Golf in the Middle East is entering its annual sweet spot – when the mercury dips and the big professional tournaments roll into the region as the event season heats up.

Join us as we preview the Saudi Ladies International with an exclusive – and inspirational – chat with Golf Saudi ambassador and reigning Women’s British Open champion Anna Nordqvist.

Enjoy a sneak peek of Yas Acres, the long-anticipated new baby sister for award-winning Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Get the lowdown on the five-month rebuild of the Majlis greens at Emirates Golf Club and catch up with Josh Hill after the Dubai amateur sensation’s busy UK summer campaign.

We find out how Steve Stricker’s Americans won back the Ryder Cup and why Europe should be very afraid. There are even tips from winning Ryder Cuppers Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, along with a deep dive on the golf balls of 2021. Are you playing the right sphere for your game?

All this and much more in the October 2021 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided or download the bumper Octoberber 2021 issue FREE to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

The post Get the October 2021 issue of Golf Digest Middle East FREE today! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Derek Duncan
Conversations about Whistling Straits’ Straits course tend to revolve around its vaunted difficulty. No wonder—the course can be debilitating to wayward players and everyone else not on top of their game. Hitting it crooked usually means hacking back into play from the wispy fescue grasses or playing out of one of the course’s 1,000-plus bunkers, usually from well below the fairways and greens. When the wind blows—and it usually does—things get even harder, and even if you’ve kept it together for most of the round, the dominating 17th and 18th holes await at the end to make sure you don’t leave with the wrong impression.

We want Whistling Straits to be demanding, difficult, impossible. Maybe not always for our own rounds there, but at least for the professionals who occasionally visit, including the three PGA Championships the course has hosted, or for the 2021 Ryder Cup. We want to see the world’s greatest players be tasked with executing pressure-filled shots fraught with failure and penalty. We want to see them stressed when the greatest stakes are riding on their swings.

Those pressured-filled shots are everywhere at Whistling Straits, just as Pete Dye and Herb Kohler, resort owner, intended. Kohler wanted a course capable of hosting major championships, and Pete Dye went to extremes to deliver one. It took Dye several years to gouge terraces into the flattop bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, lining them with bumpy dunes and grassy knolls so no holes were easily visible from the others. The result is 18 ingenious verandas that peer spectacularly across the water, each suffused with stroke-sapping accoutrement.

The creation of Whistling Straits—the “how” part of the equation—is fundamental to the story of why the course is the way it is. This video gives us a birds-eye view of how completely Dye re-arranged the existing landscape to engineer a golf course that simultaneously vexes professionals and excites the golfers who flock to the course every year.

Watch our “Every Hole at: Whistling Straits” video below:

The post Whistling Straits like you’ve never seen it: Amazing drone footage of every hole appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Dave Shedloski
HAVEN, Wis. — While allowing for the obvious fact that every hole at Whistling Straits will be pivotal for this week’s 43rd Ryder Cup—an observation repeatedly expressed on both side of the aisle—we’d be remiss if we didn’t appropriate a thought, of sorts, from George Orwell’s Animal Farm.

It goes something like this: All the holes on the Straits Course are equal, but some holes are more equal than others. And of course, even that could change, given the situation of the moment, the golfer involved, the wind direction and, as is always the case in this biennial competition, the “sphincter factor,” as Hale Irwin said in reference to the pressure.

“You’ve got to play for the conditions of the day, how your match is going at that moment,” said European captain Padraig Harrington. “Yeah, I can’t say a particular key hole. … in match play, you’ve just got to play each hole as it comes.”

U.S. captain Steve Stricker offered a similar observation, saying that the game plan for going around the Straits Course, “is situational for each player.”

But there are a handful of holes where scoring swings are likely to occur over the course of three days and 28 matches. This does not include the dramatic par-4 18th hole, which—duh—always will be pivotal, not only for the score but also for the emotional impact it can have. The par-3 17th has the potential for similar walk-off drama. And given its intimidating disposition—located hard by Lake Michigan and covering 223 wind-swept yards—the 17th will have an impact on the outcome.

“The key is to not let your match get that far,” said Dustin Johnson, the elder statesman on the American side playing in his sixth Ryder Cup, who in two previous trips to Whistling Straits in 2010 and 2015 for the PGA Championship finished T-5 and T-7, respectively.

Johnson, by the way, is firmly in the “every hole is pivotal” camp. That didn’t mean he didn’t have some idea of which might provide more drama. We’ll get to that.

“This should be a really exciting match-play course, because you can get into trouble, but you can also birdie just about every single hole with the right shot,” Jordan Spieth added.

Emphasis on “with the right shot.”

Here are five holes that might prove to have an outsized impact on the proceedings with the right shot … or the wrong one:

David Cannon
The opening hole at Whistling Straits.

Hole No. 1, Outward Bound
Far from the most difficult opening hole in Ryder Cup history, it nevertheless presents problems simply because it is the first hole, when the nerves are jangled. Making an early mistake that gives the opposition as easy win could set the tone for a match or even a whole session. The par-4 opener, which bends gently to the left, is just 364 yards, but missing the fairway carries a penalty, especially on the left side, where bunkers and dunes are going to conspire with the pressure to make life miserable for some. Welcome to the Ryder Cup.

Hole No. 6, Gremlin’s Ear
This is on the list just because it has the coolest name. (OK, not entirely true.) A short dogleg right of just 355 yards (pictured above), it can be a momentum changer. Whether going for the green with driver or playing out to the left for position, the key here is avoiding the deep pot bunker fronting the right portion of the green—not that the series of other sand-filled areas on the right are any bargain. This hole has a chance to be demoralizing for some poor souls.

Hole No. 8, On The Rocks
During Tuesday’s practice round, Rory McIlroy reportedly needed to reach the green with a 3-wood approach. The par 4 plays 508 yards into the wind, with Lake Michigan looming on the right and bunkers lining both sides of the landing area. It represents a chance to deliver a statement for any team that plays it well, especially in foursomes.

PGA of America
The par-4 13th hole at Whistling Straits.

Hole No. 13, Cliff Hanger
Like the drivable 10th hole at The Belfry, this par 4 can be set up as reachable from the tee, and could force the hand of the opposition strategically. Meandering along the escarpment, the hole plays up to 404 yards, but might be set up in the 350 range, making it easily reachable given that the last 100 yards trundle downhill towards a narrow green clinging to a cliff above the water.

Hole No. 16, Endless Bite
Johnson said this hole could be crucial because, at 552 yards, the shortest par 5 on the course, the possibility for eagle will lead to aggressive play, especially if one team is desperate. Depending on the fortunes of such a bid, a match is either going to head to the dreaded 17th or ended with handshakes are being exchanged.

