The 2021 Ryder Cup is only a few weeks away and Team USA captain Steve Stricker has named his wildcard picks. These wildcards will play alongside automatic qualifiers Collin Morikawa, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay. But who are the men who expected to play but have been left out? Here are the 2021 Ryder Cup snubs.
Steve Stricker reveals wildcard picks for Team USA
Captain Steve Stricker has named his wildcard picks for Team USA at the upcoming 2021 Ryder Cup.
The tournament will take place from 24 to 26 September at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin.
Golf Club: Wasteland | Launch Trailer
Collin Morikawa, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay were the automatic qualifiers.
With his wildcard picks, Stricker selected Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele, Daniel Berger, Scottie Scheffler, Harris English and Tony Finau.
Four of them will make their Ryder Cup debuts.
Europe have won nine of the past 12 Ryder Cups and are the defending champions after their victory in 2018. But history holds no fear for Stricker.
He said: “I talked to each and every one of them a couple of days ago and they are extremely excited, happy and fired up to be part of this team.”
- FEATURED: What is Michael Phelps’ golf handicap?
Who are the 2021 Ryder Cup snubs?
It was a selection headache for Stricker, who had plenty of talent at his disposal, with a number of Ryder Cup snubs.
Patrick Reed, aka Captain America, may be the biggest snub, having been in every USA team since 2014.
However, he only returned from bilateral pneumonia at last week’s Tour Championship, and his form hasn’t been great either.
“It wasn’t an easy one,” Stricker said, “but I think it was just the uncertainty of his health and really the lack of play that led to our decision down the stretch.”
- GOLF: Is Tony Finau Mormon?
Webb Simpson, 13th in the qualification standings and a three-time Ryder Cup player, will also feel snubbed.
He has been consistent all year, with six top tens and 13 top 25s in 21 starts last season.
Kevin Na may well have been in with an outside chance too. Na registered four top-eight finishes in six starts. He also carded the low 72-hole score at the Tour Championship.
Other potential Ryder Cup snubs include Will Zalatoris, Sam Burns, Billy Horschel, Kevin Kisner and Jason Kokrak.
Who will feature in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup team?
Paul Casey, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm have already secured their spots in Team Europe captain Padraig Harrington’s squad.
Four more will qualify on Sunday via the BMW Championship at Wentworth. Harrington will name his three captain’s picks on Sunday night, live on Sky Sports.
Those who’ll fancy their chances of being involved at Whistling Straits include Matt Fitzpatrick, Lee Westwood, Shane Lowry, Bernd Wiesberger, Richard Bland, Danny Willett, Matthias Schwab, Justin Rose, Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia.