As Brooks Koepka’s Ryder Cup Dream Gets Dashed Unceremoniously, US Captain Zach Johnson Is Now in Charge of His Fate

The 2023 PGA Tour’s BMW Championship concluded on Sunday. While the gameplay was full of passion, on-course drama, and heated vying, the consequences of its results traveled far beyond the colossal $20M purse.

With the conclusion of the BMW Championship, the six automatic qualifications are now sealed. This doesn’t spell good news for Brooks Koepka who seemed to be one of the strong contenders for the same not so long ago. With that, let us take a look at the US Ryder Cup Team and how the 2023 PGA Championship winner fits in the entire dynamics!

With the automatic Ryder Cup qualifications locked, Brooks Koepka faces a massive blow

On Aug 20th, PGA Tour Pros completed their second event of the FedEx playoffs. No doubt, Viktor Hovland proved his determination as he ultimately claimed the title, but there were other stars as well who showed how dominant they can be on the greens.

On top of the list was World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler who displayed the kind of hold he has when it comes to executing shots. Additionally, the 2023 Open Championship winner, Brian Harman, and Max Homa proved their resilience as they finished T5. Other golfers who produced quality outcomes at the Olympia Fields North were Xander Schauffele (T8) and Wyndham Clark (T15).

However, it was not the results of this tournament that have been the only source of celebration for the golfers. Rather, the astonishing news in the form of them securing an automatic place in the US Ryder Cup Team becomes a moment of honor, per the official Instagram handle of Ryder Cup USA.

Along with these five American players, Patrick Cantlay also secured a spot in the first six qualifiers. Although this information portrayed a positive front for these professionals, one athlete from the LIV realm might not be happy with the same. It is none other than Brooks Koepka!

Since LIV golfers cannot participate in the PGA Tour events and LIV tournaments do not count for the Ryder Cup ranking, Koepka, who, with his dominant performance in the 2023 Masters and PGA Championship had somehow managed to take a place in the top 6 of the catalog, now sits out of the list.

Also Read: ‘But It’ll Do’: Viktor Hovland Shares a Hilarious Instagram Post With the 2022 Dubai Desert Classic Trophy

Prior to the BMW Championship, the 5-time major winner had found a place at the 5th spot. Having fallen out of the top fix, now he heavily relies on US Team captain Zach Johnson who will pick the remaining six members of the squad using his sole discretion.

Will Zach Johnson choose LIV golfers in general and Brooks Koepka in particular for his team?

Zach Johnson is the name that going forward plays a vital role in the upcoming Ryder Cup. And while for some time now, the American captain hadn’t displayed any inclination toward the selection of LIV golfers, his recent words might hint otherwise.

During an interview, Johnson said, “Americans. 6 Americans, Born in the United States. And probably on the PGA TOUR, but not necessarily.” Subtly indicating that LIV golfers like Brooks Koepka might have a shot at making it to the team.

Interestingly, preceding this, the American leader had showcased no interest in voicing his opinion. Per the golfer, it was too soon to comment on the matter that was months away. Although, he did mention that if LIV Golf athletes secure an automatic position for themselves, then they can obviously play.

At that time, only Koepka appeared to be in contention after his PGA Championship triumph. However, now, even his fate seems to have shifted in the hands of Zach Johnson.

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What do you think of US Ryder Cup automatic qualifications? And Brooks Koepka being out of this list? Let us know in the comments!