BE AT 1 SERIES:
Tame ‘Sea View’, stroke index 1 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Tame the 15th, stroke index 1, at The Els Club Dubai
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Tower Links Golf Club
Tame the 15th, stroke index 1, at Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Tame the 7th, stroke index 1, at Dubai Hills Golf Club
Tame the 12th, stroke index 1, at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club
Tame the 13th, stroke index 1, at Al Zorah Golf Club
Tame the 10th, stroke index 1, at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Arabian Ranches Golf Club

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
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The post 5 holes that could prove pivotal in winning or losing at Whistling Straits appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

So far, though, that has not been the case, as the fine folks of Wisconsin have welcomed the European Team with open arms. Just ask Ian Poulter, arguably the most-hated European player of the last 15 years, who says the American fans have been “wishing him well.”

In an absolutely brilliant move, Team Europe got the U.S. crowd on its side on Wednesday, arriving at the first tee in style, and by style we mean in cheeseheads, famously worn by Green Bay Packers fans:

Say cheese @packers ? #TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/HFMSimGZAn

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 22, 2021

Cheeseheads with green & yellow on the first tee in Wisconsin.#TeamEurope knows what they’re doing. pic.twitter.com/wEbWByzRTI

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 22, 2021

.@JonRahmpga is a vibe ?#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/kAZwnzjpbm

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 22, 2021

Getting the locals onside @packers ?#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/JpKHbSfYCH

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 22, 2021

Nice touch. An even nicer touch, as you may have noticed, is that the uniforms are actually Packers-inspired, too. Two days after a huge win over the Detroit Lions, you can’t play to a crowd much better than this:

Go Pack Go ?

Our Loro Piana uniform today is inspired by the @packers!#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/z64tbXMwKE

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 22, 2021

The funny thing is, this obviously wasn’t just a last-minute decision. As European captain Padraig Harrington explained, this has now been years in the making, long before the Packers smacked around the lowly Lions Monday night.

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Ryder Cup Rewatchables: Dustin Johnson’s First Tee Jitters In 2010

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“It’s 18 months ago at least,” Harrington said. “Maybe two years ago at this stage, when you’re going through the clothing with Loro Piana, you’re looking at the different colours. As I said, the first — the obvious one, ‘Oh, do you want to wear some green for Ireland?’ I’m thinking, Well, look, this is a European team. Let’s do something different.

“And then I said, Well, why not recognise Wisconsin where we’re going to play, and it fit in very nicely then to go with the Green Bay Packers.”

Harrington also said the Packers were a big help, and that they even supplied the cheeseheads for the Euros. They gained a new fan for life with that move.

“I’m a Patriots fan,” said Harrington. “So now I’m a Green Bay Packers fan. I changed allegiance somewhat.”

It’s official – Padraig is welcome back to Wisconsin anytime he wants. But maybe stay away from Boston for a little while.

The post The European Team pulled an absolutely brilliant move to get the U.S. fans on their side appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Joel Beall
Whistling Straits has hosted three PGA Championships in its young life. Still, with all respect to winners Vijay Singh (2004), Martin Kaymer (2010) and Jason Day (2015), the player most associated with the Wisconsin course may just be Dustin Johnson and the infamous moment he grounded his club in a bunker he believed was a waste area at the 2010 PGA. It’s a mistake the PGA of America desperately hopes to avoid at this week’s Ryder Cup.

American and European players were greeted with a friendly reminder prior to arriving in Haven, Wis., that the bunkers—all 1,012 of them—at Whistling Straits will, indeed, be played as bunkers:

“All areas of the course that were designed and built as bunkers (Rule 12) will be played as bunkers during the Ryder Cup,” read the notice. “Bunkers inside the gallery rope line will be raked each morning prior to play and touched up again between sessions. Rakes are provided for the caddies allowing bunkers to be smoothed as a courtesy to other players and for care of the course. During play, footprints, indentations, vehicular damage or uneven surfaces may develop. However, whether inside or outside the gallery rope line, relief without penalty is NOT allowed for interference by any of these alterations to the surface of the ground, whether or not smoothed.”

While these are the same guidelines that were in play in the previous PGAs at Whistling Straits, this is a departure from the 2021 PGA Championship, also run by the PGA of America and also played at a Pete Dye design (the Ocean Course at Kiawah), where all sandy areas were played as waste areas, allowing players to ground their clubs. The Ryder Cup note ends by imploring players to consult a referee should there be any question.

At the 2010 PGA at Whistling Straits, on the 72nd hole of the tournament, Johnson played his second shot from such an area that had been trampled through by spectators. Before hitting the ball, he grounded his club. He thought he made a par on the hole, which would have gotten him into a playoff with Kaymer and Bubba Watson, but then was informed that by grounding the club, he actually committed a two-stroke penalty. That week all sand was defined as bunkers.

The post Why players were warned of not breaking this rule at Whistling Straits appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Undeterred, we’ve done our best to rank each of the 24 players teeing it up at Whistling Straits. The concept: If we had our pick of the entire lot, what would the draft order look like? The highly subjective results are as follows. If nothing else, you’ll know more about the men you’ll cheer for—and against—during the most fun week in golf.

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24. Bernd Wiesberger

Age: 35
World Ranking: 61
Ryder Cup appearances: Rookie

You got the sense Padraig Harrington wanted Shane Lowry to get the last auto-qualifying spot, which would’ve freed the European captain up to use a pick on Justin Rose. Wiesberger had other ideas. The Austrian finished strong to eek in on points and become the first player from his country to play in the Ryder Cup. He has four wins on the European Tour since July 2019 but hasn’t quite been able to carry the momentum into the U.S.—he’s yet to post a top-10 finish in 28 career major starts and missed the cut in both the PGA Championship and U.S. Open this year. He comes to the matches with the skimpiest résumé of any player on either side, but one does not make the Ryder Cup team by accident; he’s got plenty of game, and anything can happen in an 18-hole match with a partner. Look for him to play once, maybe twice, before the singles.

Richard Heathcote

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23. Tyrrell Hatton

Age: 29
World Ranking: 19
Ryder Cup appearances: 1
Ryder Cup record: 1-2-0

Got as high as No. 5 in the world after he began the year with a win in Abu Dhabi, but he’s been pretty terrible since. That might sound mean, but we’re just taking hints from the man himself—he’s his own harshest critic and is good for at least one self-own per week, always with a tinge of that British caustic wit. His lone top-10 in his last 14 starts worldwide came against a very weak field at the Palmetto Championship, and he’s missed four of his last six cuts including the last two. That, compared with his 1-2-0 record at Le Golf National, is cause for some concern. He’s well-liked among his peers and could pair well with anyone, but he’s a good candidate to do some sitting, at least early in the matches. Simply put, he’s not in the greatest form.

