31 August 2023 , 20:24
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U.S. Ryder Cup vice-captain Fred Couples has addressed the so-called 'boys club' selection process surrounding the American team, after admitting Keegan Bradley not being 'tight' with other players played a part in him losing out on a spot.
Captain Zach Johnson revealed his six captain's picks - adding to the already-qualified Scottie Scheffler, Brian Harman, Wyndham Clark, Max Homa, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. The release of the skipper's selections was one of the most highly anticipated yet, with factors such as LIV Golf and the poor form of Justin Thomas taken into account heading into the announcement.
Confirming his team on Tuesday, Johnson opted to go for both a LIV player in Brooks Koepka and the out-of-form Thomas, who were also joined by Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, Sam Burns and Rickie Fowler.
The selection of Thomas was one that was immediately focused on, after the former world No. 1 finished his season by missing five cuts in eight events. Despite this it appears experience was key for his captain, with the two-time major champion earning a place thanks to his previous successes on the Ryder Cup stage.
Not only this, Johnson also alluded to the fact that Thomas had been the 'heart and soul' of the U.S. setup in years gone by, leading many to question whether the selection process was a popularity contest, rather than meriting in-form players. One man who was quick to raise this point was a former coach of Tiger Woods, Hank Haney.
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Haney tweeted: "It didn’t matter who Zach Johnson picked the USA team will be heavily favored but those picks confirm it’s the Boys Club." Despite the pick Thomas found himself 15th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, as three players ahead of him were all snubbed by Johnson.
Keegan Bradley missed out on a Ryder Cup spot (AP)One of those players who missed out was Keegan Bradley, who admitted afterward that he was 'super bummed' not to make the team, whilst also claiming he felt like an 'outsider'. Bradley had enjoyed an impressive season on the PGA Tour winning two times, but it appears his lack of relationships off the course was in part a reason for his non-selection.
Despite claiming there was no 'outside' within the U.S. team, vice-captain Couples admitted to Golf Digest : "I feel like it’s the players’ team, but you can’t have guys telling the captain 'here’s who I want, should be on it,' unless you’re a Jordan Spieth or a Scottie Scheffler, or a [Patrick] Cantlay."
He went on: "Now they’re picking other guys that may not have the record of Keegan, but they pair them up perfectly. I like Keegan. He’s an older guy, and he’s not in tight with them. If that had 20 percent to do with it, I won’t argue that."