Tour News

Ryder Cup: Davis Love III chooses Holmes, Fowler, Kuchar as captain’s picks

Published

8 years ago

Sep 12, 2016

Davis Love III chose J.B. Holmes, Rickie Fowler and Matt Kuchar as his first three captain’s picks for the 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup Team, cementing 11 of the 12 players who will compete against Team Europe at Hazeltine starting September 30.

The final captain’s will be announced on September 25 immediately following the end of the Tour Championship at East Lake.

The trio joins the eight U.S. Ryder Cup Team members who qualified on points:

Dustin Johnson
Jordan Spieth
Phil Mickelson
Patrick Reed
Jimmy Walker
Brooks Koepka
Brandt Snedeker
Zach Johnson

Holmes (No. 10), Fowler (No. 11) and Kuchar (No. 12) were all close in qualifying for their team on their own merit, and bring Ryder Cup experience to the team. Bubba Watson (No. 9) is the only player ranked higher in points not yet to be selected to the team.

Holmes helped the U.S. win the Ryder Cup in 2008, the lone victory for a U.S. team in the Ryder Cup since 1999. His didn’t lose a match at Valhalla, going 2-0-1. Fowler has played in the event two times (2010, 2014) and has a 0-3-3 combined record. Kuchar has played in the Ryder Cup three times (2010, 2012, 2014) and has a 4-5-2 record.

Along with Bubba, popular 12th-man predictions for the team include would-be Ryder Cup rookies Scott Piercy, Bill Haas and Daniel Berger. Ryder Cup veteran and Mr. 58 Jim Furyk is also a popular prediction.

What do you think of DLIII’s first three picks, and who do you think will be the 12th man? Let us know in the comments section.

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62 Comments

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Reply Report comment
Smokin'Gun

Sep 18, 2016 at 8:17 pm

Popularity contest!!!

Reply Report comment
RAT

Sep 13, 2016 at 9:23 pm

It should be Thomas and Berger!!!! Rickie and Bubba just aren’t hungry enough!!!

Reply Report comment
Matt

Sep 13, 2016 at 8:54 pm

Tolerate Bubba more than like him but Rickie Fowler, c’mon, better chance of him shoot 79 than 65.

Reply Report comment
Steve Thomas

Sep 13, 2016 at 4:31 pm

What’s the point of this “task force” if you are going to pick the players 10,11, and 12 anyway. Any knowledgeable golfer in the US could have picked 10-12 without any task force or meetings with the task force. I think the only reason Fowler was picked, was because he was on the task force. It wouldn’t look good to have a member of the task force who had an ok year not on the team. The US seems to always pick the “politically correct” players and not the players who could actually help the US win.

Reply Report comment
Steve Thomas

Sep 13, 2016 at 4:25 pm

I think picking Bubba is a mistake. He doesn’t seem to be able to get along with anyone.

Reply Report comment
- Spy
  
  Sep 13, 2016 at 7:11 pm
  
  You would know, you’re a loner
  
  Reply Report comment
Forsbrand

Sep 13, 2016 at 3:54 pm

Fowler pick is like our European Westwood pick it was always going to happen. Can’t believe Bubba has no love for a pick

Reply Report comment
- digitalbroccoli
  
  Sep 20, 2016 at 9:47 am
  
  Westwood is 18-13-6 in Ryder cup play, and Fowler is 0-3-3. I don’t understand this comparison at all. The Euro squad picks westwood because he plays well, partners well and earns points. The US side picks Rickie because…people like him?
  
  Reply Report comment
Dr.Shank

Sep 13, 2016 at 12:22 am

What about Bryson DeChambeau? Just won albeit on Web.com, Won NCAA and US Am last year. Let’s shake it up.

Reply Report comment
- Donald Quiote
  
  Sep 13, 2016 at 12:23 pm
  
  I do love me some DeChambeau but I do not think he deserves to be on the team yet. Give him some time.
  
