US Ryder Cup team selections (*** NO LIV DISCUSSIONS ***)

[Hawkeye77]

45 minutes ago, jkumpire said:

You know, if he was still available maybe this guy would have been chosen, he seems like a guy who could partner with anyone:

 

 

He's dead.

[Forged4ever]

8 minutes ago, SatchelRuaz said:

 

Huh? Mostly to no avail? 

 

The US has won 2 of the last 3 Ryder Cups using their current strategy. That's after losing 8 of the previous 10 prior to the task force. 

 

I would argue the team building stuff that captains like Tom Watson felt they needed to do during the week are gone because the team already feels comfortable with one another. Now they can do their recovery routines and things of that nature. Then when they go to the team room to hang out they don't have to introduce themselves and tell everyone their favorite TV show.

 

It's very clear that some have never played a team sport and therefore don't understand having a level of comfort with your teammates. Lesser talented teams beat more talented teams all the time due to the fabric that binds them together. That's literally what made Europe dominate the Ryder Cup for a 20 year stretch. The United States had better players year after year, but they weren't a team. ZJ built his team, he didn't look at just stats and roll out the stat kings. 

 

I was at Hazeltine and Whistling Straits and I wanted those badly, but I want this one more than those just to show folks that building an actual team and not just going chalk has merit. Euros will tell you the the camaraderie is what caused them to turn the tides of this event after they got waxed for years.

 

And every Euro hates JT. You know why? Because he's everything they had in Poulter for years. He's the guy that gets up for the big game and then rubs it in your face. He'll get up again this year and it'll be a sight to see. 

Jesus, I feel like I'm reading one of my posts😂🤣😂

 

Not to pat myself on the back, though I LOVVVVVE this post, along with the thoughts and reasoning behind it!!!

 

Why?

 

Cuz history supports it!!

 

FWIW, Myriad Euros, from past Captians to Players have stated previously that their personal and Tour friendships are the lifeblood of their successes, whether it be at the Team Level or their match Partner levels. 

 

Oh, and the Z's "Pod" system?

 

Its been used in four national Team events, ie., Ryder Cup, Curtis Cup, Walker Cup & Porter Cup, and is 4-0

 

Great Post👊

RP

Edited August 30, 2023 by Forged4ever

[SatchelRuaz]

7 minutes ago, Louis_Posture said:

Zach Johnson earned a Captaincy position, but for this Cup the PGA could have appointed Larry Nelson or Mark O'Meara as Captain.

Johnson is younger than Irwin or O'Meara, so Johnson's turn could come at a later time.

 

No offense to Larry Nelson, Hale Irwin or Mark O'Meara, great US players and great men, but they didn't even play the same game guys play on tour now. I'm certain they would tell you that. Being able to relate to players in some form is a huge factor. Zach is still out on tour with these guys. And everyone else that has captained the team recently at least saw the game transform toward the tail end of their career. 

 

The fact is, the guys who have been vice captains recently, when the tide has turned, are most suited to captain the squad, regardless of age. Freddie and now Stewart Cink are likely in line as well. Larry Nelson, Hale Irwin and Mark O'Meara will likely never be captains. They should've gotten that call years ago and didn't, but the past is the past. You can't right that wrong now. I do think you'll see O'Meara as a vice when Tiger gets the call. 

[Bye]

4 minutes ago, bladehunter said:

Probably Brooks 😎.  I kid I kid. It’s definitely Brooks. 
 

Paul Casey maybe ??  It’s got to be a low bar. 

Sorry for jumping in. I think it is Thomas Pieters at around 65 on the list. Hell of a player, also great at breaking clubs!

[Togatown22]

14 hours ago, grm24 said:

What other good things is Keegan specifically bringing to the table inside/outside the ropes? Consistently high finishes and week in week out great play is not one of them.

He loves the competition of the RC, gets him fired up.  Was very vocal about how important making this team was to him.  Did Burns ever mention it in the media? 

Keegan also brings RC experience, he's been there twice in the heat / pressure.

