With the major championship season now halfway complete, the Ryder Cup is drawing closer, just four months away. The final rosters for both the U.S. and European teams are still uncertain as captains Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald continue to evaluate players before making their selections.
While Captain Bradley`s own strong play has helped him climb the U.S. standings, Captain Donald recently visited Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, the venue for the Ryder Cup taking place from September 26th to 28th, following his participation in the PGA Championship.
Donald commented on his visit, stating, “I`m going to have a quick look.”
The top six golfers from each team`s respective points lists will earn automatic spots. Captains Bradley and Donald will then each make six discretionary captain`s picks to round out their twelve-man squads.
Here is an assessment of the current player situation for both teams.
U.S. Team Status
Confirmed Team Members
Scottie Scheffler
The world`s number one player has returned to his dominant form, highlighted by securing his third major championship victory at the PGA Championship. Scheffler will be looking for a better outcome after his 0-2-2 record in the U.S. team`s loss in Rome in 2023, which included a historic 9 & 7 defeat in a pairing. His combination of driving power, accuracy, and world-class iron play makes him ideally suited for Bethpage Black, reminiscent of his successful 2-0-1 performance as a rookie in 2021.
Xander Schauffele
Schauffele, a recent major winner at the 2024 PGA Championship, is performing strongly following an earlier rib injury this season. His two previous Ryder Cup appearances have shown stark contrasts: a successful 3-1-0 record in 2021 versus a challenging 1-3 record in 2023. Regardless, he is undeniably one of the sport`s elite players.
Bryson DeChambeau
Known for hitting the ball further than anyone else in professional golf, DeChambeau has consistently contended in five out of the last six major championships. A multiple U.S. Open champion, he also featured prominently in the final groups at the Masters in April. His putting skills are often underestimated. After a tough Ryder Cup debut in 2018 (0-3), he improved significantly in 2021 (2-0-1). Omitting him from the 2023 team was debated, and his popular appeal and infectious energy would make him a valuable asset and crowd favorite at Bethpage Black.
Justin Thomas
Following two years of inconsistent form, Thomas has shown signs of recovery, including a win at the RBC Heritage in April. Despite missing the cut at the Masters and PGA Championship, which was unexpected, he is still likely to make the team if his game remains stable. Thomas has been a key player for the U.S. in team events, with a strong career record of 7-4-2 across three appearances. While his selection and 1-2-1 record in Rome in 2023 were discussed, few U.S. players performed well that week.
Collin Morikawa
Morikawa`s Ryder Cup history mirrors Schauffele`s, with a dominant 3-0-1 record in 2021 followed by a 1-3 showing in 2023. The two-time major champion hasn`t won since October 2023 but is playing at a high level, capable of winning before September. His ball-striking is back to elite status, ranking high in strokes gained categories. Morikawa`s adaptable game style makes him a suitable partner for many players on the roster.
Likely Selections
Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay has not recorded a tour win since August 2022 and has had mixed results in majors this year (two top 25s, two missed cuts). However, his extensive Ryder Cup experience and strong performance in the last two events (3-0-1 in 2021, 2-2 in 2023) make him a probable choice. Known for his calm demeanor, even amidst the `hatgate` controversy in 2023, Cantlay possesses a solid team record (5-2-1 in Ryder Cups, 10-4 in Presidents Cups). Captain Bradley will likely prioritize this experience and consistent success in team formats.
Russell Henley
Henley is recognized as one of the world`s best iron players and is an excellent putter when in form. Although not a long hitter, his precision is a valuable asset. He secured a PGA Tour win this season (Valero Texas Open in April) but missed the cut at the recent two majors. Henley impressed with a 3-1 record at the 2023 Presidents Cup, including success when paired with Scheffler, a partnership that could be effective again at Bethpage Black.
Candidates for Captain`s Picks
Brooks Koepka
The five-time major champion`s performance outside the LIV Golf League has been inconsistent over the past two seasons, marked by a recent streak of finishes outside the top 25 in majors. Nevertheless, his considerable Ryder Cup experience (7-6-2 record) and proven success at Bethpage Black, where he won the 2019 PGA Championship, position him as a strong contender for a pick.
Harris English
English earned his fifth PGA Tour title in January at the Farmers Insurance Open and has shown good form in recent majors, finishing tied for 12th at the Masters and second at the PGA Championship. He offers sufficient length off the tee and is a proficient putter. With a 1-2-0 record as a rookie in 2021, he is in contention for a spot.
Jordan Spieth
Spieth`s struggles last season were largely attributed to a wrist injury requiring surgery in August. However, there are signs of his game improving, including top finishes earlier this year. Despite a missed cut recently and a less-than-stellar performance in Rome, his extensive Ryder Cup career record (8-9-5) and valuable experience make him a highly probable captain`s pick for Bradley.
Brian Harman
Harman claimed his fourth tour victory in April at the Valero Texas Open. While some may question if Bethpage Black`s length suits his game, he is an outstanding putter and has a strong background in amateur match play. His pairing with Max Homa in Rome was one of the few positive outcomes for the American team.
Maverick McNealy
The former Stanford standout secured his first PGA Tour victory in November at the RSM Classic and has recorded multiple other strong finishes this season (runner-up at Genesis Invitational, T3 at Valero Texas Open and RBC Heritage). At 29 years old, he is a promising candidate for a Ryder Cup debut, having prior team competition experience in events like the Arnold Palmer Cup and Walker Cup.