  Reply Report comment
KJ

Sep 12, 2016 at 9:41 pm

Fowler? Kuchar? Haven’t we seen enough of these guys? Man I really like the both of them, but you need fighters. You need guys out there that want to prove something. Both of these guys are too damn nice. A bunch of the same old. No one likes Bubba. He’s s a chemistry killer. Would be very, very surprised to see him picked. Can we please get a young guy? How about Justin Thomas to pair with Speith? Berger? Na? I would love any of those picks.

Reply Report comment
- COGolfer
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 10:40 pm
  
  The captains’ picks should truly be captains’ picks… Match play and alternate shot are not the same as stroke play. If the US wants to win, they need to take this into consideration.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Donald Quiote
  
  Sep 13, 2016 at 12:19 pm
  
  If you want a fighter I might suggest Brock Lesnar, Connor McGreggor, Kimbo Slice (RIP)…. While everybody else wouldn’t go play for the US in the Olympics you are going to get upset that Kuch and Fowler get picked when the went over and tried to win one for the ole red white and blue? I think Bubba Kuch and Rickie all belong on the team. Did they have great years? No… but it is not like Ryan Moore, JT, Berger, or anyone else has just been amazing this year either…I guess if they had been they would have already qualified right? I will take a pairing of Rick and Bubs vs whoever you wanna pair up for the Europeans and take my chances. 2 of the top 10 golfers in the world.
  
  Reply Report comment
RedX

Sep 12, 2016 at 8:15 pm

Seve’s your middle name isn’t it Smizz?
Back yourself

Love Chamblee as a pick. can only imagine how he would go paired with M “Seve” Smizzle in alternate shot on the opening day.

I’m sure Wrxers would tune in to see that !

Reply Report comment
- Spy
  
  Sep 13, 2016 at 7:12 pm
  
  Yes, you could definitely beat fake Europeans (read: Americans) but you won’t be able to beat the real ones lmao
  
  Reply Report comment
RedX

Sep 12, 2016 at 6:21 pm

I can’t see any US player in the field at East Lake (and not already on the team) that has made an outstanding case for inclusion from their play in the playoffs (ie the “Billy Horschel” pick scenario).

On that basis it is probably back to experience, ranking and proven pedigree.

What is the bet that DL3 has already called Bubba and told him he’s in but that the announcement will be made on schedule after East Lake. yes he is “different” and his representative record is not great (especially the zero point contribution at Gleneagles) but he is a multiple major winner, he did fare better in the Presidents Cup partnered with JB, and he stepped up and went to Rio to play for his country when others would not.

I’m not a fan but it is hard to see Bubba not getting the nod for a home Ryder Cup from OWGR 7th and 9th in the qualifying criteria. If he does miss out it will speak volumes for what the “team” think of him personally. I’m not sure they would want to say anything like that quite so publically.

Reply Report comment
- Large chris
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 7:25 pm
  
  Good points, if Fowler is going then Watson has to. Feel bad for Furyk though. Contends a lot, scores fifty goddam eight, not only that but probably has a pre shot routine that would put opponents off…
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Scott
    
    Sep 13, 2016 at 9:42 am
    
    I think that Furyk’s horrible Ryder Cup record should be the thing putting the US off…
    
    Reply Report comment
  - prime21
    
    Sep 13, 2016 at 12:16 pm
    
    with all due respect, I think one has to go with 50MF8, numbers in red, letter in black.
    
    Reply Report comment
- kevin
  
  Sep 13, 2016 at 5:53 am
  
  It would not surprise me if Bubba has been told to hang in there and we will pick you up after East lake. With Rickie not being able to play his way on next week DL3 had to pick him now or leave him off the team. Would love to see Ryan Moore or Daniel, but they need to do something special to unseat Bubba IMO.
  
  Reply Report comment
Tf

Sep 12, 2016 at 5:07 pm

Europe! Europe! Europe!
It’s a lock for Europe.
What Task Force. Pathetic. Same old, same old. No risk taking.
Just hand the Trophy to Europe now. Might as well.

Reply Report comment
Golfer1

Sep 12, 2016 at 4:05 pm

What about Moore and Chappell? The ryder cup hasn’t even startred and USA is screwed

Reply Report comment
Robert Coppersmith

Sep 12, 2016 at 3:38 pm

Bubba seems not to be a part of the club out there on tour. Not sure what he’s done to piss people off. Maybe not getting along is actually a reason he shouldn’t be selected.

