Lord have mercy.
“Hi, it’s Bryson, Phil and Tiger. Happy to be on the US team. Let’s go kick some butt over there.”
With those chilling words from Bryson Dechambeau, Phil Mickelson’s uneasy stare and Tiger Woods’ beaming smile, the USA’s three wildcard picks for the 2019 Ryder Cup were announced.
Captain Jim Furyk has selected two of the greatest golfers of their generation and an undoubted rising star. Europe, to put in less than mildly, are in the shit.
We’ll see you in Paris!🇺🇸🇺🇸@PhilMickelson @b_dechambeau @TigerWoods pic.twitter.com/SscUZHs0ah
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 4, 2018
Heading into a press conference to announce three of his four wildcard picks, Furyk already had a ridiculously talented and steely collection.
- Brooks Koepka (World No.2, US Open and US PGA winner 2018, US Open winner 2017)
- Patrick Reed (Masters winner 2018)
- Dustin Johnson (World No.1)
- Justin Thomas (World No.3, US PGA winner 2017)
- Bubba Watson (Masters winner 2012 and 2014)
- Jordan Spieth (World No.10, Masters and US Open winner 2015, The Open winner 2017)
- Rickie Fowler (8-time tournament winner, World No. 9)
- Webb Simpson (US Open winner 2012)
The addition of Dechambeau – World No.7 – and the combined 19 Majors of Woods (14) and Mickelson (5) gives some extra swagger, as if it was needed, to this US team.
So honored to be a part of Team USA!
PHEELING PATRIOTIC
PHEELING PHIERCE! 🇺🇸🕺#RyderCup @RyderCupUSA pic.twitter.com/6NGa6ESXxU— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) September 4, 2018
Furyk lost out on Woods’ as vice-captain, due to his inclusion, but has added David Duval, Zach Johnson and Matt Kuchar to his team.
While 48-year-old Mickelson will break a Ryder Cup record with his 12th involvement in the tournament, Woods is simply happy to be there after fears over his playing career due to multiple back surgeries. Woods said:
“I haven’t been part of the team playing-wise for six years. To have the honour to play again is beyond special…
“To have an opportunity to go to Europe and have a chance to win there for the first time in 25 years – and be part of this group of guys – is exciting. We’re going to go over and give it our best; try keep this cup.”
The final US wildcard looks set to go to Tony Finau.
Europe are set to name their four wildcards today, with Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and Paul Casey all fancied to make the cut.
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