Stuart Franklin

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22. Harris English

Age: 32
World Ranking: 11
Ryder Cup appearances: Rookie

The Ryder Cup first-timer is actually the second-oldest player on the U.S. team, and his laidback vibes don’t exactly scream wet-behind-the-ears youngster. Had a breakout season with two victories, and it might’ve been three had he been paired with anyone other than DeChambeau in the final round at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. He’s an easy 6-foot-3 and swings it beautifully but it’s his putting statistics that jump off the page—he was 12th in strokes gained, eighth in one-putt percentage and second in average distance of putts made per round. A hot flatstick is the currency of match play, but if there’s one rookie who could potentially fall victim to nerves, you fear it could be English. The non-golf stuff clearly distracted him in Memphis, and he doesn’t seem like he feeds off the crowd quite in the same way as a number of his teammates. Don’t be surprised if he sits the first session and one more after that.

Jamie Squire

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21. Matt Fitzpatrick

Age: 27
World Ranking: 27
Ryder Cup appearances: 1
Ryder Cup record: 0-2

Had a miserable experience five years ago in his first Ryder Cup as a 22-year-old at Hazeltine. He was a much more one-dimensional player there, relying on a low piercing cut off the tee and struggling on big American-style courses. Darren Clarke opted to sit him for the first three sessions that week, so he entered the singles having only played alternate shot and was pumped by Zach Johnson on Sunday. He’s put on about 30 pounds and 30 yards of distance since then and is a much well-rounded player, but his value could come down to the weather forecast. He tends to struggle on soft and calm bomber-fest layouts but excels on demanding and firm tests, so if things do get windy, he could emerge as an unsung hero for the Europeans. Started the season strong but has struggled with his irons virtually all summer, which led to him seeing his FedEx Cup playoff campaign end after a missed cut at Liberty National. Looked much better at Wentworth, where he was T-6 before a triple bogey on the 71st hole of the tourney ruined his chances of a high finish. In match play, though, that would’ve counted as just one hole lost.

Warren Little

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20. Daniel Berger

Age: 28
World Ranking: 16
Ryder Cup appearances: Rookie

He’s a victim of his own soft-spokenness—you don’t see him get interviewed much, he doesn’t get the same airtime as his peers, and he’s often forgotten when discussing the gaggle of best young American players. He’s never lacking on belief, though, and held firm in his belief that Stricker knew what he brought to the table and he’d be getting a call from the captain. He did indeed, benefitting not just from a strong performance under Stricker in the 2017 Presidents Cup but a two-year period that saw him emerge from industry purgatory and become one of the more consistent players on tour. Posted 14 top-25 finishes in 23 starts and finished fifth in strokes gained/approach last season, and he’s part of the Jupiter crew alongside Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay, so team-room fit shouldn’t be an issue. There’s some fire under the quietness. It’ll come out during Ryder Cup week.

Sam Greenwood

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19. Shane Lowry

Age: 34
World Ranking: 40
Ryder Cup appearances: Rookie

There was a sense that he “deserved” a spot on this team after winning the 2019 Open Championship, but by the time the post-COVID Ryder Cup points list rolled around he needed a captain’s pick from good buddy/compatriot Padraig Harrington. He’s had a very consistent 2021, having made the cut in his last 16 starts and finishing T-26 or better in his last seven. Possesses one of the best short games on earth, which could come in handy in foursomes sessions where pars tend to be solid scores. He’s played a bunch of practice rounds this year with buddy Rory McIlroy, perhaps teasing an all-Irish island pairing to come.

Warren Little

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18. Bryson DeChambeau

Age: 28
World Ranking: 7
Ryder Cup appearances: 1
Ryder Cup record: 0-3

Will be at the center of attention all week, as is the case every week. Golf’s lightning rod has continued to make headlines, this time for his decision to put in two-a-days to train and compete in a Long Drive contest the day after the Ryder Cup—preparation for which, in his own words, has “wrecked” his hands. This in addition to his long-running feud with teammate Brooks Koepka, which will surely be a topic of conversation. Lost an epic duel to Cantlay at the BMW Championship and looked solid at the Tour Championship, and he’ll be the longest hitter on a course that rewards driving distance as much as any venue. On the flip side, he’s been a disaster that captains have tried to hide the two team events he’s played, going 0-3 at the 2018 Ryder Cup and 0-1-1 at the 2019 Presidents Cup. This will be his first team competition with his new body and game, and Bryson 2.0 figures to be a more dangerous match-play opponent than Bryson 1.0 because he feasts on par 5s, leading the tour in eagle frequency and finishing third in birdie percentage. The big question looming: Who will he play with?

Harry How

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17. Lee Westwood

Age: 48
World Ranking: 34
Ryder Cup appearances: 10
Ryder Cup record: 20-18-6

Played on 10 consecutive Ryder Cup teams from 1997-2016 but looked to have moved onto the assistant captain/eventual captain stage a few years back … only to re-assert himself among the game’s best, highlighted by back-to-back 54-hole leads and back-to-back solo seconds at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship in March. Hasn’t been able to replicate that gear and doesn’t have a top-10 since, and he was actually in danger of missing the team on points at the BMW PGA Championship. He’s the most experienced player at these matches and has a terrific 17-11-6 in team sessions. Has shown a newfound equanimity on the golf course in his late 40s, but something tells me we’ll see some flashes of fiery Lee in what could indeed be his last Ryder Cup. Then again, we said that in 2016.

Andrew Redington

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16. Brooks Koepka

Age: 31
World Ranking: 9
Ryder Cup appearances: 2
Ryder Cup record: 4-3-1

There are questions about his health and his attitude. We’ll start with his health—he withdrew from the Tour Championship after hitting a tree root and aggravating the same wrist that gave him trouble in 2018. Then, he expressed apathy and borderline annoyance with the Ryder Cup team dynamic in an interview with Golf Digest. It surely wasn’t Stricker’s favorite thing to read, but Koepka’s nothing if not outspoken, and he’s said a bunch of eyebrow-raisers before backing them up with excellent play on huge stages. Keep in mind that this is the guy who has finished T-7 or better in 12 of his last 16 appearances in major championships. Plus, the media criticism of his Ryder Cup comments—Paul Azinger suggested he withdraw from the team to make space for someone who does love the Ryder Cup—will serve as added motivation, as he clearly takes note of slights real or perceived. Tied for fifth at the 2015 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits and profiles as an excellent fit for the golf course.

David Cannon

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15. Collin Morikawa

Age: 24
World Ranking: 3
Ryder Cup appearances: Rookie

Two months ago, he claimed his second major championship victory and was the darling of the golf world. Now he’s a struggling superstar, and there are injury concerns even if the man himself says his back is 100 percent healthy. Oh, how quickly the narrative changes in this game. Morikawa entered the FedEx Cup Playoffs leading the points standings only to play quite poorly—by his standards, but also anyone else’s—missing the cut at The Northern Trust, finishing T-63 (out of 70) at the BMW and 28th (out of 30) for his 72-hole score at the Tour Championship. The putting statistics were poor, as they often have been, but he also failed to gain strokes with his approach play in three of his last four starts, which is particularly concerning for the best iron player on the planet. He’s had a couple weeks off to rest and re-set, and he’s already indisputably proven that his best is good enough to win on any golf course, against anyone. This marks his first Ryder Cup appearance, and it’ll be interested to see who Stricker pairs him up with; Morikawa said at the Tour Championship that he’d love to play with Thomas or Xander Schauffele, but both those have baked-in partners in Jordan Spieth and Cantlay. So does Stricker take advantage of his maturity and steadiness and pair him with Bryson? Or will he try to highlight his assassin-like tendencies, which are there in spades, and stick him with another fiery youngster like Berger (who’s signed to the same agency) or Scheffler (who’s 10 months older)?

