Tour News
U.S. Ryder Cup Picks: Did DL3 get them right?
It’s a fool’s errand to sit here and tell you whether Davis Love III and his “Task Force” got the captain’s picks right. Next Sunday is the real barometer of whether Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar, J.B. Holmes and Ryan Moore should have made the team, or if leaving someone like Bubba Watson off the team was a mistake. It’s no different than arguing whether your team drafted the right player in your favorite sport. Sure things become busts, and no-names become legends.
We are in our final week of second guessing, questioning and arguing over the U.S. Ryder Cup picks. Should Watson have replaced Holmes… or should Berger be playing instead of Fowler? On and on down the line. But let’s be honest; there were no sure picks for this team. No one player deserved to be chosen. There were no “wrong” or “right” picks. Only eight players deserved to make the team, and those eight players did make the team. But with that said, there are some questions about each guy selected and whether they were the right choice for the team.
It starts with Rickie Fowler. Of Fowler, Love III said, “We found no weaknesses in his game.” He also cited his ability to perform on the big stage and intangibles as a teammate. There is little doubt Fowler is the most popular player on the team, which may be his biggest intangible. Fans will love him and cheer loudly every time he tees off. But while popular — maybe the most popular player in golf — his record leaves one wanting more. He has lost multiple leads this year after 54-holes. He failed to compete for a win at any of the majors this year, and he had a poor showing at the Olympics. Fowler didn’t even make the top-30 for the Tour Championship. And maybe more importantly, he’s never won a Ryder Cup match, which makes it questionable if that is the type of experience you want on the team.
Matt Kuchar has had a decent year, but hardly anything to write home about. He had a great Sunday at the Olympics to earn a bronze medal, but how often is a third-place finish worthy of a Ryder Cup spot? Plus, he did it against a small field with most of the best golfers in the world absent. In his defense, he seems to have the personality the team needs and has actual wins as a Ryder Cup player. A guy who doesn’t seem to do anything great, but everything well, Kuchar will be looked to bring home valuable points if the U.S. is going to win.
J.B. Holmes has a game that would seem to fit Hazeltine and its 7,600-yard layout the best. He has the ability to bomb the ball past anyone on the European team not named McIlroy, and has shown improvement with the putter this year. He has two top-four finishes at the majors and made the Tour Championship. Pairing him with a great iron player during the alternate shot format should form a strong pairing that could lead to a lot of birdies.
Love III’s final pick seems his most defensible. Ryan Moore has had a strong year and was a match play legend as an amateur. He also has a top-five finish at the WGC-Dell Match Play this year and went head to head Sunday with McIlroy at the Tour Championship, matching his 64 and taking him to extra holes. Another guy who does everything well, but nothing great, would seem to have an opportunity to be a strong player this weekend. The question is, how much of an opportunity will he get? He could have and likely should have been one of the first three players picked for the team, but wasn’t.
It isn’t clear if Love III wanted Moore or if he forced his way onto the team with his Sunday finish. With Love III moving his final pick to after the Tour Championship, he almost had to pick Moore. If not, the change in selection process could have been seen as a farce. Which leads to the other obvious question: How important was this Task Force if it was all tossed aside based on a guy coming in second at the Tour Championship?
Love III had other options, players who played well this year on the big stage and some who have the Ryder Cup experience Love III seemed to cherish. Bill Haas finished ninth this year for aggregate score at all the majors. He has been a successful President’s Cup player and been on Ryder Cup teams. Bubba Watson had a stronger major campaign than Fowler and adds the distance that may be required for Hazeltine. Kevin Na finished in fourth at 13-over for aggregate major score and has a quirkiness on the course that could have frustrated European players.
But the picks are in and the matches are about to begin. We won’t have to guess much longer whether all the build up to the picks mattered. If Love III is holding the cup on Sunday night, he made the right choices and it was worth it.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
GolfWRX is on site this week in McKinney, Texas, at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson (FKA the AT&T Byron Nelson).
Last year at TPC Craig Ranch, Jason Day ended a five-year winless streak. J-Day is in the field again, as are Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, and Will Zalatoris.
We have our usual assortment of general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums for your perusal. As always, we’ll continue to add links to additional albums as they make their way to us from the Lone Star State.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #3
WITB Albums
- Pierceson Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kris Kim – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- David Nyfjall – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Adrien Dumont de Chassart – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Jarred Jetter – North Texas PGA Section Champ – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Richy Werenski – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Wesley Bryan – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Parker Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Peter Kuest – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Blaine Hale, Jr. – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kelly Kraft – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Rico Hoey – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Pullout Albums
- Adam Scott’s 2 new custom L.A.B. Golf putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Scotty Cameron putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Ben Griffin playing Maxfli golf ball
See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage
GolfWRX is on site this week at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island for the RBC Heritage. Plenty of golfers who competed in the Masters last week will be making the quick turnaround in the Lowcountry of South Carolina as the Heritage is again one of the Tour’s Signature Events.
We have general albums for you to check out, as well as plenty of WITBs — including Justin Thomas and Justin Rose.
We’ll continue to update as more photos flow in from SC.
