United States captain Zach Johnson has selected Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, Sam Burns and Rickie Fowler as his wild cards for the 44th Ryder Cup in Rome.
Thomas failed to qualify for the FedEx Cup play-offs and admitted it had been “humiliating and embarrassing” to card a second round of 81 in the US Open in June.
The two-time major winner also shot an opening 82 in the Open at Royal Liverpool, but has still been selected by Johnson ahead of the likes of Keegan Bradley and Cameron Young.
The wild cards join automatic qualifiers Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele on Johnson’s team, which will attempt to win on European soil for the first time since 1993.
“Justin Thomas is one of the most talented players on the PGA Tour in my opinion,” Johnson said.
“He has been, without question, the heart and soul of US Ryder Cup teams, our emotional leader.
“Overall (he has) a fantastic Ryder Cup record. His passion for the Ryder Cup is very evident. In my mind he is born for this and you just don’t leave JT at home.”
Koepka, who is the only LIV Golf League player to make the team, slipped out of the automatic qualifying places in the final event, having finished second in the Masters and won the US PGA Championship at Oak Hill.
“A five-time major champion, he is built in my mind for the biggest of stages and there’s no bigger stage than the Ryder Cup,” Johnson said.
The action will take place at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, from September 29 to October 1.
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The United States team celebrate with the Ryder Cup after beating Europe 19-9 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin on Sunday. Reuters -
US captain Steve Stricker and players pose for photos with the Ryder Cup. Reuters -
US players celebrate with the Ryder Cup. Reuters -
Europe player Ian Poulter congratulates US captain Steve Stricker on the 18th hole. Reuters -
Europe's Jon Rahm congratulates US players on the 18th hole. Reuters -
Spectators cheer on the players on the 16th green during day three of the Ryder Cup. PA -
USA's Dustin Johnson hits his tee shot on the 12th hole. Reuters -
US players Bryson DeChambeau and Xander Schauffele celebrate after winning the Ryder Cup. AP -
Dustin Johnson chips onto the 1st green during the Ryder Cup singles session. Reuters -
US captain Steve Stricker greets fans on the second hole during the Ryder Cup. AP -
US player Scottie Scheffler shakes hands with Jon Rahm after winning their match 4 & 3. EPA -
Europe's Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the second hole during the Singles session. EPA -
Patrick Cantlay celebrates after sinking his putt on the fifteenth hole. EPA -
Rory McIlroy shakes hands with US vice-captain Phil Mickelson. EPA -
The US team celebrates with the Ryder Cup trophy after winning on the final day. EPA
