Ryder Cup, USA's fourth wild card?
Eight qualification names were already announced as the standings were finalised last week. Tiger Woods topped the rankings. Following him are the likes of Bubba Watson, Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar and Phil Mickelson.
Phil made a last minute entry to the standings grabbing the final spot.
Out these eight, only Dufner and Kuchar have not won a major. Otherwise the rest have won a major at least once. Davis Love III is yet to name his final four wild card picks and already the team USA is looking pretty strong.
Choosing the wildcards will not be easy as there are a whole bunch of world class players waiting in line. Still there is time for Love to name them but he is sure to have a tough time.
Love has previously stated that the criteria for his selection will be experience and the ability of a player to work closely with other team players. He would select the players on the basis of these two reasons.
Hunter Mahan, Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk are the next players after Mickelson, they all boast experience, skill and class. So it should not be a problem for Love to make a decision.
However, taking the pick for the fourth one will be a tough ask as the likes of Rickie Fowler, Brand Snedeker, Bo van Pelt and Dustin Johnson, all have been impressive.
Johnson is extremely talented and has experience as well. He was part of Ryder Cup team in Celtic Manor but he has had some struggle with injuries and the PGA. So based on these two reasons, it is unlikely that he will make it.
Rickie Fowler is one of the most exciting young players around. The boy has got talent, skill and experience. He was also part of the USA team in Celtic Manor. A big plus for Fowler is that he is known to be very friendly and gets along with others really
well.
Judging by his form, it seems that Brandt Snedeker is the right choice. He has been in sizzling form recently with magnificent showings at the Royal Lytham.
However, he has not featured in the Ryder Cup team as yet. He was Rookie of the year in 2007 but could not make it to the team in 2008 and 2010. Nevertheless, this might be his time.
The competition is extremely tough and Love would have to dig deep while deciding on his fourth pick.
Tags: