Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas Among Picks for US Ryder Cup Team

In a much-anticipated announcement, U.S. Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson revealed the additions to the 2023 United States team, including the five-time major champion Brooks Koepka. The roster, set to compete from September 29, also features Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, and Sam Burns. Notably, Koepka stands out as the sole representative from LIV Golf, maintaining Ryder Cup eligibility despite the suspension of LIV players by the PGA Tour in June 2022. The LIV-PGA Tour merger, pending completion, has yet to alter this status.

While some eyebrows may raise over Thomas’ selection due to a challenging season marked by missed cuts in major tournaments, Captain Johnson lauded him as the “emotional leader” of Team USA. Morikawa and Burns enter the competition on a high note, both securing top-10 finishes at the Tour Championship. Spieth, amidst an unpredictable season with seven top-10 finishes and six missed cuts, brings his seasoned prowess to the team. Fowler, consistent throughout the season with 22 cuts made in 24 tournaments, clinched a victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, breaking a four-year winless streak.

Looking ahead, European team captain Luke Donald is set to reveal his picks on September 4, with Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, and Tyrell Hatton already securing spots. The 2023 Ryder Cup unfolds at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, where the U.S. team aims to achieve the first repeat victory since the European squad’s three consecutive wins in 2010, 2012, and 2014. The stage is set for an intense showdown between the best golfers from both sides of the Atlantic.