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In or out? Nick Bonfield makes his Ryder Cup team selections

By: Golf Shake | Fri 22 Aug 2014


Post by Senior Golfshake Writer Nick Bonfield


In recent weeks, it’s been rather trying listening to Tom Watson field a barrage of questions about Tiger Woods and his suitability as a Ryder Cup pick. However, a by-product of that over-hyped topic of conversation has been an ever-growing excitement and sense of anticipation as we move nearer to golf’s biggest event. As I write this, the Ryder Cup is less than five weeks away. In just over two weeks, we’ll know the 12 individuals that will do battle against their cross-Atlantic counterparts as European automatic qualification draws to a close and both Tom Watson and Paul McGinley select three wildcard picks on September 2.

I have to say I think the nine automatic European qualifiers will stay as they are, even though there is certainly potential for change. To me, the European Points List looks completely set in stone, especially with the Czech Masters and Italian Open - events with low prize pools – the two remaining points-giving tournaments.

As such, those hoping to force their way into the automatic qualification places will need to rely on the World Points List. While there are only a projected 24 points on offer for the winner at the Czech Masters, that figure is 74 for The Barclays. But what does that mean? In short, a victory, or even high finishes, for Luke Donald, Lee Westwood or Ian Poulter in either of the next two FedEx Cup play-off events could, in theory, knock Graeme McDowell, Jamie Donaldson or even Thomas Bjorn out of the automatic places. With latter two not playing in the lucrative, and thus world ranking-points heavy, play-offs, and McDowell less than two points clear of Donald, the possibility for change is there for all to see.

However, I’m going to work off the assumption that the European nine will stay as it is. With the first nine US players already finalised (should Matt Kuchar recover from back trouble), I’m going to take on the role of McGinley and Watson and select the three players I’d choose if I were in their shoes….

European picks:

Ian Poulter 

In the aftermath of Europe’s implausible victory at Medinah, Lee Westwood said in an interview with Sky’s Tim Barter: ‘They’re changing the qualification criteria. Two captain’s picks, plus Ian Poulter.’ Simply put, Poulter absolutely has to be a pick. He is on a different level in the biennial contest and the way he single-handedly pulled Europe out of the abyss in Chicago was surely one of the best individual performances in the history of sport. His Ryder Cup record is sensational, his spirit and resolve unbreakable, his self-confidence unparalleled and his effect on other team members unquantifiable.

https://twitter.com/golf_com/status/421628202834878464

Lee Westwood

It’s been a tough season for Lee Westwood, but he’s started to come into some form of late. He shot a closing 63 at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, contended for a period in the USPGA Championship and his swing looks back to its best. Even if he doesn’t perform well in The Barclays or the Deutsche Bank Championship, his experience, versatility and matchplay attributes should see him secure a place on McGinley’s team. He’s taken part in eight Ryder Cups – winning six – and his record in matchplay golf is extremely good. At this point, it’s hard to see him being left out.

Stephen Gallacher 

It’s a tight call, but few could dispute that Stephen Gallacher is worthy of a pick. He’s been one of the European Tour’s most consistent performers this year and has notched four top-5 finishes, including victory at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. No member of the team – either set in stone or prospective – has more knowledge of Gleneagles (where Gallacher finished 2nd at the Johnnie Walker Championship in 2013), his statistics this season are very good and home support will be a huge factor for a fervently patriotic individual. In my mind, all those factors should add up to a wildcard pick.

Unlucky to miss out… Luke Donald – He’s a former world number one with a great Ryder Cup record, but his form, despite showing signs of improving, just hasn’t been good enough.

USA picks:

Keegan Bradley

With the USA’s well-documented injury woes, Keegan Bradley is a must pick, especially with Phil Mickelson rallying to make the team. He struck up a formidable partnership with the veteran at Medinah in 2012 and the pair really seemed to feed off each other’s enthusiasm and zest for competition. They delivered three points from three two years ago and I fully expect to see that partnership rekindled at Gleneagles. What’s more, Bradley is the type of cocksure player you’d expect to excel at the Ryder Cup, he paid a visit to Gleneagles before The Open to familiarise himself with the course and his form has really picked up over the last month or so.

https://twitter.com/golf_com/status/448574974966509568

Ryan Moore 

This might come as a surprise to some people, but Ryan Moore is a very good golfer with a repeatable golf swing – an important trait under the pressure of Ryder Cup competition. He finished just two spots outside the automatic qualification places, so was unlucky to miss out on merit, and his strong performances in the Open Championship over the last two years tell me he’s someone who feels comfortable playing golf outside America (his win in Malaysia at the end of last year would suggest that, too). I also see him as a reliable companion in both fourball and foursomes golf. Moreover, Watson has frequently spoken about the importance of form influencing selection. Moore’s recent results? Four top-12 finishes in his last five starts.

Brandt Snedeker

The last wildcard was a very tough call, but Brandt Snedeker has just edged it. He’s endured a tough year but has started to turn things around over the last month or so. It’s no coincidence that his form has improved since he joined Butch Harmon’s stable – a move that I think has galvanised him. He’s also one of – if not, the – best putters in the world, and having someone on your team with the ability to hole more than his share of clutch putts is a huge bonus.

Unlucky to miss out…. Webb Simpson – he’s another player who has enjoyed a recent return to form and he acquitted himself very well en debut in 2012. Still, it remains to be seen if Matt Kuchar will be able to take his place. If he can’t, Simpson is the perfect replacement.

It’s going to be hugely difficult for both captains to narrow it down to three picks and I’m glad I’m not in their shoes. Much has been made about Dustin Johnson’s leave of absence, Woods’ woes, Jason Dufner’s neck and Kuchar’s back, but Watson still has a vast body of quality players to choose from. It’s also an unenviable task for McGinley, who must somehow whittle down a list including Westwood, Donald, Poulter, Gallacher, Francesco Molinari and Joost Luiten. Let’s just say it’s a decision I’m glad I don’t have to make.

Oh, and while we’re at it, I’ll go for a 15-13 European victory. Be sure to leave your predictions in the comment box below.


The Ryder Cup is unlike any other tournament in golf and the atmosphere is something that every golf fan should experience. The experts at Golfbreaks.com can help with all aspects of your Ryder Cup experience, from accommodation and ticket packages to hospitality and travel and playing some of the fantastic nearby courses.


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