Oisin Keniry

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14. Tommy Fleetwood

Age: 30
World Ranking: 36
Ryder Cup appearances: 1
Ryder Cup record: 4-1

Formed one-half of the Moliwood powerhouse in France, where he and his Italian partner took down Tiger Woods three times and Jordan Spieth/Justin Thomas once. He rode that momentum into 2019 and hovered around the world top 10 for most of the year, but 2021 has not been kind—the Englishman posted just two top-10s in 18 starts on the PGA Tour and missed the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Returned to Europe for a fruitful fortnight, taking T-2 in the Italian Open and T-12 at the BMW PGA Championship to build up some confidence heading into Whistling Straits. With Molinari out of the picture, Fleetwood has a number of potential partners. Said last week that he didn’t “expect anything else but Europe to win,” which would seem like bulletin-board material until you consider the source, one of the gentlest and kindest men on tour.

David Cannon

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13. Scottie Scheffler

Age: 25
World Ranking: 21
Ryder Cup appearances: Rookie

Such matters are not made official, but Scheffler was almost certainly the last man into the U.S. team. He’s the lowest-ranked American and seemed to be in a battle with Kevin Na and Patrick Reed for the final spot—Scheffler got the nod in large part, according to Stricker, due to his length off the tee and his runner-up finish in the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play earlier this year. He and English are the only two “true” rookies on the U.S. side, meaning he has not played in either a Ryder or a Presidents Cup. That said, he’s been terrific in the big events and finished T-19 or better in his last six major starts, which include four top-10s. He makes a ton of birdies (seventh in birdie average last season) and should be a weapon deployed in the four-ball sessions. The man has shot 59 on the PGA Tour, after all, and has shown comfort in making an absurd amount of birdies in short succession. The question mark here is his putting—he ranked 102nd in putting from 4-8 feet and 160th in putting from 10-15 feet, and those are the ranges that win matches.

Michael Reaves

12. Tony Finau

Age: 32
World Ranking: 10
Ryder Cup appearances: 1
Ryder Cup record: 2-1

He always seemed a likely captain’s pick, given his prodigious length of the tee and propensity for birdie-binges, but his uninspiring form throughout the summer raised some question marks. Stricker must’ve been pleased, then, to see him end a five-year victory drought at The Northern Trust to open up the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Showed well as a captain’s pick in Paris, going 2-1 and dusting a previously unbeaten Tommy Fleetwood, 6 and 4, in singles. The only question mark is his sometimes-shaky putting, an issue at Royal Melbourne when he went 0-1-3 in the 2019 Presidents Cup. Will likely see action in both four-ball sessions and could well partner with DeChambeau, for there may not be a human being on the planet who cannot get along with Tony FInau.

Sam Greenwood

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11. Paul Casey

Age: 44
World Ranking: 23
Ryder Cup appearances: 4
Ryder Cup record: 4-3-5

Needed a captain’s pick in 2018 to play in his first Ryder Cup since 2008 but had no such stress this time, as he qualified easily thanks to a mid-40s renaissance that has shown no signs of slowing down. A first major championship continues to elude Casey but he’s inching closer in the huge events—this year he was T-5 at the Players, T-4 at the PGA Championship, T-7 at the U.S. Open and T-4 at the Olympics. Remains an elite ball-striker, ranking second on tour in strokes gained/approach and seventh in strokes gained/tee to green. Also finished T-12 at the 2010 PGA at Whistling Straits and T-30 there in 2015. Came into the playoffs with four finishes of T-7 or better in his last six starts but struggled finishing T-64 at the Northern Trust and T-38 (out of 70) at the BMW Championship to miss out on East Lake. As such, he’ll be rested and ready to go in what could be his last Ryder Cup appearance.

Richard Heathcote

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10. Jordan Spieth

Age: 28
World Ranking: 15
Ryder Cup appearances: 3
Ryder Cup record: 7-5-2

When he made his Ryder Cup debut as a 21-year-old in 2014, he looked a prime candidate to set the record for consecutive Ryder Cup appearances by an American. He proceeded to fall into one of the more curious slumps in recent golfing memory and would’ve easily missed the 2020 team if it weren’t for COVID-19 postponing the event a year. In the time since, he has rediscovered his game and re-entered the picture as one of the game’s best and most consistent players, despite a slightly disappointing FedEx Cup Playoff campaign. Had immense success pairing with Patrick Reed in his younger years but has long wanted to realize a childhood dream and play alongside Justin Thomas—they did so in 2018 in Paris and went 3-1, and with Reed not on the team this time around, odds are we’ll see Spieth/JT again. Along with Morikawa, English and Berger, he’s one of the shorter-hitting Americans but that doesn’t make him short—he averaged 299.5 yards per drive last season, well above tour average—and it didn’t hurt him when he shot 18 under to finish solo second at the 2015 PGA at Whistling Straits. Any fan of this game will be happy to see him back in the Ryder Cup mix, right where he belongs.

Keyur Khamar

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9. Ian Poulter

Age: 45
World Ranking: 49
Ryder Cup appearances: 6
Ryder Cup record: 14-6-2

No player in this generation has become more synonymous with the Ryder Cup than the spiky-haired Brit. His overall record speaks for itself, and his 5-0-1 record in singles speaks even louder. He does not have a swing you’d watch on the driving range for hours, nor does he hit it miles, but he finds a way to get it in the hole and make crucial putts every single Ryder Cup appearance. Perhaps no one feeds off the crowd—both supportive home ones and antagonistic away ones—better than Poulter, who essentially morphs into a different player when he’s wearing those blue and yellow shirts. He hasn’t won a tournament since 2018 and had only an OK season on the PGA Tour, so there was some discussion that he might miss out on this team, but the truth is he’ll get a look so long as he’s healthy and even somewhat competitive on the world stage. Still top 50 in the world—just barely—don’t expect anything less than a maddening performance that has you wondering come Sunday afternoon, How is this guy beating Dustin Johnson 3 up through 11?