Reply Report comment
- AllBOdoesisgolf
  
  Sep 13, 2016 at 9:37 am
  
  so if your son had a mental disorder, you’d be cool with other kids not liking him and not wanting to play with him?
  I know, everyone needs to be perfect in your little mind.
  
  Reply Report comment
soap

Sep 12, 2016 at 3:17 pm

How is Ryan Moore not an automatic pick? That is probably the only no brainer. JB is playing well and kuchar made a statement I feel like from the olympics. Ryan moore should’ve been the 3rd pick. then with the last pick i would like to see justin thomas. need some young blood in there that will grind and fight.

Reply Report comment
Mr. Blue

Sep 12, 2016 at 2:51 pm

What is the point of having a “Task Force” if all you are going to do is choose 1-12 in World Golf Rankings? The Task Force was to choose the best at each style of play. I like Rickie but not the best choice at this point, just seems like a whole lot of BS for a group that made is seem like a “we are going to REALLY think who is going to be on this team” for just a simple 1-12.

Reply Report comment
- Rob
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 3:54 pm
  
  The task force was to pick a captain and assist in setting up a formula for future captains.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Pelling
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 5:11 pm
  
  The ‘Task Force’ was really ‘just let Phil pick his buddies.”
  
  Reply Report comment
- Rick
  
  Sep 13, 2016 at 5:30 pm
  
  Wonder how much money the PGA and its sponsors shell out for Ryder Cup travel, meals and Hotels? Must be millions so these guys can fly around and have meetings etc. concerning a Golf Exhibition called the Ryder Cup. Next time you volunteer for a PGA tournament just remember all your work is helping pay for this type of thing….
  
  Reply Report comment
B Hock

Sep 12, 2016 at 2:29 pm

And with the 12th pick….. Eldrick Tiger Woods

(kidding…calm down)

Reply Report comment
Justin

Sep 12, 2016 at 1:58 pm

The last time people openly doubted Fowler he had a great run in the Majors and won the Players. He’s been average since, but maybe this negativity will spur him to play well. It’s worked in the past so why can’t it again.

I’d be shocked if he didn’t pick Bubba because he needs bombers at Hazeltine, but for some reason I think Scott Piercy may in fact be the best all around choice.

Reply Report comment
- Blake
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 2:32 pm
  
  He is 0-4-4 in ryder cup. Terrible pick
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Pelling
    
    Sep 12, 2016 at 5:09 pm
    
    He’s 0-3-5. Still terrible.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - prime21
    
    Sep 13, 2016 at 12:23 pm
    
    Considering the team record of the US, isn’t it a reach to look for a player with a winning record? You’d have to pick a 1 off from Valhalla. I’m not so sure you can use their record to determine their worth.
    
    Reply Report comment
Mark

Sep 12, 2016 at 1:31 pm

Ryan Moore must be a bit peeved with Fowler’s pick.

Reply Report comment
- John kuczeski
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 3:11 pm
  
  Agreed….must not be on the “Boys Club”
  
  Reply Report comment
- Donald Quiote
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 3:13 pm
  
  Why would he be? Did he play himself onto the team? Not saying Rickie played great this year but he managed to be higher on the Ryder Cup points list… Did he do that while Moore played better than him all year?
  
  Reply Report comment
- Jack Nash
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 5:28 pm
  
  Fowler is good for 0 wins. Big mistake.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - AllBOdoesisgolf
    
    Sep 13, 2016 at 9:38 am
    
    I will take that bet
    
    Reply Report comment
Dolph Lundgrenade

Sep 12, 2016 at 1:27 pm

Agreed that Fowler, though likeable, is not an intelligent pick. Big DL3 fan, but only as a person and player- not a Captain!

The Captain should look at Match play records and find guys like Ryan Moore that are A) playing well lately and B) have excellent head to head records throughout their entire career. I’m tired of the selections basically being #1-#12… After the top 8, it should be fair game for gritty match play grinders. Europe has Poulter… The US has?… Guy that’s #11 in points. Take Moore and let’s try to win for a change.

