To play the Ryder Cup is every golfer’s dream. However, many of the world’s best players find it incredibly difficult to get into the side. Every year the team is picked out through two means.
One is the automatic qualification and the second one is through the captain picks. While the former values merit, the captain’s judgment often sparks debates. This year was no different. Several Ryder Cup dreams came true, while others ended with captain Zach Johnson’s picks.
The death of the Ryder Cup dream
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In a recent tweet, Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson supposedly shared his thoughts about the challenging decisions he had to make while finalizing the team for this year’s Ryder Cup. Johnson spoke about the difficulties he faced while making the phone calls and expressed that these choices were as tough as they could be.
The responsibility of picking the best of the best was as tough as it could be. The captain’s words shed light on the emotional toll of such decisions, emphasizing how they even kept him up at night.
Among the players to miss the cut, Cameron Young’s dismissal made for a sad call from Johnson.
🏆🇺🇸☎️ #REJECTED — Zack Johnson talked about the tough calls he had to make: All of my phone calls were difficult, it’s part of what I was warned about. It did keep me up at night, specifically Cam Young. He was all class. All of those phone calls were difficult…”…
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 29, 2023
While not delving into specifics, the tweet hinted at the gravity of the decisions and the thought process that went into them.
Veterans such as Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson were also left unselected, leaving behind vast experience in the Ryder Cup. Fans were contested in debate on social media following the announcement of the team, but what did they have to say regarding the captain’s calls?
The buzz on social media
Fans set the social media platform buzzing with their reactions to this revelation by Zach Johnson.
One fan expressed empathy, emphasizing the heartbreak that players like Cam Young might feel.
Gotta be pretty heartbreaking to play well and earn the opportunity to represent your country in a global capacity… and have it ripped away because JT is good at yelling and friends with the Big Cat…
— Adrian Grubb (@grubb_adrian) August 29, 2023
Another fan’s disappointment centered around the absence of Bryson DeChambeau from the team.
Somehow he avoided the toughest call; to JT
— Heinekencity (@heinekencity) August 29, 2023
Interestingly, a different perspective emerged, questioning the inclusion of Justin Thomas.
JT over Cam Young and Bryson is criminal
— Joe Davis (@Joeydavis123) August 29, 2023
The pressure on Captain Johnson’s selection choices and the potential impact on the team’s performance are evident in this sentiment.
If they needed JT on the team, make him a vice captain, a cheerleader, a team mascot. His game isn’t up to snuff for this competition. ZJ will be judged on that call. I predict a Hunter Mahan 2010 type moment for JT.
— 19Nineteen19 (@biggsyNC) August 29, 2023
The diverse array of fan opinions underscores the passionate engagement that the Ryder Cup evokes.
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Sounds like he didn’t really call anyone
— The Media’s Most Wanted (@TmmWanted) August 29, 2023
As the competition draws near, discussions surrounding team composition, player performances, and the dynamics of team sports continue to captivate golf enthusiasts. What do you think about the final team? Let us know in the comments below.
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