Christian Petersen

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8. Sergio Garcia

Age: 41
World Ranking: 43
Ryder Cup appearances: 9
Ryder Cup record: 22-12-7

He’s the winningest player in Ryder Cup history. It became official in Paris, when he passed Nick Faldo to become the all-time leader in Ryder Cup points, and his record in team sessions is an astounding at 18-8-6. Needed a captain’s pick to get to his 10th Ryder Cup as he’s no longer a fixture in the top 10 of the World Ranking, as he was for a decade, but he managed to get into the Tour Championship with a strong showing at Caves Valley and will have plenty of confidence in his game heading into the Ryder Cup, his ultimate comfort zone. Finished third on tour in SG/off the tee and 16th in driving distance at 41 years old, which bodes well for a course that demands a strong driving performance. It is worth noting, however, that he finished T-54 at the 2015 PGA at Whitsling Straits and missed the cut in 2004 and 2010. Then again, this is Sergio and this is the Ryder Cup.

Mike Ehrmann

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7. Dustin Johnson

Age: 37
World Ranking: 2
Ryder Cup appearances: 4
Ryder Cup record: 7-9-0

Ready to feel old? DJ is the oldest player on the American side by five years. He also has the most Ryder Cup experience of any of his teammates, but given the European dominance in this event in recent years, most of that experience is of the losing variety. Teased a dominant run to come in the tail end of 2020 but it didn’t materialize as he trudged through a semi-slump for most of the summer. Showed some better form with top-10s in four of his last six starts as he started holing putts, particularly in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. He was a bomber before being a bomber was cool, and thus he’s fared quite well at bomber-friendly Whistling Straits, infamously missing the playoff for the 2010 PGA Championship after he grounded his club in a bunker on the 72nd hole and taking a solid T-12 when the PGA returned in 2015. He’s as easy going as they come and has thus played with a number of different partners, but with limited success—he’s a combined 4-8-0 in the team sessions and 3-1-0 in the singles. Despite a so-so year, Stricker will still view Johnson as a go-to guy and a crucial part of his team’s chances.

Stuart Franklin

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6. Viktor Hovland

Age: 23
World Ranking: 13
Ryder Cup appearances: Rookie

One of just three first-timers on the European side, the Norwegian will be a thorn in American sides for the next decade-plus. Was still 10 months away from turning pro during the last Ryder Cup, but in the three years since, he’s won twice on the PGA Tour and is knocking on the top-10-in-world door. Not the longest guy out there but still ranked fifth on tour in SG/off the tee, and his consistent ball-striking is the perfect formula for 72-hole stroke-play events. Match play is another story, but he sure didn’t have any issues with the format en route to his victory at the 2018 U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach. Rookies have fared well in recent Ryder Cups, and he’s a great candidate to win three-plus points this week; given his consistent play over the last year-plus, Harrington will surely want him in the lineup more often than not. The lone concern is the short game, which has been an area of difficulty throughout his young career, but he’s been working hard at it with coach Jeff Smith.

Andrew Redington

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5. Xander Schauffele

Age: 27
World Ranking: 5
Ryder Cup appearances: Rookie

He certainly doesn’t feel like a rookie. Has been a big-time performer in the majors (without actually winning one, of course), got some team-play experience at the 2019 Presidents Cup and took home the gold for the U.S. in the Olympics just a few months ago. Ranked 12th on tour in eagle frequency and 11th in birdie percentage thanks to elite approach play (14th in strokes gained) and elite putting (16th in strokes gained). He’s as well-rounded as they come, and Stricker will likely trot out him and Cantlay without thinking twice about it. You won’t catch him hooting and hollering or putting his fingers behind his ear—playing to the crowd isn’t his style—but he’s a guy any team would be lucky to have, particularly in foursomes, where his short game will become his partner’s best friend.

WILLIAM WEST

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4. Patrick Cantlay

Age: 29
World Ranking: 4
Ryder Cup appearances: Rookie

Another rookie-in-name only; he’ll turn 30 early next year, appeared on the victorious 2019 U.S. Presidents Cup team and comes in playing the best golf of his life, having outdueled DeChambeau at Caves Valley and doing just enough at East Lake to win the FedEx Cup title—and, somewhat surprisingly, PGA Tour player-of-the-year honors over Rahm. Also comes in with an expected partner, as Tiger Woods trotted out him and Schauffele in all four team sessions in the 2019 Presidents Cup. The two laconic Californians also took their significant others to Napa the week after the Tour Championship, so they’re clearly close, and there’s been no indication that Stricker will break them up. Or at least not initially. Doesn’t seem an ideal match-play guy on the surface as his game is built more on relentless consistency, but he’s capable of some extremely hot putting streaks and enjoyed the mano-y-mano dynamic at Caves. There are certainly high hopes for his Ryder Cup debut.

Rob Carr

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3. Justin Thomas

Age: 28
World Ranking: 6
Ryder Cup appearances: 1
Ryder Cup record: 4-1

Hard to believe he’s only played in one Ryder Cup, as he’s been firmly established in the elite tier for what feels like forever now. Was a lone bright spot for the Americans in Paris in 2018, going 4-1 and forming one-half of the Spieth/Thomas partnership that could well become a staple at Ryder Cups for years to come. Emerged as an emotional leader that week and relished the challenge of playing (and winning) Sunday’s first singles match against Rory McIlroy. Also went 3-1-1 at the 2019 Presidents Cup and didn’t hesitate to play in the Olympics when many of his countryman did; representing his country clearly holds meaning to him and brings out his best. Played nicely in the playoffs, with a pair of T-4s at The Northern Trust and Tour Championship sandwiching a T-22 at the BMW Championship, and should be a no-brainer start alongside Spieth in the Friday’s first session.

Darren Carroll

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2. Rory McIlroy

Age: 32
World Ranking: 15
Ryder Cup appearances: 5
Ryder Cup record: 11-9-1

He’s playing in his sixth consecutive Ryder Cup and entered the first five as Europe’s best or second-best player virtually every time. That’s not quite so clear-cut this go ’round, as he’s dropped to World No. 15 as he continues to work on swing changes, so it’s possible his streak of playing all five sessions in four straight Ryder Cups could come to an end. Yet this is a good course for him, he’s a natural leader in any setting and a big-stage performer, so he figures to be at the center of the action all week. His recent issues have been more with avoiding round-killing mistakes than making birdies; in fact, he led the tour in birdies last season, which doesn’t hurt in match play. He’s been on four winning Ryder Cup teams already, although while his record in the matches is good, it’s not quite great. A potential pairing with Hovland is particularly intriguing, and not just because they look vaguely similar. Admitted McIlroy felt some fatigue toward the end of the season, but after two weeks off to spend some time with his family, he’ll be fiery Rory come Friday, reared up and ready to go.

