After players automatically qualified for the Ryder Cup, US captain Steve Stricker announced his six picks for the biennial tournament. A team including 50 percent rookies, Stricker’s choices have drawn mixed reviews. While some choices were obvious and appreciated, others seemed to confuse many fans. As a result, even players have started voicing their opinion about the picks. Kevin Na became the latest tour pro to do it.
It started with Patrick Reed liking and unliking tweets calling Stricker out about not picking him, with fans noticing and sharing the same. Billy Horschel also spoke up, upset over not having received a phone call from Stricker. Kevin Na is the most recent golfer to reveal his disappointment over the situation, becoming the third player to do so.
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What did Kevin Na have to say about Steve Stricker’s Ryder Cup selection?
While talking to Golfweek, Na expressed his disappointment even though he did not take it personally. “It’s disappointing. He has a tough job,” Na said. “I don’t take it personal. No one deserves anything. It’s a captain’s call. I respect his decision. Do I disagree? Yeah, I disagree. I just have to play better”.
He even added that his Tour Championship performance did not matter. “It didn’t matter what happened at the Tour Championship. He already has his mind set, that’s my personal opinion”.
According to Na, he would have been a good addition to the team, and he would have also brought along some good energy. “I could’ve really contributed and disappointing that I won’t get the chance to do that”.
Na came in third at the Tour Championship, and many expected him to be one of Stricker’s picks. Now, Na will have to wait for two more years to qualify for a Ryder Cup.
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On the other hand, Horschel seemed more disappointed over not being informed by Stricker. “I didn’t think the call was going to say I made the team, but I was a little gutted I didn’t get a call to say, ‘Hey, you know, you didn’t make the team’,” said Horschel. As per Horschel, he thought he would at least get a call.
Fans have also voiced concern over the team, wondering if so many rookies will hold their own against the experience Europe team.
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