US Ryder Cup Captain's Picks

On Monday, following the third leg of the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs, Davis Love III will make three of his four selections for the United States Ryder Cup Team.  While there are plenty of worth candidates which will cause plenty of debate for the snubs, here are the picks that B&B thinks Captain Love should make:

Matt Kuchar

Kuchar is ranked 28th in the FedEx Cup standings and 12th on the Ryder Cup standings.  He is able to pair with a number of different players, brings a veteran presence to the team, and is the reigning bronze medalist from the 2016 Olympics.

Bubba Watson*

At first, I was reluctant to include Bubba on this list.  Bubba plays golf on "his terms."  If he doesn't like a course - he doesn't play well.  If he does not want to participate in a long-drive contest, he hits an iron.  These are bad traits for playing in a team competition.  

But then I looked at Watson's Ryder Cup record and decided that his selection would be conditional.  Watson is 3-1-1 in fourball, but a lousy 1-2-0 in foursomes.  Captain Love should select Bubba, play him in fourball, and sit him in foursomes. 

Rickie Fowler

Admittedly, Rickie Fowler has not played as well this year as many expected.  Following last year's Players Championship title, many expected Fowler would take the next step and either win or post good showings in the 2016 majors.  Instead, Rickie missed two cuts and finished 33rd and 46th.  

Nonetheless, Rickie was born to play in team events.  He brings an enthusiasm and excitement to the event that is contrary to the popular (and incorrect) view that the Americans simply do not care about the Ryder Cup.  I would look to pair Rickie with the 2016 PGA Champion Jimmy Walker.