Europe
Captain: Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland)
Vice-captains: Thomas Bjorn (Denmark), Padraig Harrington (Republic of Ireland), Paul Lawrie (Scotland), Ian Poulter (England), Sam Torrance (Scotland)
Rafa Cabrera Bello (Spain)
Age 32
World ranking 30
Ryder Cup appearances debut
Ryder Cup record 0-0-0
PGA Tour wins 0
European Tour wins 2
Major wins 0
A native of Gran Canaria, this Ryder Cup rookie recorded his maiden European Tour victory at the 2009 Austrian Open courtesy of a record-equalling final round of 60, while his biggest win came at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2012. Has not won a tournament since but made the team courtesy of five top-five finishes this year, which helped elevate him to seventh in the rankings. Cabrera Bello has played in all four majors, recording two top-25 finishes in 14 attempts. Could continue a long tradition of successful Spanish Ryder Cup pairings with his more experienced compatriot Sergio García. Barry Glendenning
Matthew Fitzpatrick (England)
Age 22
World ranking 44
Ryder Cup appearances debut
Ryder Cup record 0-0-0
PGA Tour wins 0
European Tour wins 2
Major wins 0
The ninth and final qualifier to earn his place through automatic qualification on the points list, Fitzpatrick is one of six rookies Clarke hopes will bring a “mixture of consistency and success” to the party. The 22-year-old from Sheffield turned professional after the 2014 US Open and immediately won his 2015 European Tour card. He went on to win that year’s British Masters at Woburn and followed up with the Nordea Masters in Sweden last June. Before that, he had finished a highly commendable tied-seventh in only his second Masters. BG
Sergio García (Spain)
Age 36
World ranking 12
Ryder Cup appearances 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014
Ryder Cup record 18-9-5
PGA Tour wins 9
European Tour wins 11
Major wins 0
One of Europe’s most experienced players, the Spaniard has notched up twice as many points for Europe as he has lost in seven Ryder Cups. García has had a quiet season, with a third-place at the Open de España and top-five finishes at the US Open and the Open among the highlights. García has complained about the barracking he receives when playing in the US, saying “it doesn’t feel like golf”. In the wake of the recent literary endeavours of Danny Willett’s brother, any hopes that Team USA’s fans might button it are likely to prove comically forlorn. BG
Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)
Age 27
World ranking 3
Ryder Cup appearances 2010, 2012, 2014
Ryder Cup record 6-4-4
PGA Tour wins 13
European Tour wins 13
Major wins US Open (2011), Open Championship (2014), PGA Championship (2012, 2014)
With only one win – the Irish Open – on either side of the Atlantic to his name this year before his timely victories in last weekend’s Tour Championship and the Deutsche Bank Championship earlier this month, McIlroy’s awful putting was a major source of concern for Europe. The 27-year-old’s recent wins came on the back of his decision to employ the putting guru Phil Kenyon, a move that seems to have sorted out his problem. Having relocated his mojo, he looks far more likely to play the role of lynchpin than liability in Hazeltine. BG
Justin Rose (England)
Age 36
World ranking 11
Ryder Cup appearances 2008, 2012, 2014
Ryder Cup record 9-3-2
PGA Tour wins 7
European Tour wins 9
Major wins US Open (2013)
One of the stars at Gleneagles in 2014, Rose remained undefeated and won four points out of five as Europe demolished the USA by five points. He has not enjoyed the best of seasons, but clearly savoured every minute of his victory in the Olympic tournament. The rowdy atmosphere on a Rio Olympic Games course packed with spectators unfamiliar with the protocols of golf-watching ought to serve as ideal preparation for the antics of some of the Ryder Cup’s American patrons. BG
Henrik Stenson (Sweden)
Age 40
World ranking 5
Ryder Cup appearances 2006, 2008, 2014
Ryder Cup record 5-4-2
PGA Tour wins 5
European Tour wins 11
Major wins Open Championship (2016)
Stenson goes into his fourth Ryder Cup after a fine summer in which he won the BMW International Open in Germany before triumphing over Phil Mickelson at the Open on a final day of astonishingly golf from the two leaders. The 40-year-old from Gothenburg followed up with the silver medal at the Olympics, before withdrawing from The Barclays with a slight meniscus tear in his right knee. For now, Stenson will soldier on in the hope a troublesome joint that has required surgery in the past will not give him any problems. BG
