19th Hole
‘JT is the strongest pick’ – Fred Couples doubles down on backing of ‘no brainer’ Justin Thomas wildcard pick

On Tuesday, the United States Ryder Cup team was revealed, which has sparked debate in the world of golf.
Captain Zach Johnson announced his captain’s picks: Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, Sam Burns, and Justin Thomas.
Most of the debate has surrounded the inclusion of Justin Thomas, who had a poor season, finishing 71st in the FedEx Cup standings and missing five of his last eight cuts of the year. Keegan Bradley, Cameron Young, and Lucas Glover all had a solid case to be chosen but were passed up in favor of JT’s experience in both Ryder and President’s Cups.
Vice Captain Fred Couples, who at one point said, “Cam Young will be in Italy,” appeared on Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio to talk about the picks.
“I’ve got 50 texts today, why two or three guys aren’t on the team. And I don’t have an answer for that. The only answer I have is, this is the team, and the team has spoken.
“And if the team likes another guy a little bit better than that guy who didn’t win six tournaments and do all this, then, then no one has a problem with any of it. And I think the JT thing is the strongest pick. That was a no-brainer. The analytics would say no, the way he plays golf, said yes. One of the things JT can do is he can dissect the golf course. That’s what we’re counting on.”
Since the picks have been released, the U.S. team has been accused of being a “boys club” by fans, media, and even Keegan Bradley said he felt like an “outsider.”
“I’ve always been an outsider in the sport, but I have tried to get closer to the guys I thought would be on the team. I feel like moving forward I’m going to have to automatically qualify for the Ryder Cup,” Bradley said.
Couples classifying Thomas as “the strongest pick” and a “no-brainer” will likely raise some eyebrows due to his lackluster 2023 results. There’s no denying that all eyes will be on the two-time major champion when play begins in Rome next month.
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19th Hole
What GolfWRXers are saying about Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf

In our forums, our members are discussing the huge news of Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf. Rahm officially completed his move to LIV on Thursday evening, and WRXers have been having a lively discussion in our forums expressing their thoughts on the Spaniard’s decision and what the future may hold for professional golf as a whole.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- PARETWO: “Unless they come up with a watchable product on TV, I’ll look forward to seeing Rahm in the 4 majors only, because I’m still not sold on the LIV format, the LIV atmosphere, the LIV music on course, the LIV fake team rivalries, and Pat Perez.”
- MattyO1984: “Shame that Rahm has gone. We can all be bought I guess, I just wish that the people being bought weren’t full of it before they left before instantly doing a 180 and being full of it from the other direction.”
- rainkingjr: “He’s a greedy hypocrite just like Brooks. Good riddance. I’d have a lot more respect for both if they were just honest and said it’s all about money. Quit with the excuse making and just say it.”
- TGStan: “Grow the game lol. These guys have all but destroyed any interest I had in the professional game and I’m not alone. Yes, I know they don’t care. I know they have all the money. Thing is, I don’t care either.”
Entire Thread: “What GolfWRXers are saying about Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf”
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19th Hole
Rory McIlroy urges Ryder Cup eligibility rules to be re-written following Rahm’s LIV move

