Excitement is building as United States captain Jim Furyk takes a bold approach in selecting his team for this month’s Presidents Cup.
Furyk raised eyebrows by choosing players ranked 7-12 in the standings for his six captain’s picks. This decision means that Keegan Bradley will be making his first appearance for Team USA in a decade, while Justin Thomas, a veteran of American teams, will be left out.
Joining Bradley on the team are Sam Burns, Russell Henley, Max Homa, Brian Harman, and Tony Finau. The automatic selections include Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark, Patrick Cantlay, and Sahith Theegala. The tournament will take place at Royal Montreal Golf Club from Sept. 26-29.
“Just trying to put the puzzle pieces together,” Furyk explained his picks, acknowledging that leaving out Thomas was a tough decision. Bradley was initially slated to be a captain’s assistant but will now focus on playing.
On the International team side, captain Mike Weir selected Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Si Woo Kim, Min Woo Lee, and Taylor Pendrith. Notably, three Canadians are on the team, adding a true maple flavor to the squad.
Assessing the United States team
Furyrk’s decision to stick to the rankings may avoid criticism, but it leaves the team vulnerable in terms of form and grooming young talent. Players like Homa and Harman have struggled, while Thomas, a proven performer in team events, was left out.
While some of Furyk’s selections may seem puzzling, the focus appears to be on statistics and partner compatibility rather than recent form. The omission of younger talents like Akshay Bhatia raises questions about the team’s future potential.
Evaluating the International team
Weir’s picks reflect a blend of Canadian pride and recent form considerations. The inclusion of three Canadians and notable players like Conners and Pendrith showcases a strategic approach to the team composition.
The decisions to pick Hughes over other players like Hadwin and Taylor indicate a focus on consistency and recent performances. By prioritizing homegrown talent and form, Weir has crafted a strong and versatile team for the upcoming tournament.
Further Reading
(Top photo: Keyur Khamar / PGA Tour via Getty Images)
