BREAKING NEWS: Stricker Announces Final Ryder Cup Team Picks
Just a couple more weeks until the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits. After an exciting finish to the FedEx Cup, we are pumped to see the competition unfold. United States Captain, Steve Stricker, announced his final picks for the team earlier today.
The 2021 Ryder Cup Team Selections
Those who were automatically qualified were Patrick Cantlay, Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Kopeka. Stricker’s final team selections were Daniel Berger, Harris English, Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, Tony Finau, and Xander Schauffele. The announcement was made over Twitter and fans are more excited than ever.
Other pros who came close included Patrick Reed, who finished 11th in points, and Webb Simpson, who finished 13th. Other bubble contenders Jason Kokrak, Sam Burns, Billy Horschel, Kevin Kisner and Kevin Na were passed up as well.
Team. Complete.
With his Captain's Picks locked, @SteveStricker selects:
🇺🇸 @DanielBerger59
🇺🇸 @Harris_English
🇺🇸 @tonyfinaugolf
🇺🇸 @XSchauffele
🇺🇸 Scottie Scheffler
🇺🇸 @JordanSpieth pic.twitter.com/wFGR3bw8IH— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 8, 2021
“We are super excited about these six individuals,” Stricker said after the announcement. “I talked to each and every one of them a couple of days ago, and they are extremely excited and happy and fired up to be a part of this team. They’re all a great fit for Whistling Straits. They all told me they can’t wait to get here and to do one thing and that’s bring the Cup back to where it belongs.”
Tough Decisions
The United States team is looking very strong and golf fans are sure to witness some amazing golf. Not every choice was an easy one, however. Stricker also spoke of his omission of Patrick Reed who has performed well in past events.
“That was a very, very difficult call, kind of lost sleep over that one,” Stricker said. “He’s a tremendous competitor, he brings a lot to match-play golf. His record here at the Ryder Cup is pretty darn good. But I think just the uncertainty of his health and really the lack of play that led to our decision down the stretch.”
A Winning Team
Stricker’s selection of six rookies will be the first since the 2008 Ryder Cup where the U.S. defeated their competition at Vahalla. It doesn’t hurt that Xander Schauffele is fresh off his golf medal win at the Olympics either. Schauffele impressed fans by he showing off some of his incredible talent and his ability to keep calm under pressure.
“We were looking for the best players to perform at Whistling Straits and these six guys that we picked we feel fit Whistling Straits to a T,” Stricker said. “We’ve done some analysis of rookies since 2008 and U.S. rookies have a 40-29-17 record in Ryder Cups, so rookies fare very well in this type of format.”
Competition will be stiff as some the U.S. team will face off against top golfers who have been at the top of their game as of late. European pros have the points to qualify are: Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy, Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland.
Some of those who are hoping to score a spot on the European team are: Tyrrell Hatton, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Lee Westwood, Shane Lowry, Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter.
The Ryder Cup will be held September 24th – 26th at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