Now that Jon Rahm has officially joined LIV Golf, questions are beginning to arise surrounding the Spaniard in terms of Ryder Cup eligibility.
In Rome, any player who joined LIV Golf was not allowed to be a part of the European team. Henrik Stenson was stripped of his captaincy. European legends such as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood were not allowed near the team as players or assistant captains.
- Related: Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC side and prominent golf journalist trade insults over latest LIV trade
At the time, Rory McIlroy was in favor of the ban, and spoke harshly about the players not allowed to be a part of the Ryder Cup.
“They are going to miss being here (Rome) more than we’re missing them,” McIlroy said back in September.
However, now that the player in question is Jon Rahm, Rory is changing his tune.
While speaking to Sky Sports News, McIlroy said,
“Jon is going to be in Bethpage in 2025. Because of this decision, the European tour is going to have to rewrite the rules for Ryder Cup eligibility. There’s absolutely no question about that – I certainly want Jon Rahm on the next Ryder Cup team.”
“I’m going to miss competing against him week in, week out. He has got so much talent, he’s so tenacious and he’s a great team-mate in the Ryder Cup.
“The thing that I’ve realized is that you can’t judge someone for making a decision that they feel is the best thing for them.”
Rory McIlroy’s thoughts on Jon Rahm signing up to LIV pic.twitter.com/RsfkbFs7Mp
— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) December 8, 2023
The Northern Irishman was active this morning on X, responding to comment that questioned why he’d changed his mind since Rome.
Which is very true… we didn’t NEED any of the others in Rome and we didn’t miss them. We’d certainly miss and need Jon at Bethpage.
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) December 8, 2023
Rory and Sergio Garcia had a falling out due to Garcia’s decision to join LIV back in 2022. It seems as if he’s taking a different approach with the latest Spaniard who’s left the PGA Tour.
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- ‘Address that first’ – Adam Scott says this is the equipment issue that should be focused on
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19th Hole
Tiger, Rory, Brooks and Bryson react to Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf

On Thursday, number three player in the world, Jon Rahm, officially joined LIV Golf.
The deal is reported to be worth up to £450m, and it sent shockwaves throughout the golf universe.
Rory McIlroy shared his thoughts on Rahm joining LIV in an interview with Jamie Weir of Sky Sports.
Rory McIlroy’s thoughts on Jon Rahm signing up to LIV pic.twitter.com/RsfkbFs7Mp
— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) December 8, 2023
“I am going to miss competing against him week-in-week-out. He is such a good player, he has so much talent. He is so tenacious, and a great teammate at the Ryder Cup. I have nothing but good things to say about Jon. I respect the hell out of him as a golfer.”
“He seems like he wants to live his life the right way. He wants to be a good dad, a good husband. You can’t judge someone for making a decision that is the best thing for them.”
Rory also said that the Ryder Cup rules should be “rewritten” in order to keep the Spaniard in the fold for 2025.
“The European Tour are going to have to rewrite the rules”.
Tiger Woods, or his team, reacted by sharing a letter from the player directors, which was already shared previously on December 1st.
The Player Directors are united and all working together to represent the PGA Tour, the entire player membership, and best interests of the sport. pic.twitter.com/UPr0IV08CO
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) December 7, 2023
Brooks Koepka, who was in the final pairing with Jon Rahm at The Masters, said he was “Ready for more Sunday battles” with the Spaniard.
Ready for more Sunday battles.
LFG @JonRahmpga pic.twitter.com/JVfPGwRRQW— Brooks Koepka (@BKoepka) December 8, 2023
Bryson DeChambeau also took to X to express excitement over the Rahm signing.
Amazing to have @JonRahmpga join LIV. So happy for him and his family. Excited to compete with you once again my man and continue to play with the best players in the world.
— Bryson DeChambeau (@b_dechambeau) December 7, 2023
“Amazing to have @JonRahmpga join LIV. So happy for him and his family. Excited to compete with you once again my man and continue to play with the best players in the world.”
While speaking to David Feherty, Rahm said he believes the deal will help him, “reach a bigger audience”.
Jon Rahm on joining LIV Golf:
“I believe in the growth of the game of golf. I’ve largely spoken about how Seve improved the game of golf in Spain and I’ve always said how I would like to do the same thing over there. And if I can reach a bigger audience it would be amazing and… pic.twitter.com/iaiqqwVTFs
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) December 8, 2023
“I believe in the growth of the game of golf. I’ve largely spoken about how Seve improved the game of golf in Spain and I’ve always said how I would like to do the same thing over there. And if I can reach a bigger audience it would be amazing and I do believe this process will help me do that.”
More from the 19th Hole
- ‘I had to do it’ – Collin Morikawa explains decision to split with coach of 18 years
- ‘Address that first’ – Adam Scott says this is the equipment issue that should be focused on
- The reason behind Azinger’s NBC exit as his replacement for Hero World Challenge is revealed
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