Check out links to all our photos, below.
General Albums
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #2
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Justin Thomas – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Rose – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Chandler Phillips – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Nick Dunlap – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Thomas Detry – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Austin Eckroat – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Jason Day – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Will Zalatoris – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Patrick Cantlay – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Ludvig Aberg – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Collin Morikawa – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Sam Burns – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Stephen Jaeger – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
Pullout Albums
- Wyndham Clark’s Odyssey putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- JT’s new Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Thomas testing new Titleist 2 wood – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey putter with triple track alignment aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Scotty Cameron The Blk Box putting alignment aid/training aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey Ai One Eleven T putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Christian Bezuidenhout – testing new Callaway Ti 340 mini driver – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele testing the Callaway Ti 340 mini driver & the DUW – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Byeong Hun An, two new L.A.B. Golf putter builds with “T” alignment – 2024 RBC Heritage
See what GolfWRXers are saying and join the discussion in the forums.
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Snoopy
Sep 30, 2016 at 8:30 am
I voiced pretty much the same opinions as this article in a conversation the other day. One other player I’m lukewarm about is Zach Johnson. He’s consistently very mediocre and only wins a tournament once in a while. High floor, low ceiling. Not that I really know what I’m doing, but I would swap him for one of the younger guys, like a Kevin Chappell, who bombs it and is absolutely on fire right now. I get that he auto qualified but still… there’s plenty of other play’s I’d put my money on to win ONE event.
Grizz01
Sep 28, 2016 at 8:44 pm
Exactly… and if the US loses… He will be the reason why.
ChrisG
Sep 28, 2016 at 2:21 pm
So why wasn’t Bubba selected ?
Was it related to his play … or personality ?
Mr. Wedge
Sep 28, 2016 at 9:16 am
I think it’s pretty clear Fowler was chosen for his camaraderie, not his skills. I don’t totally disagree with the pick for this reason.
KJ
Sep 28, 2016 at 9:29 am
Well, camaraderie doesn’t win golf matches. His being part of the team in the past hasn’t helped the US win? Fowler is not an ideal match play competitor in my opinion. I think he lacks the necessary toughness. If there is a single pick of the 4 that is to be questioned, its Fowler. I think DL3 has taken a huge risk with him.
KJ
Sep 28, 2016 at 9:33 am
The US hasn’t won with Fowler in the past with all of the “camaraderie? he has brought to the team? Huge risk that DL3 has taken with him. He is not a good match player b/c he lacks toughness in my opinion. Quit being so damn nice and play with a chip on your shoulder.
Grizz01
Sep 28, 2016 at 8:46 pm
Fowler has zero points in the Ryder Cup. Only played in the Olympics because others bowed out. Has had a terrible last 3 months. You want to pick a guy who is hot right now.
tom
Sep 27, 2016 at 10:10 pm
DL3 as captain is about as exciting as Norv Turner being the head coach of your football team.
KJ
Sep 27, 2016 at 1:35 pm
Lets be clear. Making the final 4 picks is not easy. There are 10-12 players that could have been picked for various different reasons. I do think the Americans have put too much stock into the “task force” and selection process. In the end, you have to play good golf and make putts. Europe has done that much better than the USA the last 10-15 years. The team hoisting the Cup on Sunday will have played better than their counterparts. No surprise.
Michael
Sep 27, 2016 at 4:52 pm
I think that there is a tendency in North American sport to analyze and process everything to death. Sure, you can look at stats and whatnot, but it really is about who is playing better golf, and who has created a team that enables its golfers to play their best.
Hack
Sep 27, 2016 at 7:23 pm
I am a huge Epl fan and I assure you they do the same thing across the pond.
Jon
Sep 27, 2016 at 10:13 am
With a record of 0-3-5 they found the perfect Furyk replacement in Fowler.
Bwall
Sep 27, 2016 at 11:12 am
I don’t understand the “task force” for the American. Let’s gather in a room, act like we are really doing something, and then bring back everyone who hasn’t been able to get the job done in the past.
All started when Tom benched Mickelson in the afternoon session because he sprayed the ball all over the place in the AM. Then Phil threw his captain under the bus in the media. How about instead of whining, you hit the ball straighter, win a few matches, and don’t stand there smiling and clapping as Poulter is giving it to you from behind.
I’m American, and I so hope the Europeans embarrass the crap out them and put this “task force” nonsense to rest.
KJ
Sep 28, 2016 at 9:30 am
Really? You hope the US loses? Some patriot you are.
Grizz01
Sep 28, 2016 at 8:48 pm
Yep… the task force… if anything should have been lead by and dominated by the Guy who captained a winning dominate team… Paul Azinger! Hardly talked to at all. And… Paul won without Tiger Wood.
Michael
Sep 27, 2016 at 9:54 am
So much chatter about selecting a team that isn’t going to win anyway.
Colin Gillbanks
Sep 27, 2016 at 10:22 am
Surely you’d have your guys down as favourites this time?
*sorry, I’m making an assumption that you’re American. Apologies if not correct.
Michael
Sep 27, 2016 at 11:02 am
I am not.