2023 Ryder Cup teams: Why Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth headline U.S. captains were picked for Rome

In preparation for the upcoming 2023 Ryder Cup, U.S. team captain Zach Johnson has unveiled his six captain’s picks, further solidifying the roster that will represent the United States in Rome at the end of September. The announcement, made on Tuesday, introduced a blend of seasoned talent and promising names to join the six automatic qualifiers previously determined earlier in the month.

The list of automatic qualifiers includes Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Brian Harman, Wyndham Clark, and Max Homa. To complement this group, the captain’s selections comprised Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, Sam Burns, and Justin Thomas.

While the majority of the picks came as no surprise, the final selection proved to be the subject of intrigue. Ultimately, it was Justin Thomas who secured the last spot, despite his recent struggles in form. Despite his recent challenges, Thomas brings significant Ryder Cup experience, boasting a 6-2-1 record in previous editions and having been a standout performer in the last European Ryder Cup in 2018.

Addressing the selection, Captain Johnson highlighted Thomas’s vital role, stating, “He has been the heart and soul of Team USA at Ryder Cups. He’s our emotional leader… in my mind, he was born for this. You just don’t leave J.T. at home.”

It’s worth noting that the six captain’s picks, although not overly triumphant on the PGA Tour this season, do include major victories like Koepka’s PGA Championship win. Additionally, four of the six have prior Ryder Cup experience on European soil, a valuable asset considering the historical challenges the U.S. has faced in Europe.

The United States is seeking to break a 30-year streak of losses on European soil, a daunting task, given the strength of European teams in recent years. Captain Johnson’s strategy revolves around a mix of seasoned Ryder Cup veterans and fresh faces, hoping to reverse the trend and secure victory in Rome, while the European team aims to extend their dominance further.