Home Golf Ryder Cup 2023: Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas Among Zach Johnson’s Handpicked Six for Team USA

Ryder Cup 2023: Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas Among Zach Johnson’s Handpicked Six for Team USA

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Ryder Cup 2023

Brooks Koepka bagged this year’s PGA Championship, making it his fifth major title to date.

Captain Zach Johnson of Team USA has handpicked Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas as part of his select six wildcard choices for the forthcoming Ryder Cup tournament. Despite being this year’s PGA Champion, Koepka didn’t gather enough points for an automatic qualification after hopping on board with LIV Golf last year.

Similarly, Justin Thomas didn’t make the cut for the season-ending FedEx Cup playoffs, failing to qualify automatically.

Joining Koepka and Thomas in the wildcard frenzy are Sam Burns, Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa, and Jordan Spieth. These six will compete alongside automatic qualifiers Brian Harman, Wyndham Clark, Max Homa, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Patrick Cantlay, rounding off the 12-man squad representing the USA.

Zach Johnson expressed his optimism about his picks, saying, “A ton of sweat and brainpower went into making these selections. My confidence in these six comes from surrounding myself with top-notch folks. They’re the glue that holds the whole team together.”

The 44th Ryder Cup showdown is set to occur from September 29 to October 1 at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome, Italy. Interestingly, three out of four major champions of 2023 are on Team USA—Brian Harman won The Open, Wyndham Clark clinched the US Open, and Koepka took home the PGA Championship.

“You Don’t Bench Justin Thomas”

Despite facing a tough year and missing the cut in several major tournaments, 30-year-old Justin Thomas is a battle-hardened Ryder Cup veteran. Zach Johnson heaped praise on Thomas: “JT is a PGA Tour force to be reckoned with. He’s the emotional backbone of our Ryder Cup rosters. His enthusiasm for the event is palpable. I couldn’t fathom leaving him behind.”

Thomas, who has won two majors but had dismal rounds at this year’s US Open and The Open, felt humbled by the selection. “Wanting something too much can backfire,” he admitted. “Zach’s leadership has been crystal clear. He made it known that we’re all equals on this team, and that resonates with me.”

Koepka: Built for Big Moments

Brooks Koepka, the lone wolf from LIV Golf in Team USA, had only the majors to earn his Ryder Cup qualifying points, as the PGA of America didn’t recognize LIV Golf events for rankings. Johnson lauded him: “He’s a five-time major winner and is cut out for grand stages. And the Ryder Cup is as grand as it gets.”

Team USA is the current Ryder Cup titleholder, having decimated Europe 19-9 in Wisconsin back in 2021. However, they’ve been enduring a 30-year winless streak on European soil, with their last triumph coming in 1993 at the Belfry in Warwickshire with a nail-biting 15-13 victory.

As for Team Europe, their captain, Luke Donald, will make his picks on September 4, right after the European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, and Tyrrell Hatton have already punched their tickets to the big event.

So, gear up, sports fans! This Ryder Cup is shaping up to be a clash of titans you won’t want to miss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ryder Cup 2023

Who are the wildcard picks for Team USA in Ryder Cup 2023?

The wildcard picks for Team USA are Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Sam Burns, Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa, and Jordan Spieth.

Who is the captain of Team USA for the Ryder Cup 2023?

Zach Johnson is serving as the captain of Team USA for the upcoming Ryder Cup.

When and where is the 44th Ryder Cup taking place?

The 44th Ryder Cup is scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 1 at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome, Italy.

How many major winners from 2023 are on Team USA?

Three out of four major winners from 2023 are on Team USA: Brian Harman won The Open, Wyndham Clark won the US Open, and Brooks Koepka claimed the PGA Championship.

Why did Brooks Koepka miss out on automatic qualification?

Brooks Koepka missed out on automatic qualification because he joined LIV Golf last year, and only major championships counted towards Ryder Cup qualifying points for him.

What’s been Justin Thomas’s recent performance like?

Justin Thomas has had a difficult year; he missed the cut at the Masters, US Open, and The Open and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

What was Team USA’s last Ryder Cup performance?

Team USA is the current holder of the Ryder Cup after a record 19-9 victory against Team Europe in Wisconsin in 2021.

Who have already qualified for Team Europe?

As of now, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, and Tyrrell Hatton have secured their spots on Team Europe.

When will Team Europe announce their picks?

Team Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, will announce his team on September 4, following the European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland.

When did Team USA last win on European soil?

Team USA last won on European soil 30 years ago, with their last victory coming at the Belfry in Warwickshire in 1993 with a 15-13 win.

More about Ryder Cup 2023

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9 comments

MusicMaven August 30, 2023 - 12:45 am

Okay, but can we get a killer soundtrack for the Ryder cup? Gotta have some tunes while watchin those swings.

Reply
StatsGuru August 30, 2023 - 4:28 am

interesting to see only 4 automatic qualifiers for Team Europe. Wonder what their strategy is. But Johnsons got a solid team, no doubt.

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GolfFanatic22 August 30, 2023 - 5:13 am

Woah, Zach Johnson’s picks are on fire! Brooks and JT? That’s like the Avengers of golf. Cant wait for the Ryder Cup, man.

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FilmBuff87 August 30, 2023 - 7:42 am

The whole thing reads like a blockbuster script. where’s Spielberg when you need him to direct the Ryder cup movie? Lol.

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TechyNerd August 30, 2023 - 8:15 am

So Brooks only got points from majors coz of the LIV Golf thing? That’s some complex system but hey, he’s in!

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RookieRick August 30, 2023 - 11:47 am

Anyone knows how Europeans are picking their players? wanna know who we’re up against. Also, gotta love the underdogs Sam Burns and Max Homa makin it in.

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NotSoProJoe August 30, 2023 - 1:37 pm

JT strugglin’ but still gets picked? Guess past glory counts. He better step up tho.

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CasualCarl August 30, 2023 - 3:08 pm

When did golf become this exciting! Three major winners on one team?! Take my money, I’m watching every second of it.

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SarahPlays18 August 30, 2023 - 3:18 pm

30 years without a win in Europe? come on guys, its about time we take it back!

Reply

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