2016 Ryder Cup Selections: When Love Is Blind

2016 Ryder Cup Selections: When Love Is Blind
USA Ryder Cup team captain Davis Love III was also captain in 2012 when the Americans lost. Andy Lyons/Getty Images
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Davis Love III was given a second opportunity when named captain of Team USA for the 2016 Ryder Cup Matches, which begin on Sept. 27 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. It was under Love’s “leadership”—dare the word be used—when the Americans lost on the final day of the 2012 matches on home soil at Medinah Country Club after leading by a 10–6 score.

The PGA of America opted to give Love (no pun intended) a second-time designation as Team USA captain for this year’s matches—something only bestowed previously to the likes of golf titans such as Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Jackie Burke Jr., Sam Snead, and Tom Watson.

On Sept. 12, Love announced three of his four captain’s picks, and the results were baffling given the opportunity—and need—to show a clear move in a different and more compelling direction.

Davis selected Matt Kuchar, J.B. Holmes, and Rickie Fowler, with a final pick to be announced at the halftime of the Sept. 25 NFL Sunday night game between the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys.

The always-popular Rickie Fowler has not had a great 2016 season. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The always-popular Rickie Fowler has not had a great 2016 season. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
M. James Ward
M. James Ward
Author
Ward is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and Met Golf Writers Association. He has covered over 100 major championships and 12 Ryder Cup Matches. His golf acumen extends to architecture/travel, equipment, apparel, and general interest stories as well as in-depth interviews with the leading participants and influencers in the sport.
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