cup appearance. With a strong singles record, this week will be interesting to see who will become his playing companion and if they can gain any success.
You cannot talk about the big cat without talking about this year’s captain, Phil Mickelson. Even though the lefty has had a down year, he is no doubt the main voice in the locker room for the United States. This will be his historic 12th Ryder Cup appearance starting back in 1995. No matter the heavy or light involvement he will have on the playing side, he will be irreplaceable when it comes to the before and during match preparation.
Another Ryder Cup rookie better known as the “mad scientist” on tour, Bryson DeChambeau. After his electric victories in the FedEx Cup playoff series, he will bring the youthful energy needed when facing an electric french crowd. His storyline this week will likely be where he will fit in with the group play, but come Sunday singles he will no doudt be a tough competitior.
The hottest seat for the American side with the most to prove is most likely big Tony Finau. He well earned his pick from captain Furyk, but we shall see if he can bring the same magic from Augusta over to France. The gentle giant full of consistency will be a great partner for any player on the roster.