Keegan Bradley
Bradley has previously stated that he would only consider being a playing captain if he automatically qualified. However, if other potential team members do not show consistent form, he might need to consider using a captain`s pick on himself. The 38-year-old recently finished T8 at the PGA Championship, adding to a solid season. This situation presents an interesting irony, given that he was a controversial omission from the 2023 team.
Daniel Berger
Berger has not won in over four years, having been sidelined by a significant back injury for two seasons. However, he has recently been appearing on leaderboards again this year and was a member of the successful 2021 Ryder Cup team.
Max Homa
Max Homa has faced inconsistencies over the past year, but his game appears to be improving (including a T12 finish at the Masters and better play at the PGA Championship than his T60 result suggests). He was the top performer for the U.S. team in Rome, earning 3.5 points with a 3-1-1 record, and also holds a strong 5-2 record in Presidents Cups.
Other Players to Watch
Additional players being monitored include Andrew Novak, Sam Burns, J.J. Spaun, Wyndham Clark, Michael Kim, Tony Finau, Lucas Glover, Denny McCarthy, Ben Griffin, J.T. Poston, and Davis Riley.
European Team Status
Confirmed Team Members
Rory McIlroy
Having completed his career Grand Slam with a victory at the Masters, Rory McIlroy leads the European Ryder Cup standings by a considerable margin after an outstanding season that includes wins at Pebble Beach and The Players Championship. Despite finishing T47 at the PGA Championship, he remains the undisputed leader and best player on the team. With a career Ryder Cup record of 16-13-4, McIlroy`s stated goal is to win an away Ryder Cup, an objective he will pursue in New York this September.
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm had a eventful week at the PGA Championship. Despite a challenging finish, he was firmly in contention and briefly shared the lead on the back nine – his closest challenge in a major since his 2023 Masters victory. He expressed renewed energy and enjoyment from being in the competitive mix. While currently 24th on the European points list, Rahm, a veteran of three Ryder Cups, is considered a certainty for a captain`s pick from Luke Donald.
Likely Selections
Ludvig Åberg
Ludvig Åberg`s selection for the 2023 European team, surprising only due to his age and rookie status, proved to be an inspired decision, foreshadowing his rapid rise. Now a top-ranked player, his recent performance has been somewhat inconsistent (disappointing results at the PGA and over the past month). However, he has already won this year and is currently 5th in the standings, making him a virtual certainty for the team, building on his previous team experience.
Sepp Straka
Sepp Straka`s missed cut at the PGA Championship was unexpected, particularly as it followed a recent victory (his second PGA Tour win this season). Fatigue from a busy schedule (15 events played) may have contributed to his performance, resulting in two missed major cuts this year. Nonetheless, his 5th place standing and prior team experience make him highly likely to be on the team.
Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry, ranked among the world`s top 15 players, is highly probable for the team, just below the level of certainty of McIlroy and Rahm. After a strong showing at the Masters despite a difficult final round and missing the PGA cut, his overall season form remains solid, featuring four top-10 finishes and a runner-up finish at Pebble Beach. His successful partnership with McIlroy at the Zurich Classic suggests they could form a potent pairing at Bethpage.
Tyrrell Hatton
Tyrrell Hatton`s transition to LIV Golf has not impacted his consistency; his play remains strong, placing him 4th on the European Ryder Cup standings. He was a formidable force at the 2023 Ryder Cup, achieving a 3-0-1 record including a singles victory. It would require significant developments for him not to be included on the team.
Viktor Hovland
Viktor Hovland has had an interesting year, reportedly still grappling with swing issues. Despite this, he was a contender at the 2023 PGA Championship and secured a win at the Valspar Championship this season, notably after missing three consecutive cuts. His current standing is 12th, reflecting some volatility, but his talent makes his selection a near certainty.
Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood may not be the highest-ranked player without a major, but he is arguably the most consistent. He has not missed a cut all season and has recorded three top-10 finishes while still pursuing his first PGA Tour victory. Ranked 7th on the Ryder Cup standings and within the world`s top 15, his inclusion on the team is highly probable.
Candidates for Captain`s Picks
Justin Rose
Many anticipated that Justin Rose`s 2023 appearance might be his final Ryder Cup. However, he has demonstrated remarkable form this season, nearly winning the Masters and achieving three top-10 finishes, proving he is still competing at a very high level and should not be counted out for a pick.
Rasmus Højgaard
The 24-year-old Rasmus Højgaard has the advantage of having been on the previous team, similar to Åberg, though his season includes only one top-10 finish (achieved alongside his brother Nicolai at the Zurich Classic). Nevertheless, the possibility of selecting a promising younger player with future potential over an older, more experienced one keeps him in contention.
Robert MacIntyre
Robert MacIntyre, who also debuted at the last Ryder Cup, was initially viewed by some as a potential weakness for the European side but performed admirably with a 2-0-1 record. Currently ranked 15th in the standings, he remains a possibility for a captain`s pick.
Thomas Detry
Thomas Detry entered the Ryder Cup discussion after winning the WM Phoenix Open this year, propelling him to 9th in the European standings. However, his performance in majors (two missed cuts) is a point of concern, and he will likely need strong results in the upcoming months to convince Captain Donald to select him.
Other Players to Watch
Other European players being monitored include Aaron Rai, Stephan Jaeger, Nicolai Højgaard, and Alex Noren.