 

Also - Burns has one top-10 since May, so let's not act like he's lighting up leaderboards every weekend. 

[MK7Golf21]

not that big of a deal tbh, we are talking about Keegan and Glover. Highly doubt its going to be much difference in the fate of the cup over picking one or both of them. I get Zachs picks, maybe do Keegan instead of Burns but sounds like Burns was more the team player. As this level of talent won't matter much.

 

JT and Jordan did pretty well in that TNT the match back in Dec. to take down Rory/Tiger a little while back but still.

Edited August 30, 2023 by MK7Golf21

[Forged4ever]

21 minutes ago, Louis_Posture said:

 

Do you happen to know in which Liv player has the highest position on the European Ryder Cup Points list?

Hey Brother, how goes it👊

 

I do not know that and in fact tried to find out this very fact yesterday to shut this jerk-off up at the club(Yah, I realize that in all likelihood he describes me the same way as I'm "right" 90%+ of the time cuz he comes off the cuff based on emotions, not facts😂😂), and his was the most up to date list that I could find, though it doesn't answer the question, cept to say that the European LIV contingency is very "meh" and definitely over paid, lol

 

https://www.rydercup.com/news-media/the-players-in-contention-for-final-european-ryder-cup-qualifying-spots

 

All the Best🍻

RP

Edited August 30, 2023 by Forged4ever

[SatchelRuaz]

6 minutes ago, Albatross Dreamer said:

I'm well aware that it's more than just great players that go into making a team as I've built several myself. 

 

For me personally the JT arguments would hold more weight if he had an average year, say finished 50th in playoff or whatever, vs the year he had. Others clearly care less about current form, which is fine. Much of the disagreement in this thread I think just comes from we all have different preferences for how players should be selected, and I don't think any of them are wrong as long as it's consistent.

 

This year I would of used JT's down year as a chance to get another player in there such as Finau, Young, Bradley or Glover. Long-term I'd probably favor going either top 12 points, or maybe 1-2 captain's picks. But that's just me.

 

I think part of what needs to be considered is the long term vision of US team golf. I don't think there is anyone that would argue that JT top 4 player in terms of the future of US team golf. That's another reason why you put him on this team given he barely missed out. 

 

Lucas Glover and Keegan Bradley are on the back nine. JT is just about to make the turn. Finau missed by a long shot. I could argue Cam Young, but I don't think it's JT that took that spot. I think it's Sam Burns. 

 

But then again, I'm sure there's a hope that Sam Burns is what you're talking about. It's an opportunity to get a young guy some experience that you hope can factor in long term. Especially given he fits with the team, being close with Scottie who is also in that JT camp of factoring long term.

[tatertot]

7 hours ago, WhostherealSlimShady said:

Like your post?

This makes no sense ... but OK. You are correct. You win the internets for today.

[Shilgy]

1 hour ago, golfnhack said:

The US deserves to lose now. Stupid picks. JT. What a laugh. It is like Stacy Lewis picking Lexi when she is 140th on the LPGA money list and lost her card. Complete farce. And disrespectful to the other players.

Lewis did not “pick” Lexi….she qualified based on Rolex Rankings.

 

• The top two players on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings at the end of the Qualifying Period are not already qualified under the Solheim Cup points criteria. In the event of a tie (equal points), the player with the higher ranking on the U.S. Solheim Cup points list at the end of the Qualifying Period will be selected.

[Anthony Stevens]

19 hours ago, Oliver Klozoff said:

The reason for more captain's picks was to pick guys that were hot at the time.

 

I keep reading this but don't necessarily agree.

 

Match play competition experience?

Team chemistry?

Intestinal fortitude under pressure?
Killer instinct?

Pairing strategies?

 

More than one reason to consider or not consider someone for the team.

[bladehunter]

9 minutes ago, Anthony Stevens said:

 

I keep reading this but don't necessarily agree.

 

Match play competition experience?

Team chemistry?

Intestinal fortitude under pressure?
Killer instinct?

Pairing strategies?

 

More than one reason to consider or not consider someone for the team.