Ramsey Cardy

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1. Jon Rahm

Age: 26
World Ranking: 1
Ryder Cup appearances: 1
Ryder Cup record: 1-2-0

The undisputed best player in the world, both in name and in game, but it wasn’t enough to win PGA Tour player of the year. That went to Cantlay, despite Rahm faring better in each of the six majors of the 2020-21 “super” season and finishing head-and-shoulders above the rest in the statistical conversation. In the end, his lack of official wins hurt him. If he needed any added motivation to fuel the heater he’s riding, he has it. Curiously was the only player on either side to play an event the week before the Ryder Cup, and even more curiously missed the cut in Napa (while dealing with a stomach virus), but he tends to play the week before a majors, too. Has not yet played a tournament at Whistling Straits but he ranked second on tour in SG/off the tee. Took great pride in playing against and beating Tiger Woods in singles at the 2018 Ryder Cup—a victory that brought him to tears—and you have to believe (so long as the stomach bug has passed) he’ll go all five sessions and perhaps be the first player thrown out in singles come Sunday.

Ramsey Cardy

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The post All 24 golfers playing at Whistling Straits, ranked appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

We’ve got a deep dive on the 43rd Matches, including a unique sit down – in a pink flamingo no less – with American stud Brooks Koepka. Don’t miss our Ryder Cup “File” and “Dossier” features either, a fascinating look at everything American captain Steve Stricker must know to “whip the Europeans”, and the inside oil on how Padraig Harrington can help the Euros “spank the Yanks”.

Elsewhere, we chat with Trump Dubai-based freelancer Alex Riggs who has embraced social media to become an online tutor to (mostly above average) Joes and Janes everywhere and land a plum gig on GolfPass, the Golf Channel off-shoot owned by NBC Sports. The Canadian has even landed a role coaching NBA superstar Steph Curry courtesy of his digital profile.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club professional Matthew Brookes has a series of stretches that will help you cool down and ensure you’re ready for your next pre-round warm-up, while Butch Harmon shares a simple tip to flush it off downhill lies that are commonplace in the Middle East. We also head to Glen Oaks in Old Westbury on Long Island, the private New York club nicknamed the “Augusta of the North” which is set to host the penultimate leg of the LET’s new Aramco Team Series next month.

There’s also a fascinating take on the triumphs and tragedies of trying to earn a start on the PGA Tour via cut-throat Monday qualifying. All this and much more in the September 2021 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

All this and much more in the September 2021 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided or download the bumper September 2021 issue FREE to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

The post Get the September 2021 issue of Golf Digest Middle East FREE today! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Christopher Powers
Now that Steve Stricker has made his six captain’s picks for the U.S. Ryder Cup team, it’s officially time to shift into preparation mode. Apparently, that will include the entire team and the caddies heading to Whistling Straits early for practice rounds, which Stricker believes is a first for the American squad.

The early look at the incredible Wisconsin venue should accomplish two goals: 1. familiarising the players with the course, and 2. getting a feel for which pairings might work prior to the opening tee shot on Sept. 24.

Those decisions will ultimately be Stricker’s, with some help from vice-captains Phil Mickelson and Fred Couples. He didn’t ask us, but we thought we’d make some suggestions, too.

Here are the five pairings we’d like to see most for the U.S. Ryder Cup team at Whistling Straits.

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele
This pairing is less of a “we want to see it” and more of a “we’re going to see it,” which, by the way, is a very good thing. Cantlay and Schauffele went 2-2-0 together in their U.S. team appearance at the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, then they both won their singles matches in a tightly contested 16-14 American team win. They both do literally everything well, and they both exude a low-key, stoic demeanour that plays perfectly off each other, and plays perfectly in a match-play setting. Their similar personalities are likely why they are such good buddies, too. This week, following Cantlay’s FedEx Cup victory, he and Schauffele are headed to Napa Valley for vacation with their significant others. Can you say partner bonding?

Bryson DeChambeau and Collin Morikawa
If we were doing one of those “build your perfect golfer” things, you’d start with Bryson DeChambeau’s driving and Collin Morikawa’s approach play. Why not pair those two elite areas together, specifically in alternate shot foursomes? If Bryson finds the fairway enough on his driving holes (a rather-large if), Morikawa can feast with his irons, getting DeChambeau close enough to roll in some birdie putts. On the holes Morikawa drives, he will find the fairway (10th on tour in driving accuracy), and even at a long course like Whistling Straits, DeChambeau will have short irons into the greens. Also, the last key factor here, a big one, is that outside of Harris English, we’re not sure there’s a more perfect guy on this team to deal with the circus act that is DeChambeau right now than calm, cool, collected Collin.

Gregory Shamus
Dustin Johnson and Tony Finau talk on the second green during the second round of the 120th U.S. Open Championship.

Dustin Johnson and Tony Finau
There’s a more-than-legitimate argument to be made that Stricker would be pairing the two most talented golfers in the Ryder Cup together should he put together Finau and Johnson. These two are effortlessly long, extremely solid with their irons and they can each run hot with the putter from time to time. There aren’t two other players on the planet who could step on the tee and feel good about their chances against the opposing duo of Big Tone and Deej. And remember, Finau was one of the lone bright spots on the 2018 losing U.S. team, going 2-1-0 overall. Johnson, paired alongside the shorter-hitting Rickie Fowler three times and Brooks Koepka once, went 1-4-0 overall. If paired with Finau on a course he loves, Bunker-Gate aside, there is simply no way he couldn’t improve upon that record in 2021.

Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth
This may be a very square, store-brand selection, but c’mon, tell me the Texas two-step pairing doesn’t get you a little fired up. No, these two never actually played together in college, but the Longhorn connection is very much there and it’s not like they wouldn’t pair well together. Scheffler has the length and a strong big-event resume already so we know he’s adequately prepared for this event. Spieth has the experience and the ability to will putts into the hole, making this potential team a formidable one. If the Longhorns football team starts 3-0 and Spieth and Scheffler go off together in Wisconsin, we’ll be ready to fully declare Texas BACK.

Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka
First off, Brooks Koepka needs to actually play in the event. And secondly … ahh, never mind. This is never—we repeat, NEVER—going to happen. But we can certainly dream.

The post The five pairings we’d like to see most for the U.S. team at Whistling Straits appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Joel Beall
Patrick Cantlay is a man of many talents, as his Sunday performance at Caves Valley suggested. He is a second-shot savant. A lights-out putter. A stone-cold assassin. And, apparently, a reporter.

When speaking to the media following his BMW Championship victory Sunday night, Cantlay broke some news—perhaps accidentally—on the upcoming Ryder Cup.

With his third win of the season, Cantlay secured the sixth and final automatic bid for the American team. Cantlay was asked what it meant to make his first Ryder Cup squad, and in the process revealed this tidbit.

“Yeah, I’m excited. Fred Couples texted me this week and said it looks like he’s going to be one of the assistant captains, and so he’ll be up there,” Cantlay said.

For what it’s worth, Couples has not been announced as an assistant to U.S. captain Steve Striker. Those honours, publicly at least, have gone to Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson and Davis Love III. Though the role historically has been ceremonial, assistants have become a bigger part of the Ryder Cup experience over the past 15 years.