Andy Sullivan (England)
Age 29
World ranking 50
Ryder Cup appearances debut
Ryder Cup record 0-0-0
PGA Tour wins 0
European Tour wins 3
Major wins 0
A former shelf-stacker nicknamed the Smiling Assassin, Sullivan won all three of his European Tour titles in 2015 but has had a quieter time of it this year. The 29-year-old from Nuneaton finished tied-12th at the Open in July and arrested a run of three consecutive missed cuts by finishing tied-20th in this month’s Italian Open. BG
Danny Willett (England)
Age 28
World ranking 10
Ryder Cup appearances debut
Ryder Cup record 0-0-0
PGA Tour wins 1
European Tour wins 5
Major wins Masters (2016)
Not many rookies tee off in the Ryder Cup as the Masters champion but this is the situation in which Willett will find himself following his heroics at Augusta in April. His experience in Georgia should serve him well, while second place in the Italian Open will have allayed fears about the indifferent performances that followed his major win and victory at the Dubai Desert Classic. “I feel I’ve achieved a good bit in golf and can draw on those experiences, go there and put some points on the board,” he says of Hazeltine. BG
Chris Wood (England)
Age 28
World ranking 32
Ryder Cup appearances debut
Ryder Cup record 0-0-0
PGA Tour wins 0
European Tour wins 3
Major wins 0
In a gamble that paid off, the 28-year-old from Bristol pulled out of the Open suffering from a neck injury in an attempt to keep his hopes of automatic qualification alive despite being told he was unlikely to receive a wildcard. Wood finished a comfortable fourth in the rankings in spite of missing most of July but has recently insisted his problems are behind him. Four top-10 finishes helped secure his berth for Hazeltine, the pick being his win at the BMW PGA Championship at the end of May. Questions remain over his fitness and form. BG
The captain’s picks
Lee Westwood (England)
Age 43
World ranking 46
Ryder Cup appearances 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014
Ryder Cup record 20-15-6
PGA Tour wins 2
European Tour wins 23
Major wins 0
While his close friendship with Clarke could have led to accusations of cronyism as far as his selection was concerned, Westwood’s vast Ryder Cup experience could prove invaluable in a team with six rookies. He will make his 10th consecutive appearance in the competition and he needs two points to equal Nick Faldo’s record as Europe’s top scorer on 25. “I would have liked to have played my way on but obviously I was very relieved and thrilled at the same time to get the pick,” said Westwood, who has had only two top-10 finishes this season. BG
Martin Kaymer (Germany)
Age 31
World ranking 48
Ryder Cup appearances 2010, 2012, 2014
Ryder Cup record 4-3-3
PGA Tour wins 3
European Tour wins 11
Major wins PGA Championship (2010), US Open (2014)
The man who holed the winning putt to close out the Miracle at Medinah four years ago, Kaymer has been selected as much for what he brings to the “team room and the dynamics of everything involved” as he does to the course, according to his captain. Kaymer has not won a tournament since the US Open in 2014 but has recorded six top-10 finishes in 18 starts on the European Tour this season. Decent form since April may have got Clarke’s antennae twitching, while his experience, proven coolness under pressure and record of never having finished on a losing team undoubtedly helped too. BG
Thomas Pieters (Belgium)
Age 24
World ranking 42
Ryder Cup appearances debut
Ryder Cup record 0-0-0
PGA Tour wins 0
European Tour wins 3
Major wins 0
Standing 6ft 5in in his socks, the lanky 24-year-old from Antwerp makes his Ryder Cup bow three years after turning professional. Few players are in better form: a fourth-place finish at the Olympics was followed by a runner-up spot at the Czech Masters and victory at the Made In Denmark, which earned him Clarke’s final wildcard slot at the expense of Scotland’s Russell Knox. “I have not seen a young player with as much talent since Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy,” said Clarke after backtracking on his pledge not to pick a rookie. BG
USA
Captain: Davis Love III
Vice-captains: Tom Lehman, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson.
