Zach Johnson’s Biases and Its Victims; a Deep Evaluation of Team USA Captain’s Picks for Coveted Ryder Cup

One of the paramount features of the upcoming Ryder Cup is the player list on both sides. And while the European side is yet to disclose its 12-man roster, the US Ryder Cup Team has locked its player names. Interestingly, in the PGA Tour’s dominant player bank, Brooks Koepka is the only LIV Golf professional who has been able to register his name. Indeed, one of the toughest decisions made by Zach Johnson uplifted the day of some of the golfers, while others found their patriotic dream coming to an end.

However, many fans and professionals appear to be disheartened by the absence of certain names from the list. But, given the limited spots, it is unlikely to prevent the emotions from rising concerning the selection. With that, let us take a closer inspection at the names who might fall under bias and victim categories.

Zach Johnson’s Ryder Cup selection sets counterblast

While the picks of the US Captain for the Ryder Cup Team turn a day old, fans around couldn’t help but express their dismay over the selections made. Dissecting the two-year-long records of performances, the golf community seemed to have a difference of opinions with Johnson on this matter.

One name among the players who is facing the brunt of the anger from golf lovers has been 27-year-old Sam Burns. Criticism for the 27-year-old arises from the overview of his recent performances. While Burns had missed the cut in major Championships like the PGA Championship and the Open Championship, his performances barring a few tournaments saw no exceptional character, per the viewers of the game.

The majority of golf spectators brought one common name forward as a replacement for Burns’ spot. The name was unveiled to be the 6-time PGA Tour winner, Keegan Bradley. The golfer not only had two victories this year but also six top-10 finishes. Yet, despite his eagerness to represent his country, the 2011 PGA Championship victor’s astonishing display of skills has failed to grab him a seat on the US team.

Besides the ongoing Bradley-Burns comparison, the spectator’s eyes also scrutinize Collin Morikawa. While the 2020 PGA Championship Winner has had a fairly good season, fans have inclined more toward another 26-year-old PGA Tour professional in his comparison.

The name that comes up is of the New York golf star Cameron Young. While Young and Morikawa have had a similar venture on the field, it is the points obtained for the current standings that assure the audience more of Young’s needed position.

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Amidst the limelight on the young golfers who made it to the US Ryder Cup, there is also a senior player who has grabbed enormous reproval from everyone surrounding the selection news. It is Justin Thomas who faces the tip of the sword currently, bringing his position under extreme supervision.

Justin Thomas and his debatable place in the team

Since half of the season was over in 2023, the golf audience has been on the edge of their seats with regard to who will get to tee off in Rome. One such player around whose name a big question popped up was 15-time PGA Tour winner, Justin Thomas.

Undeniably, the golfer has talent that allows him to boost numerous triumphs, including two major championship wins. However, the 2022-2023 season witnessed JT struggling defenselessly on the greens.

Not only was his performance subpar in many events, but he also missed the cut for the FedEx Cup playoffs. Interestingly, when these results were circling the golfer, his dream to make the US Ryder Cup team faced a sea of opinions from golf enthusiasts. Now, Zach Johnson’s selection of the veteran golfer on the team has only intensified these judgments.

In his place, golf admirers and certain experts have pushed the name of LIV golfers, especially considering how a couple of Saudi-backed players have similar experiences as the 2-time PGA Championship winner.

These names included Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, both of whom have been a part of the US Ryder Cup on more than one occasion. Acknowledging the former’s performances in the major tournaments and LIV Golf events, specifically LIV Greenbrier and a phenomenal 58 in the final round, fans have vouched for the player.

Another veteran whose name has been time and again mentioned is Phil Mickelson. Despite the controversy and backlash that greets the golfer now and then, many experts believe that the 53-year-old brings unmatched experience to the team. In fact, one of the former captains, Lanny Wadkins, believed that if not for how Phil Mickelson’s recent aftermath had been, he could have easily registered his name as the captain of the US Team.

However, no matter the ifs and buts concerning the picks, the US team is all set for the upcoming challenge. Now, all eyes will be focused on the European captain, and as it appears, LIV golfers are unlikely to secure a place there. With that, what do you think of the picks made by Johnson? Do you believe some changes were required in the team or not? Let us know in the comments below.

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