“I’ve been talking with Xander, obviously, and J.T. and Jordan, and we’re really looking forward to it,” Cantlay continued. “It’s nice to get in on points. I think that’s the case. And I’m really looking forward to that whole event. I’ve heard so much about it and watched it growing up. I mean, I’m sure it will be everything I’ve imagined and more. I will lock in there, and hopefully we’ll get a victory.”

Cantlay did play on the 2019 Presidents Cup team, scoring three points for the Americans in a victory at Royal Melbourne. As for Couples, he has been a Presidents Cup captain three times, and was an assistant for Stricker at the 2017 Presidents Cup.

The Ryder Cup begins Sept. 24 at Whistling Straits.

The post Patrick Cantlay accidentally broke Ryder Cup news after his BMW Championship win appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Joel Beall and Daniel Rapaport
Welcome to the latest edition of the Ryder Cup stock watch, where we’ll periodically take a look at how the U.S. and European teams are shaping up heading into this year’s match at Whistling Straits. Golf Digest writers Joel Beall and Daniel Rapaport assess where Ryder Cup matters stand heading into the final week of the PGA Tour’s regular-season:

USA Rankings – Top 6 automatically qualify

1. Collin Morikawa
2. Dustin Johnson
3. Bryson DeChambeau
4. Brooks Koepka
5. Justin Thomas
6. Xander Schauffele
7. Jordan Spieth
8. Harris English
9. Patrick Reed
10. Daniel Berger
11. Patrick Cantlay
12. Tony Finau

European Rankings – Top 4 in Team Points, Top 5 World Points

1. Jon Rahm / Jon Rahm
2. Tommy Fleetwood / Rory McIlroy
3. Tyrrell Hatton / Viktor Hovland
4. Rory McIlroy / Paul Casey
5. Matt Fitzpatrick / Tyrrell Hatton
6. Paul Casey / Matt Fitzpatrick
7. Bernd Wiesberger / Lee Westwood
8. Victor Perez / Tommy Fleetwood
9. Robert MacIntyre / Shane Lowry
10. Guido Migliozzi / Victor Perez
11. Thomas Detry / Robert MacIntyre
12. Viktor Hovland / Ian Poulter

JB: Time is running out for American and European players to make their case. Give me one guy from each side who needs to prove their mettle over the next month.

DR: As far as the U.S. goes, the clear answer is Phil. He said so himself after a T-17 at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, which was actually his best finish (by far) since tha magical week at Kiawah. “I haven’t had a top-10 outside of the PGA,” Mickelson told ESPN on Saturday after his third round in Memphis. “You can’t take somebody that is that inconsistent. I have three events, here and the two playoff events. And if I finish high in those events and move up on the list, you never know. But you have to have a little bit more consistency and momentum I think.” By saying that, he’s consciously taking the pressure of captain Steve Stricker, who’d have a really hard time leaving off an all-time great in a year he’s won a major championship. If Phil pushes hard in the playoffs, either with his play or with his words, I still think he gets a pick. But he’s not doing that right now, and he seems to be a couple bad performances away from voluntarily taking himself out of consideration.

The European side is pretty intriguing; all the sudden, it feels like the team is basically set apart from one person. Yes, there are still four big events to shuffle the rankings—the three FedEx Cup playoffs, plus the BMW PGA Championship—but the nine players currently in the auto-qualifier spots are essentially locks: Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Lee Westwood, Paul Casey, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry. Ian Poulter has shown plenty of form recently, and judging by Paddy Harrington’s pro-veteran comments, he’s a lock. So is Sergio Garcia. That would seem to leave one spot for Robert MacIntyre, Justin Rose … who else?

JB: Victor Perez is ahead of Young Bob, Rose and Sergio in the World Ranking, but he missed the cut in every major this season and is in a funk something fierce, so don’t think he’s in the running. Bernd Wiesberger’s shot at Bryson on Twitter over the weekend felt baked in “Hey guys, don’t forget about me!” vibes, and with a win and T-5 in his last six starts, suppose we could throw him into the mix. But to me, Guido Migliozzi is the interesting watch. Understand that Harrington has telegraphed he wants vets with his captain’s picks, but if he goes with Sergio and Poulter, that’s four 40-plus players (along with Westwood and Casey) to go along with seasoned Ryder Cuppers in McIlroy, Fleetwood and Lowry. Coupled with Rose sputtering, think a shot of youthful vitality could be in order, and if that’s the case it comes down to MacIntyre or Migliozzi, who had back-to-back runner-ups before finishing T-4 at the U.S. Open.

As for the Americans … one of the most deluded notions of the Ryder Cup over the last two decades is that the Europeans are a band of brothers while the American locker room orders 12 taxis for 12 players. In truth, the Europeans aren’t as buddy-buddy as portrayed and the American team culture isn’t permeated with dysfunction or animosity. I say that to say this: With the Brooks-Bryson thing inching closer to a dark space and Patrick Reed’s baggage from Paris and Melbourne and San Diego, the U.S. could use an extra adult in the room. And with Phil going south since South Carolina, Stricker desperately wants that adult to be Webb Simpson.

The former U.S. Open champ hasn’t been bad this year; he enters the week ranked 22nd in strokes gained. He also hasn’t been lights-out, with a lone top-five finish since the fall. Simpson wouldn’t be a controversial choice if he was picked today—he’s 13th in the Ryder Cup rankings entering the Wyndham Championship (a tournament so dear to Webb’s heart that he named his daughter after it)—and his experience at team events can’t be overlooked, but a handful of strong showings in August could make that pick a lock.

Speaking of locks, you mentioned the Euro auto-qualifiers are basically set. Same can be said for the American side (Morikawa, Johnson, DeChambeau, Koepka, Thomas, Schauffele). Spieth would have to announce he’s taking up the game left-handed to not be picked, and even then I think Stricker would still give him a spot. Despite his stumble in Memphis, something would be amiss if Harris English (No. 10 in the world!) was left off. Adding Simpson makes nine and there’s still Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Daniel Berger and Scottie Scheffler, plus the Mickelson question AND a possible playoff run from somone not on the list. What I’m getting to is this: As shocking as it sounds, is Patrick Reed in danger of missing this team?

Mike Ehrmann

DR: I can’t see them not taking him. It feels like just enough time has passed since Le Golf National, and the Bahamas, and the Presidents Cup, and Torrey Pines—man, the guy truly can’t stay out of his own way—and Bryson has supplanted him as the No. 1 guy people love to hate, which does take some attention off. P-Reed’s been in kind of meh form recently—five finishes between T-19 and T-34 and one missed cut in his last six starts—but the guy has a preternatural scoring ability, which always plays well in match play. Stricker also needs to find DeChambeau a partner, and with Tiger out of the mix and Phil’s chances on life support, could we see an all-time heel duo of BDC and P-Reed at Whistling Straits?

Back to your list of potential U.S. captains’ picks. The most likely to get snubbed from the guys you mentioned is Berger, right? Wouldn’t that be the most on-brand thing ever for golf’s forgotten man.