Dustin Johnson
Age 32
World ranking 2
Ryder Cup appearances 2
Ryder Cup record 4–3–0
PGA Tour wins 12
European Tour wins 0
Major wins US Open (2016)
Johnson is hoping it is third time lucky after two consecutive Ryder Cup defeats for the South Carolina native. The good news for USA is that the world No2 saves his best for the big occasions and 2016 seems to be going his way. After winning his first major at the US Open in June, Johnson won the BMW Championship on 11 September. Johnson has already stated his reluctance to pair with Phil Mickelson as he feels he plays better without him. “I love Phil and we’re great friends,” Johnson said, “but we have a lot more fun when we’re playing against each other, not as partners.” Luis Echegaray
Jordan Spieth
Age 23
World ranking 4
Ryder Cup appearances 1
Ryder Cup record 2–1–1
PGA Tour wins 8
European Tour wins 0
Major wins Masters (2015), US Open (2015)
Despite ending up on the losing team, Spieth was one of the best things to come out of 2014’s Ryder Cup but the Texan does not care about the past as he looks for vindication at Hazeltine. “You want something you don’t have,” he said. “That’s a trophy that I’ve watched the other side of, and it hurt. It was tough at the closing ceremony.” LE
Phil Mickelson
Age 46
World ranking 15
Ryder Cup appearances 10
Ryder Cup record 16–19–6
PGA Tour wins 42
European Tour wins 9
Major wins Masters (2004, 2006, 2010), PGA Championship (2005), the Open (2013)
The oldest playing member of the USA team has seen it all. No other American has played in more Ryder Cups and his presence is invaluable. Despite his longevity and experience against Europe, he has been part of only two winning USA teams – 1999 and 2008. They will hope the five-times major champion can not only perform but lead younger talent to victory. LE
Patrick Reed
Age 26
World ranking 8
Ryder Cup appearances 1
Ryder Cup record 3–0–1
PGA Tour wins 5
European Tour wins 1
Major wins 0
Reed has been in only one Ryder Cup but it was an eventful one to say the least. He was America’s best player in 2014 when he ended with a 3-0-1 record but European fans may remember him as the man who shushed them after a big putt. Reed is known for having a short fuse and his temper has caused him to say the wrong thing. If he is able to keep his cool, he could be one of USA’s biggest weapons. LE
Jimmy Walker
Age 37
World ranking 16
Ryder Cup appearances 1
Ryder Cup record 1–1–3
PGA Tour wins 6
European Tour wins 0
Major wins PGA Championship (2016)
Was extremely impressive as he won the PGA Championship last month, his first major. The 37-year-old has been working with Julie Elion, a sports psychologist, who has helped him tremendously with the mental side of his game. For Elion, the key was to help Walker relax and find his inner confidence. “He’s got a lot of cockiness in some ways,” Elion said. “He’s subtle about it but he knows who he is.” LE
Brooks Koepka
Age 26
World ranking 22
Ryder Cup appearances debut
Ryder Cup record 0-0-0
PGA Tour wins 1
European Tour wins 1
Major wins 0
One of two rookies in the US team, Koepka took an unusual route to the top table, starting out in European challenger events while his peers stayed in the US. It paid off, and his fourth place at the US Open 2014 marked him out as a potential star. Won his first and only PGA Tour event in Scottsdale in 2015 and missed this year’s Open with an ankle injury but should be fit for Hazeltine. His captain is a big fan. Hits the ball a long way, and could be a good pairing with Dustin Johnson. Tim Hill
Brandt Snedeker
Age 35
World ranking 23
Ryder Cup appearances 1
Ryder Cup record 1-2-0