Reply Report comment
Bob J.

Sep 12, 2016 at 1:23 pm

Adding Fowler is a disgrace. Period.

Reply Report comment
- digitalbroccoli
  
  Sep 20, 2016 at 9:51 am
  
  While I don’t think he should have been chosen, a “disgrace”? On what grounds is it a disgrace?
  
  Reply Report comment
Charlie

Sep 12, 2016 at 1:15 pm

I can’t believe Fowlers’ 0-3-3 record represents the sort of “experience” that’d be useful.

Reply Report comment
- Blake
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 2:33 pm
  
  0-4-4 from what i can see
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Pelling
    
    Sep 12, 2016 at 5:01 pm
    
    Try 0-3-5.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Jack Nash
      
      Sep 12, 2016 at 5:37 pm
      
      The “Key” number is “0”. The big difference between Winning and Losing? Winning!
      
      Reply Report comment
Eugene Marchetti

Sep 12, 2016 at 1:11 pm

Love Ricky as a person but not Ryder Cup material. Best two picks were Haas who proved his worth at President Cup and Berger who is just a bulldog competitor. Another loss for the grand USA.

Reply Report comment
Geno

Sep 12, 2016 at 12:56 pm

We’ve heard that one many times before Grizz01

Reply Report comment
Ronald Montesano

Sep 12, 2016 at 12:51 pm

Might the Captain have promised the spot to RF back around Olympic time, assuming that he would make the team on points, or something of that ilk?

Reply Report comment
John

Sep 12, 2016 at 12:47 pm

Fowler was picked for the TV ratings. Certainly not playing well.

Reply Report comment
- Rick
  
  Sep 13, 2016 at 5:25 pm
  
  Correct, watch for Bubba Next.
  
  Reply Report comment
JOEL GOODMAN

Sep 12, 2016 at 12:44 pm

ALLOWING FACEBOOK TO CONTROL YOUR COMMENTS IS A SERIOUS ERROR

Reply Report comment
Mark West

Sep 12, 2016 at 12:30 pm

Rickie will surprise you doubters, mark my words.

Reply Report comment
- Grizz01
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 12:43 pm
  
  Well, I marked your words. Now when he plays like crap, as he has been this past summer. You make sure you come back here and apologize.
  
  Reply Report comment
rich tran

Sep 12, 2016 at 12:19 pm

fowler is a poor choice..

Reply Report comment
Jim

Sep 12, 2016 at 12:01 pm

Holmes and Kuchar are no brainers but not sure why you would select Fowler as he’s playing poorly right now. I thought the idea was to select ‘hot’ players that were playing well currently? If Bubba is the final selection I’m not sure what the task force was thinking. Curious as to the last pick.

Reply Report comment
- Robert
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 12:07 pm
  
  I agree man. I don’t understand why would DLIII pick Fowler? Other than “aura” there is no reason. Terrible record and playing like butthole lately.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Grizz01
    
    Sep 12, 2016 at 12:46 pm
    
    I concur.
    
    Reply Report comment
- Grizz01
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 12:46 pm
  
  He’s popular. This isn’t about winning until the final day. This is a show with lots of money on the line. You can’t take some guy with no name and put him on the team. Network is paying alot of money for this.
  
  I tell you what. With the choices and team the Davis has… if they don’ win. It’ll be brutal. USA should blow this out.
  
  Reply Report comment
- mr b
  
  Sep 12, 2016 at 1:45 pm
  
  i agree. but who would you take in place of rickie? just curious what people’s thoughts are
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Donald Quiote
    
    Sep 12, 2016 at 3:09 pm
    
    Rickie has not played great this year but statistically he still belongs on the team. He finished 11th in the points for the team. He is in the world top 10. 2 weeks ago he entered the final round leading but fell apart on the back 9. Not like there is some random person out of nowhere the is just lighting it up. From the past I feel he looks as thrilled to be at the Ryder Cup as anyone which is a good quality to have. If he loses all his matches this year then maybe next time it’s something to think about but I think he belongs.
    
    Reply Report comment

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