Ryder Cup captain, Zach Johnson, made his captain’s picks on Tuesday to finalize the American Group. To fill the workforce, he picked Collin Morikawa, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Sam Burns and Rickie Fowler.
They joined Scottie Scheffler, Max Homa, Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman and Patrick Cantlay who all mechanically certified for the workforce.
Johnson’s picks had been very divisive amongst followers. Some individuals had been thrilled however there’s a giant contingent that had been turned off by the picks.
Tiger Woods’ long-time coach, Hank Haney, voiced his opinion fairly brazenly on Twitter about the entire state of affairs. He didn’t pull any punches along with his feedback.
“It didn’t matter who Zach Johnson picked, the USA workforce will probably be closely favored, however these picks verify it’s the Boys Membership,” Haney wrote.
It didn’t matter who Zach Johnson picked the USA workforce will probably be closely favored however these picks verify it’s the Boys Membership.
— Hank Haney (@HankHaney) August 29, 2023
To take a look at the picks, Koepka arguably makes probably the most sense. He performed properly in a lot of the majors and was the No. 7 man in Ryder Cup factors standings. The previous FSU golfer earned his captain’s choose.
Spieth was No. 8 in these level standings however has not been taking part in his better of late. Morikawa was No. 10 and completed prime 10 within the FedeX Cup playoffs. Burns was No. 12 and Fowler was No. 13.
Johnson omitted gamers with strong resumes like Cam Younger, Keegan Bradley, Tony Finau and Lucas Glover to spherical out the workforce with Thomas.
Thomas was in every single place this season. The previous Crimson Tide made the minimize at one main this 12 months. He struggled all season lengthy and didn’t make the FedEx Cup playoffs. The 30-year-old was No. 15 on the purpose standings — the bottom among the many captain picks.
Nevertheless, it appears his 6-2-1 Ryder Cup file speaks for itself. It actually gave Colt Knost sufficient confidence to make a wild tattoo wager with a fan.
However, the optics don’t look good. Thomas, Fowler and Spieth are all greatest pals. Burns is a really shut buddy to Scheffler. It’s straightforward to grasp the sentiment Haney is expressing.
Bradley additionally appeared to really feel slighted. He voiced his displeasure and talked about making an attempt to get nearer to the blokes, however seems like an outsider.
Haney is correct, the boy’s membership is again collectively. On paper, the Individuals are doubtless favored, however that doesn’t imply they’ll be victorious. They haven’t gained on overseas soil in 30 years.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By. You may observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports for extra golf protection. Make sure you take a look at @_PlayingThrough too.
