CHASKA, MN—When the process for selecting the USA Ryder Cup team was changed following the ‘14 Matches in Scotland it was determined to keep one spot available -- to be named upon the conclusion of The Tour Championship -- the final event prior to the 41st Ryder Cup Matches.
American Captain Davis Love III opted to bypass the 7th ranked player in the world and two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson for Ryan Moore. Moore lost in a three-way playoff to Rory McIlroy in the recently concluded Tour Championship played at East Lake. Earlier in ‘16 Moore added his 5th career PGA Tour win with a triumph in the John Deere Classic and his recent form on the PGA Tour has been steady.
“Ryan fits so well with what we have in place,” said Love. “He’s an easy-going, thoughtful guy, but don’t be fooled, Ryan’s a great match-play player with an incredible match-play record. He has guts and determination, and everyone saw that today. We are thrilled to have him with us.”
The addition of Moore means two rookies will be on the American squad with this year’s matches along with Brooks Koepka. Moore has been a successful player at all levels and he is no stranger to team competition having been a member of the USA Walker Cup team, Palmer Cup and World Amateur Team Championship. Moore’s demeanor is decidedly low key but is through the deft skill he shows with his clubs that has made him a consistent performer on the PGA Tour.
Bubba Watson hits his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on September 25 in Atlanta, Georgia. Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
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.
