PROFILE OF FOUR USA ‘WILDCARD’ PICKS

Steve Stricker, 45, has played on two prior Ryder Cups in 2008 and 2010, compiling a 3-3-1 record.  He also has represented the USA on four Presidents Cup sides.

Dustin Johnson, 28 and one of the longest drivers in professional golf, will be playing in his second Ryder Cup. He went 1-3 in the American’s loss to the European team at Celtic Manor in 2010.

Jim Furyk, 42, has played in seven Ryder Cups and has an 8-15-4 record.  Love cited his experience and the respect he enjoys in making the selection.

Brandt Snedeker, 31, will be making his first Ryder Cup appearance. He won the Farmers Insurance Open in January and has been one of the Tour’s hottest players in recent weeks. He finished second at the Barclays on Aug. 26 and sixth at last week’s Deutsche Bank Championship. He is one of four rookies on the U.S. team, and the only first-timer selected by Love.

Love’s decision came down to a pool of several players who have had varying degrees of success in 2012.

Players who were thought by many to be finalists included Hunter Mahan, Rickie Fowler and Bo Van Pelt.

Mahan, 30, lost to Graeme McDowell in singles in the final and decisive match of the 2010 Ryder Cup, allowing the Europeans to win the Cup by one point. Mahan’s career record in the event is 3-2-3.

Love’s picks will join Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar and Phil Mickelson on the U.S. team. Play begins Sept. 28 at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill. The European team is the defending champion, and has won four of the last five contests.