JB: Couple points, since you just blew my mind with a Reed-DeChambeau pairing:

–Should Reed-DeChambeau come to pass, we may have a reverse “Rocky IV” situation, where the American crowd begins to cheer for the Europeans, leading to Bryson channelling Ivan Drago and yelling “I FIGHT FOR ME!”

-If Reed does make it, Bryson would be the natural match. Not only do they complement each other’s games, let’s face it, the rest of the Americans aren’t banging down the door to play with either.

-Reed’s selection would seemingly solidify Webb’s spot, because if Stricker doesn’t pair Reed and DeChambeau, you’re going to need someone willing to play with Bryson (more on this later). Worth noting that Reed and Webb struggled mightily together (0-3) at the 2019 Presidents Cup, and while Reed’s teamed up with Patrick Cantlay at the Zurich Classic, don’t think Stricker is going to break up Cantlay and Schauffele (played four matches together in Melbourne).

I’m with you on Reed though. While that possibility does exist—and make no mistake, it is a possibility—when it comes time to make the final call, I can’t see him sitting the Ryder Cup out.

Ezra Shaw

Back to your Berger question. on the surface, it seems like he’s tracking to be the odd man out. Which is absurd. He’s eighth in strokes gained (and sixth among Americans) on tour this season and has eight top-10s in just 20 starts, which include a win at Pebble, a T-7 at the U.S. Open and a T-8 at the Open Championship. Moreover, his strong approach play and steady putting makes him an enviable partner. Granted, Berger wouldn’t necessarily view a non-invite as a snub; just means more time to shoot music videos on his boat. Still, even with the notion that someone really, really good is going to be left off … Berger missing the team doesn’t feel right.

So I’m combating your sensible Berger snub with something more shocking: Tony Finau. He hasn’t been right since losing the playoff at Riviera, the U.S. already has enough bombers and his putting makes him a liability. He’s 100,000 percent in the running for a wildcard spot, but if he doesn’t do anything spectacular over the next month, Finau may be sweating it out. And this is under the assumption that the status quo is maintained; if someone like Scheffler or Sam Burns gets hot in August, Finau could be on the outside looking in.

Then again, Whistling Straits is a bomb-and-gouge ballpark, and one of the lessons of 2018 should be to tailor your team to the course. What I’m saying is I have no idea how Stricker is getting more than three hours of sleep a night with these decisions looming.

We’re spending a lot of time talking about who might be on the team. Let’s hit on some players who most definitely will be at Whistling Straits. Is there anybody from either side that you think is trending in the wrong direction to the point of worry?

DR: Finau was one of the bright spots in France—he went 2-1 that week and, lest people forget, waxed a previously undefeated Tommy Fleetwood 6 and 4. You’re correct in that he’s hit something of a wall toward the second half of this season, but he’s an absolute birdie machine with a game tailor-made for big parks like Whistling Straits. I still think he gets the nod.

As far as guys who will be there … where’s JT been this summer? His win at the Players seemed to turn the page on a rough start to the season off the course, but his one top-10 in 12 starts since came at the Scottish Open. He’s since slid to No. 5 in the world and while he’s not missing cuts, he’s missing putts, which is always concerning heading into a Ryder Cup.

The Euros have something of an English problem. Three of the six Brits likely to make the team are simply not playing well: Tommy Fleetwood, who will miss the FedEx Cup Playoffs unless he makes a move at the Wyndham; Lee Westwood, who doesn’t have a top-15 since his magical Florida Swing; and Tyrrell Hatton.

Speaking of Fleetwood … with Molinari nowhere near the picture, who’s going to play with Tommy Lad? And who’s going to be tasked with shepherding Viktor through his first Ryder Cup?

Kevin C. Cox

JB: Don’t think Hovland needs any shepherding. Only Rahm and McIlroy rank higher in the OWGR than Hovland on the Euro team, and the Norweigian could very well pass McIlroy by the end of the month. Hovland is 12th in tee-to-green and 15th in strokes gained, and already showed he’s a big-game hunter with a victory at the 2018 U.S. Amateur. A shaky short game doesn’t make him an ideal foursomes (alternate shot) candidate, yet the best thing that can happen to the Americans is the Europeans keeping Hovland sidelined out of a misguided “Well, he’s a rookie” principle. Truthfully, Fleetwood and Hovland would be a delight; only Lowry and Rahm have better touch around the green than Fleetwood, and his personality would be the perfect backdrop should Hovland have any unexpected nerves.

Staying on Fleetwood, his struggles make him the obvious answer, but Hatton is the odd duck in this sense: it really, really looked like Hatton was making the leap last year, and while he has been solid this season (nine top-25s in 18 starts), he hasn’t been the guy from 2020, either. Coupled with his continued no-shows at majors (five MCs in last seven appearances), it doesn’t look like Hatton, presently, is the war horse we thought he was becoming.

For the Americans, the worry runs deep. You mentioned Thomas’ up-and-down season. Dustin Johnson finally reached the echelon the sport believed he could reach at the end of 2020, only to regress to a form that’s simply been off in 2021. There’s a belief that Johnson could turn it back on at any time, and certainly he’s shown that sentiment to be true throughout his career … but if he’s been unable to switch the light on over the past eight months, should we be banking him to do it in September?

Then there’s Bryson. On one hand he was seven holes away from going back-to-back at the U.S. Open. He’s also been fighting a slump since the Players Championship, and no matter what you think of him, his opinions or actions, his feud with Koepka and interactions with fans are visibly taking a toll on the man. Whistling Straits should be a playground for Bryson, but if there’s wind—and we know how Bryson feels about the wind—it could go bad and go bad quickly. He remains one of the best in the world when he’s right, but right now, in so many ways, he’s not. One could even argue if, for his own sake, he should be in the type of raucous environment that breaks out at Ryder Cups.

Admittedly we’re treading on gloomy territory, so we’ll end on a more positive note, and with Bryson: Any chance a DeChambeau-Koepka pairing could work? And with no Tiger and possibly no Phil, isn’t that the best potential storyline?

DR: While it’d be incredible theatre, I can’t see it happening simply because Brooks would rather drink bleach than try to pump up Bryson for five hours. Koepka is one of the U.S. top horses, and you don’t want to put him in a bad mood by giving him a partner he’s specifically said he doesn’t want.

BDC will be worth keeping an eye on all week. Of course, there’s the Brooksy stuff—but we’ve also seen a number of other players be increasingly vocal in their … how should we put this … less-than-love for him. JT has zinged him on social media a few times, the Euros can’t stand that he doesn’t yell FORE, and the fans seem to be turning on him a bit. Sunday in Memphis was a tough scene all around, and that was at a buzz-less stroke play event. The lights will only be brighter at the Ryder Cup and the chirps will be louder, and DeChambeau’s clearly uncomfortable with the whole situation. It’d be worse if the matches were in Europe, but it’s going to be fascinating to see how he’s treated all week—by the fans and his teammates.

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