Eleven down, one to go. That’s how things stand for the US Ryder Cup team after Jim Furyk announced that Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau would be his first three wildcards.
In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Furyk added to the team that already included Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson.
Woods will make his Ryder Cup return as a player for the first time in six years. The 42 year old made his debut in 1999 and featured in six of the next seven editions. He was also part of Davis Love III’s back room staff in 2016, as a vice-captain in Hazeltine. He has played in 33 Ryder Cup matches, fifth all-time on the US side, and has amassed 14.5 points.
Phil Mickelson will become the first player in Ryder Cup history to make 12 appearances when he tees it up in Paris. The 47 year old has played every edition of the event since making his debut in 1995. He will also tie Nick Faldo for the most matches played at the Ryder Cup when he plays his first match at Le Golf National, playing his 46th match. Mickelson hasn't enjoyed much success on European soil however. He has never won a Ryder Cup in Europe.
Bryson DeChambeau will his Ryder Cup debut in Paris. The former US Amateur champion left Furyk with little doubt about his selection after winning back-to-back FedEx Cup play-off events leading into today’s wildcard announcements. The 24 year old has won four times in the last 14 months and is currently ranked seventh in the Official Golf World Rankings.
Captain Furyk will make his last and final wildcard pick on Monday September 24th, the day after the Tour Championship
