As excitement builds for the Ryder Cup showdown at Bethpage Black this September, Team USA captain Keegan Bradley faces tough decisions—and a potential shake-up among familiar faces. While several top Americans have locked in their spots, these six veterans face long odds of making the final 12-man roster.
1. Brooks Koepka
Once a Ryder Cup stalwart boasting an unbeaten 5–0 record in selections like Rome and Whistling Straits, Koepka is in freefall. With multiple missed cuts in the season’s majors and a top-10 drought on LIV Golf, he’s now outside the top 70 in Ryder Cup standings and appears unlikely to earn a wildcard selection.
2. Patrick Reed
“Captain America” has delivered legendary performances in past Cups despite controversy. He remains outside the standings bubble and is considered a long shot for one of Bradley’s six captain’s picks due to poor recent results and off-course drama.
3. Dustin Johnson
A former Ryder Cup icon infamous for his flawless record, DJ sits well outside the top 100 in the points ranking, with no wins or significant finishes this season. His return to the greens at Bethpage looks highly unlikely barring a dramatic turnaround.
4. Rickie Fowler
The fan favorite has been a fixture in past Ryder Cups but finds himself ranked just 42nd and marred by inconsistency. His overall record—three wins from 17 matches—offers little reassurance, and his current trajectory makes his selection improbable.
5. Tony Finau
With a balanced 3–3 record across two Ryder Cups, Finau remains a capable match play competitor—but not this year. He’s currently down in 67th place in the standings and failing to ignite on tour, falling outside the pool for both automatic qualification and captain’s consideration.
6. Max Homa
A standout rookie in Rome with a 3.5‑point haul, Homa’s form has crashed since. Missed cuts have piled up at majors, and his potential for a wildcard has dimmed considerably unless he sparks suddenly in coming weeks.
Why These Names Could Be Omitted
Automatic Spots, Rising Stars, and a Crowded Wildcard Pool
Only the top six in the Ryder Cup standings earn automatic qualification. That list currently features Scottie Scheffler (the lone official lock), Xander Schauffele, J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, and Harris English—meaning others must rely on one of Bradley’s six captain’s selections.
The pool for wildcards is both deep and unpredictable—containing players like Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Sam Burns, Jordan Spieth, Maverick McNealy, and even Bradley potentially picking himself for the first time since Arnold Palmer in 1963.
The Keegan Bradley Factor
Bradley’s own form—and possible status as a playing captain—adds complexity. Though he initially pledged not to select himself, a victory at the Travelers Championship thrust him into contention. Meanwhile, a rare rule change approved by Europe now allows vice captains to coach during matches, potentially enabling Bradley to focus on playing while delegating leadership.
Form Over Fame
With rookies and emerging talents making waves (Henley, Griffin, Burns, McNealy), Bradley appears to be favoring recent form over Ryder Cup legacy. That spells trouble for past stars whose recent results have dipped.
Unless one or more of these names can dramatically flip their form—and quickly—they’re all vying for spots Bradley is more likely to hand to in-form stars and breakout performers. At Bethpage Black, Team USA might just look very different than fans are used to.
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