With the Ryder Cup just a month away, the race to secure a spot in the United States squad is intensifying. Following the 151st Open Championship, the Ryder Cup stats and data have been analyzed, and there’s no denying that one month can bring significant changes to the standings. Captain Zach Johnson has the task of making six selections to complete the team after the six auto-qualifiers are locked in.
One of the major talking points is whether Justin Thomas, previously considered a lock, will make it to the squad. Currently outside the top 12, Thomas has added two more events to his schedule to regain his spot and secure a position in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. However, with so much time left before the Ryder Cup, the discussion remains speculative due to the potential for shifts in the standings.
The standings will likely change in the upcoming weeks, as recent results have shown. Surprises like Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark finding themselves inside the top three in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings are a testament to the unpredictability of the sport. Earnings in events translate to points, and with elevated events offering substantial prizes, volatility is expected.
Players like Tony Finau and Russell Henley have the potential to shake up the standings with strong performances in the remaining events. Even the possibility of Brooks Koepka dropping out of the automatic picks creates intrigue around Johnson’s captain’s picks.
Though the current top 12 would likely make up the team today, Johnson’s selections may be influenced by any late surges in form during the playoffs. Keegan Bradley, for example, is a golfer to watch as he strives to secure his spot in the squad. His performance will be critical if it comes down to him, Thomas, and Sam Burns for the final captain’s pick.
Thomas, known as the heart of the U.S. team, is a player the European side dreads facing during the Ryder Cup. His passionate play and leadership make him a valuable asset. While the discussions around Thomas are inevitable, the focus remains on assembling a formidable team capable of winning the Ryder Cup in Europe for the first time since 1993.
With four weeks remaining, much can happen that could reshape the standings. Nevertheless, past Ryder Cups have shown that the selection process often sorts itself out, and the top 12 will likely become apparent as Johnson finalizes his squad. The Americans will be eager to bring home the trophy after six unsuccessful attempts in Europe, and the anticipation for the Ryder Cup discourse is building.