Ever since Brooks Koepka gained the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Could, his presence on the Ryder Cup staff has been a big subject.
“I feel it might be untimely and nearly irresponsible to even go into that,” Johnson stated at his pre-PGA Championship press convention. “It’s not on my radar proper now.”
The Ryder Cup is undoubtedly on Johnson’s radar now, as he has roughly 10 days to finalize his staff of 12 golfers that can characterize the American facet in Italy subsequent month.
A type of golfers will possible be Koepka, who ranks fifth within the American Ryder Cup standings heading into the BMW Championship.
He’s the one LIV golfer within the prime six of the Staff USA standings. The highest six gamers routinely qualify for the staff.
But, Johnson despatched a message to LIV Golfers whereas showing on the GOLF.com ‘Subpar’ podcast.
“There hasn’t been a lot communication,” Johnson stated to hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz.
“I’m gonna be totally clear. It’s laborious as a result of I’m not capable of witness what they’re doing and see their type, except 4 occasions a yr. What Brooks has accomplished this yr, effectively nobody’s shocked. I’m simply glad he’s wholesome.”
Koepka bounced again with a vengeance in 2023, as he completed in second at The Masters after which gained his fifth main in Rochester.
He performed the a part of a five-time main champion at Augusta Nationwide and Oak Hill and has the sport to characterize Staff USA in Italy.
But, it looks like Johnson will function on the facet of warning when coping with LIV gamers. Based mostly on his feedback, it sounds as if Koepka is the one LIV golfer into account.
Furthermore, Koepka might drop out of the highest six after this weekend—very doable, contemplating Max Homa, Xander Schauffele, and Jordan Spieth lurk behind him within the standings and are within the discipline on the BMW Championship.
Ought to that occur, Johnson must use one in all his six captain’s picks on Koepka. Brandel Chamblee wouldn’t achieve this, and it looks like Johnson is leaning towards that course too.
Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. You possibly can comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko for extra golf protection. Be sure you try @_PlayingThrough too.