PGA Tour wins 8
European Tour wins 0
Major wins 0
The Nashville-born Snedeker started the year with top-three finishes in his first three tournaments but wasn’t a definite for the team until a third place at the Wyndham in August. His previous Ryder Cup, in 2012, was a serious disappointment: he lost to Paul Lawrie in the singles as Europe charged to victory on that crazy final day at Medinah. Looks to be rejuvenated after dropping well down the rankings in 2014. Has a reputation as an excellent putter. TH
Zach Johnson
Age 40
World ranking 28
Ryder Cup appearances 4
Ryder Cup record 6-6-2
PGA Tour wins 12
European Tour wins 2
Major wins Masters (2007), the Open (2015)
In a team short on major winners, Johnson’s experience under pressure is a welcome addition and, at 40, he is a solid cog in the machine. His 6-6-2 Ryder Cup record over four tournaments is excellent but he has yet to finish on a winning team. Has a reputation as a grinder and makes few mistakes, though lacks the explosiveness of some of his younger team-mates. Should have plenty of fans in attendance from his home state of Iowa. TH
The captain’s picks
JB Holmes
Age 34
World ranking 21
Ryder Cup appearances 1
Ryder Cup record 2-0-1
PGA Tour wins 4
European Tour wins 0
Major wins 0
Ranks second in the US PGA’s drive distance, which could come in handy on the long Hazeltine course. Played in USA’s victory over Europe in 2008, where he finished with a 2-0-1 record, and is coming off a fourth-place finish at the BMW Championship at Lake Forest. “JB is so steady, easy to pair, has a lot of experience, is consistent and been on a winning Ryder Cup team in the past,” said Love when he announced his picks. They are as good a reason as any for his selection. TH
Rickie Fowler
Age 27
World ranking 9
Ryder Cup appearances 2
Ryder Cup record 0-3-5
PGA Tour wins 3
European Tour wins 2
Major wins 0
Made the cut as one of four wildcard picks, which, considering he has never won a Ryder Cup match, is a vote of confidence from the captain. Fowler is charismatic and marketable, and a favourite with American fans, but he’s short on outright championship wins – he has only three titles to his name since turning pro in 2010. He does have eight top-10 finishes in 23 starts this season, and in 2014 finished in the top five in all four majors. Fearless style could be a match-winner. TH
Matt Kuchar
Age 38
World ranking 17
Ryder Cup appearances 3
Ryder Cup record 4-5-2
PGA Tour wins 7
European Tour wins 0
Major wins 0
Solid and steady, Kuchar will not set hearts racing but his record in the Ryder Cup is good. Has experience, which probably landed him the nod over Bubba Watson. He won bronze at the Olympics behind Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, and has earned a reputation on the PGA Tour as a consistent performer, with 76 top-10 finishes in the past decade. Has seven PGA Tour wins, although his last one was in 2014. Has finished in the Masters top 10 three times. TH
Ryan Moore
Age 33
World ranking 31
Ryder Cup appearances debut
Ryder Cup record 0-0-0
PGA Tour wins 5
European Tour wins 0
Major wins 0
The man in form, Moore’s late-season hot streak earned him the final captain’s pick over Watson. At 33, he is no greenhorn. Has won five PGA titles and has put together the best year of his career. His second-place finish to McIlroy at the Tour Championship at East Lake seemed to swing the balance for Love. Won the John Deere Classic in August and has had three top-10 finishes in the FedEx Cup play-offs. Stocky of build and no stranger to natty attire, the bearded Moore represented the US as an amateur in the Walker and Palmer cups. TH