I think way too much is made of pairings.  Some pairings are great. But some bad results are Just bad play.  Keegan was left off for this very reason.  And I think it’s ridiculous….

 

I hope he uses it as fuel to work to make the next team.  He’s correct. They won’t choose him no matter what and that’s  wrong in my opinion. 

guys like Keegan are rarely bad partners or bad company. They just don’t do well with jerks.  Look at him and Phil.  As much bad as I say about phill lately.  Phil obviously took Keegan under his wing socially and made him included vs excluded. And he played well in response.  

 

 

https://www.golfwrx.com/722627/keegan-bradley-suggests-he-wont-ever-get-another-ryder-cup-wildcard-pick-as-outsider-of-sport/ 

Edited August 30, 2023 by bladehunter

[bscinstnct]

What’s funny is these guys don’t care 🤣

 

They just go drinking and hang out ping pong 🏓 and play the outing while wives run up bills shopping in Roma 😳

 

All the captains care about is getting to wear the cool ear pieces like they Secret Service 🤣

 

 

[grm24]

1 hour ago, golfnhack said:

The US deserves to lose now. Stupid picks. JT. What a laugh. It is like Stacy Lewis picking Lexi when she is 140th on the LPGA money list and lost her card. Complete farce. And disrespectful to the other players.

Here is how Lexi qualified. Great rant though. Kudos to you.

 

[Duct Tape]

1 hour ago, Louis_Posture said:

A spot on the Ryder Cup roster is supposed to be a reward for 2 years worth of play.

 

Man, you just don’t get it, do you?  This isn’t about rewarding anyone and making everyone feel good. They’re not giving out trophies like in youth soccer for participation. This is about winning the Ryder Cup. 
 

Many here don’t like Zach’s pics. Fair game. I even agree with some of those folks. But he’s the captain. Chosen in the same way as many previous ones, based on his professional career, leadership ability, and dedication to the RC. There is no doubt his strong feelings about the PGAT came into play. Can’t deny that. 
 

Would I have rather seen someone else, maybe Larry Nelson (a true RC hero)?  Probably yeah, but what I think and $5 buys you a cup of cappuccino. 
 

But he’s liked and respected by his fellow competitors. And seems to be a good, family man, which in the context of all too many other professional athletes these days, is refreshing.
 

His picks are his picks, hoping they will be the best ones to win in September.  Decisions are tough when you’re at the top.  I hope he’s right.   Moving on.
 

Go US 🇺🇸
 

 

Edited August 30, 2023 by Duct Tape

[bladehunter]

1 minute ago, grm24 said:

Here is how Lexi qualified. Great rant though. Kudos to you.

 

How on earth is she 140th on the money list.  And still 21st in the world ?  Something crazy somewhere. No ? 

[3whacker]

Enough of the bickering over team selection....its over and done, and not a darn thing we can do about it, lets talk pairings

I figure Donald will go with Foursomes in the morning session since that is traditionally the US weak point

So If I am ZJ here is who I throw out there

 

Xander- Cantlay

Rickie- Homa

Brooks- Scottie

YJS- JT

 

I follow it in the afternoon with

 

Harman- Clark

Burns- Scottie

Brooks- Morikawa

Cantlay- Schauffle

Edited August 30, 2023 by 3whacker

[jimecherry]

2 minutes ago, Duct Tape said:

Man, you just don’t get it, do you?  This isn’t about rewarding anyone and making everyone feel good. We’re not giving out trophies like in youth soccer for participation. This is about winning the Ryder Cup. 
 

Many here don’t like Zach’s pics. Fair game. I even agree with some of those folks. But he’s the captain. Chosen in the same way as many previous ones, based on his professional career, leadership ability, and dedication to the RC. There is no doubt his strong feelings about the PGAT came into play. Can’t deny that. 
 

But he’s liked and respected by his fellow competitors. And seems to be a good, family man, which in the context of all too many other professional athletes these days, is refreshing.
 

His picks are his picks, hoping they will be the best ones to win in September.  Decisions are tough when you’re at the top.  I hope he’s right.   Moving on.
 

