Earlier today I watched some of the Ryder Cup Captains Press Conference, publicised as ‘1 Year to Go’. I thought that can’t be right as it seems only like yesterday when Europe regained the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National, Paris, winning by 17 & 1/2 points to 10 & 1/2 points.
But yes it is correct. Only ‘1 Year to Go’. The 2020 Ryder Cup will be played from Friday 25th September to Sunday 27th September on the absolutely stunning Straits course at Whistling Straits, Haven, Wisconsin, USA.
As I watched the respective captains, Steve Stricker (USA) and Pádraig Harrington (Europe), my mind wandered, thinking…
‘Why not have a go at predicting the USA and Europe teams now and then invite the Golfing Herald readers to do the same…then in 12 months time let’s see how accurate, or otherwise, our selections today have been’
Whistling Straits
Before nominating the players I believe will represent the respective teams, a few words about the venue.
Spectacular…Stunning…Out of this World!! If you don’t believe me, then please visit the Whistling Straits website…you will be blown away!!
In summary, the Straits Course is very much modelled on and influenced by the championship links courses of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Designed by (the legendary husband and wife team of) Pete and Alice Dye, this course nestles alongside Lake Michigan with massive undulating greens, deep pot bunkers, dunes and is exposed to the wind and the elements…the perfect match play configuration!!
The Straits has hosted the US PGA Championship in 2004, 2010 and 2015 and the US Senior Open in 2007.
The Teams
Unlike Steve Stricker (who has 4 wildcard picks) and Pádraig Harrington (who has 3 wildcard picks), Golfing Herald has 12 wildcard picks for this exercise!! So without further delay, and without any explanations (to hopefully keep the article punchy and interesting), here are the players I am predicting will represent the USA and Europe in the 43rd Ryder Cup Match…and may the best team win.
USA
In alphabetical order:
- Patrick Cantlay
- Tony Finau
- Rickie Fowler
- Dustin Johnson
- Brooks Koepka
- Patrick Reed
- Xander Schauffele
- Webb Simpson
- Jordan Speith
- Justin Thomas
- Gary Woodland
- Tiger Woods
Europe
In alphabetical order:
- Paul Casey
- Matthew Fitzpatrick
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Sergio Garcia
- Shane Lowry
- Rory McIlroy
- Francesco Molinari
- Ian Poulter
- Jon Rahm
- Justin Rose
- Matt Wallace
- Danny Willett
Over to You
I realise this is a bit of a fun, hypothetical style of article and no doubt my selections will be wide of the mark!! Now it is your turn so please use the comments section below to nominate your teams?
I cant see Poulter making it despite his fantastic record. I also think that Wallace and Fitzpatrick wont hang on.
In their place, Rafa Cabrara Bello, Alex Noren & Henrick Stenson
For the USA team (deep breath), Speith and Woods wont make it with DeChambeau & the unpopular Kuchar
Hi John
Certainly the 3 (alternate) players you have ‘predicted’ for Europe could easily make the team and score a few points. And yes, a very sharp intake of breath indeed if Tiger does not make the USA team…let’s see what Stricker and Harrington think next September!!
Best regards
Paul