The USA Ryder Cup automatic qualifying process may have ended a fortnight ago but Hunter Mahan did his Gleneagles ‘wildcard’ claims a huge favour in capturing the Barclays Championship.

Despite some misadventure down the final hole on the Ridgewood Country Club course, Mahan celebrated his 10th appearance in the first of the Play-Off Series events with a final round six under par 65 to win by two shots with a 14-under par tally.

It was Mahan’s first victory in more than two years and his first win after electing to leave the Canadian Open last summer despite enjoying the 36-hole lead to be with his wife, Candace, for the birth of their daughter.

It is Mahan’s sixth PGA Tour win and there could be none more important with USA Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson to announce his three ‘wildcard’ picks on Tuesday 2nd September.

A warning of events that would unfold a few minutes later as Hunter Mahan’s one-year old daughter knocks over the Barclays Championship trophy. A short while later the crystal trophy will be in two pieces.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a few weeks,” said Mahan.

“Just the unfortunate things that have happened to the guys on the team [injuries], seems like it’s let a lot of guys in. I don’t know who he is thinking about or what his process is, but I need a strong couple weeks, a strong major and a strong couple playoff events to have a chance.

“Obviously a win, it helps a lot. Obviously playing well at the PGA helped a lot. So I have no idea what he’s thinking or if he has any sort of strategy. But I think a win is a good step in the right direction.”

Watson could certainly do far worse than Mahan, 33, who has endured his own share of Ryder Cup turmoil and might feel there is some unfinished business — always a strong motivator.