Philadelphia, PA ..
As expected, Bryson DeChambeua, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods will be heading with their golf clubs to this year’s Ryder Cup.
There was no surprises when USA Team captain, Jim Furyk revealed his three captain’s picks within a conference room at the Mariott West hotel in Philadelphia, with DeChambeau, winner of the past two events on the PGA Tour, Furyk’s first pick followed in ordere by Mickelson and Woods.
Furyk heaped particular praise on 14-times major champion Woods, who will now relinquish his role as a vice-captain.
“It’s been great to have his help and to get a little feel of one of the best minds in the history of the game on your side helping you out,” he said.
“We’re all excited to see him healthy again, to see his game playing so well.”
Woods, 42, will return after missing the past two Ryder Cups with a persistent back injury.
“I haven’t been part of the team playing-wise for six years,” Woods said. “This year to have the honour of being able to play again is beyond special.
“This team is young, full of guys in their 20s. We’ve got an unbelievable veteran leader in Phil who’s been around the Ryder Cup since before some of these guys were born. It’s a great mix of guys.”
Woods has a pedestrian Ryder Cup record of 13 wins, 17 losses and three halves, though he has been stellar in singles, losing only once, on his debut in 1997.
Mickelson, 48, will be making a record 12th appearance in the event, moving past European great Nick Faldo.
“This is most likely my last chance to go over to Europe and be part of a winning team in Europe,” Mickelson said, speaking of his desire to fill the void in his record.
“It’s going to be a great challenge because we know how strong the European side is and how well they play at home but it’s a wonderful opportunity to do something I haven’t been a part of in my career.
“My excitement to be on (the team) is at an all-time high because I know how much I cherish these events.”
The U.S. last won a Ryder Cup on European soil in 1993.
Mickelson has an 18-20-7 Ryder Cup record.
Furyk also announced that David Duval, Zach Johnson and Matt Kuchar would join Davis Love III and Steve Stricker as U.S. vice-captains in Paris.
Furyk will announce his final captain’s pick next Monday to complete the 12-man team.
European captain Thomas Bjorn will name his four captain’s picks on Wednesday 2pm UK time to complete the home team.
2018 USA RYDER CUP TEAM
Brooks Koepka
Justin Thomas
Dustin Johnson
Patrick Reed
Bubba Watson
Jordan Spieth
Rickie Fowler
Webb Simpson
Tiger Woods
Phil Mickelson
Bryson DeChambeau
12th player to be named 9am Monday
