As the Ryder Cup approaches, now just 100 days away at Bethpage Black, the anticipation builds as Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have already secured their spots on Team USA and Team Europe, respectively. However, several high-profile players find themselves in precarious positions and will need to improve their performances to earn a place on their teams.
The Ryder Cup selection process allows six players from each team to qualify through the Ryder Cup Rankings. As of mid-June, some notable names are struggling. For Team USA, Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm are sitting at 22nd and 17th in the rankings, respectively. Given their extensive Ryder Cup experience, both could still secure captain’s picks, despite their current rankings.
Several American golfers are in need of a strong finish leading up to the BMW Championship, the final event before selections are finalized. Tony Finau is currently 19th, but after a disappointing start to the season with only one top-10 finish in 15 tournaments, he faces an uphill battle to maintain his place. Meanwhile, Wyndham Clark, who triumphed at the 2023 US Open, finds himself at 23rd after a muted season.
Max Homa’s early promise at the 2023 Ryder Cup has faded, positioning him at 35th in the rankings and raising doubts about his potential captain’s pick. Rickie Fowler, a seasoned veteran at 44th, also struggles with inconsistency after previous successes, underlining the uncertainty surrounding the American lineup.
Brooks Koepka, typically a strong contender with a history of success at the Ryder Cup, is at a challenging 65th after playing with LIV Golf, where points aren’t awarded. Yet, he still holds a chance at selection through a captain’s pick, thanks to his extensive experience.
On the European side, Matt Fitzpatrick, a previous participant, is at 32nd but has shown signs of resurgence with a recent top-10 finish at the PGA Championship. Nicolai Hojgaard, at 33rd, had a promising start but struggled in consecutive events. Matthieu Pavon, despite a strong 2024 season, has fallen behind at 73rd, needing significant improvement to secure a place. Sergio Garcia, with an unmatched Ryder Cup history and eligibility restored via the DP World Tour, sits at 172nd. His performance on the LIV circuit remains a silver lining, as he has secured a victory this year.
There’s a dynamic mix of emerging talent and seasoned veterans fighting for their spots on both teams. As the countdown continues, these players will undoubtedly be striving for consistency and high finishes in upcoming tournaments, which could dramatically alter the Ryder Cup landscape. The pressure is on, and the coming months promise to be critical for many as they position themselves to represent their countries in this prestigious event.