Go US 🇺🇸

us has lost the last 6 ryder cups outside the usa i'm  sure this time theyll win ;}

[jimecherry]

6 minutes ago, bladehunter said:

How on earth is she 140th on the money list.  And still 21st in the world ?  Something crazy somewhere. No ? 

lpga doesnt own the rankings like the pga does so players playing well this year dont move up as fast in the rolex rankings due to a higher spread of points globally.

[kmbean]

6 minutes ago, 3whacker said:

Enough of the bickering over team selection....its over and done, and not a darn thing we can do about it, lets talk pairings

I figure Donald will go with Foursomes in the morning session since that is traditionally the US weak point

So If I am ZJ here is who I throw out there

 

Xander- Cantlay

Rickie- Homa

Brooks- Scottie

YJS- JT

 

I follow it in the afternoon with

 

Harman- Clark

Burns- Scottie

Brooks- ?

Cantlay- Schauffle

I like that Brooks/Scottie pairing.

[Duct Tape]

9 minutes ago, 3whacker said:

Enough of the bickering over team selection....its over and done, and not a darn thing we can do about it, lets talk pairings

I figure Donald will go with Foursomes in the morning session since that is traditionally the US weak point

So If I am ZJ here is who I throw out there

 

Xander- Cantlay

Rickie- Homa

Brooks- Scottie

YJS- JT

 

I follow it in the afternoon with

 

Harman- Clark

Burns- Scottie

Brooks- ?

Cantlay- Schauffle

The thought of Spieth and Thomas in an alternate shot game gives me great pause 😳🏌🏼‍♀️

[Duct Tape]

7 minutes ago, jimecherry said:

us has lost the last 6 ryder cups outside the usa i'm  sure this time theyll win ;}

Actually, as I’ve posted since the original post, my confidence level is very low. 

[Wasted_Talent]

Just now, Duct Tape said:

The thought of Spieth and Thomas in an alternate shot game gives me great pause 😳🏌🏼‍♀️

 

 

They should start now if they want to finish by dark.

[Duct Tape]

Just now, Wasted_Talent said:

 

 

They should start now if they want to finish by dark.

The converse, unfortunately, is that it could be a very short 2 hour match. 🤓😳🏌🏼‍♀️

[jimecherry]

5 minutes ago, kmbean said:

I like that Brooks/Scottie pairing.

bigger question is who plays who on sunday brooks vs rahm, scottie vs rory or scottie vs rahm and brooks vs rory

[grm24]

8 minutes ago, bladehunter said:

How on earth is she 140th on the money list.  And still 21st in the world ?  Something crazy somewhere. No ? 

The Rolex World Rankings are to blame. Like the OWGR its a 2 year rolling calendar with a slow points drop off. IIRC she started the year at world number 6. Is now 26th after missing another cut. She earned a ton of those points last year along with a win on the LET. This year she has been flat out awful. 9 LPGA events, 7 missed cuts, best finish of 30 something. 4 majors played, 3 missed cuts and a 47th. 

[goaliedad30]

1 hour ago, golfnhack said:

 It is like Stacy Lewis picking Lexi when she is 140th on the LPGA money list and lost her card. 

 

I believe that Lexi T was an automatic qualifier based on her world ranking (with Rose Zhang being the other Solheim Cup qualifier via that route). She was not a captain's pick.

[grm24]

13 minutes ago, jimecherry said:

lpga doesnt own the rankings like the pga does so players playing well this year dont move up as fast in the rolex rankings due to a higher spread of points globally.

LOL. Lilia Vu this season blows that statement out of the water.

[Wasted_Talent]

8 minutes ago, Duct Tape said:

The converse, unfortunately, is that it could be a very short 2 hour match. 🤓😳🏌🏼‍♀️

 

Very possible.  They may need to grab some balls at the turn.

[tatertot]

8 minutes ago, Duct Tape said:

The converse, unfortunately, is that it could be a very short 2 hour match. 🤓😳🏌🏼‍♀️

Can they lose on the front 9 in match play?