With Team USA’s 12-man roster for the Ryder Cup now finalised, vice-captain Webb Simpson has shared his thoughts on the players who didn’t make the cut.
Keegan Bradley chose not to select himself, and will focus solely on his captaincy role.
Cameron Young, Sam Burns, and Ben Griffin were all included in the team, leaving others on the outside looking in.
Andrew Novak was one of those left out, along with Maverick McNealy and more established names like Jordan Spieth and Brian Harman.
The focus now shifts to Bradley and his vice-captains as they prepare for the event, with one of them giving details about how it was difficult not to call up some golfers.
Webb Simpson highlights players who were close to making Team USA
As Keegan Bradley takes on his inaugural Ryder Cup captaincy, Webb Simpson is set to play a key role in the tournament. The two have a long-standing relationship, and Simpson’s experience will be crucial during the build-up.
Simpson, speaking to the media, highlighted just how difficult it was to finalise the team. He pointed out several players who were considered, emphasising that the margins were incredibly tight.
He mentioned Brian Harman specifically as someone who was very much in the conversation.
“I feel like a good number of guys. I think of Mav McNealy, the season he has had, 10th on points, the playoffs he had. He’s a great putter. I love Mav.
“Brian Harman, all the guys love Brian. He is such a great player. A major winner. That was a hard one.
“Novak has had a heck of a season. I know he got hurt in the middle of the season and that probably put him behind the eight ball a little bit.”
“But then you throw in the captain himself, he has played about as good as anybody outside of Scheffler, so those calls I do not envy Keegan on those. He said they all handled it really well. But that’s got to be a tough role to play,” he concluded.
Team USA looks ready to reclaim the Ryder Cup
For a while now, Team USA has stuck with familiar names without really tapping into the depth of emerging talent.
Keegan Bradley has changed that approach, putting together a younger, more energetic squad that he hopes can hit the ground running from day one.
Cameron Young and Russell Henley bring a fearless attitude, while Ben Griffin stands out as one of the most self-assured players on tour.
Europe will always have their big names and strong team unity, but there is a different feel around this American side, and if they get off to a good start, they might just prove too much for Europe this time around.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
