Every Tuesday, SI Golf will evaluate nine significant figures in the golfing world. We may occasionally explore broader topics. Share your opinions on the SI Golf X account.
1. Keegan Bradley
Although the PGA Tour was inactive last week for the first time since December, there was still significant activity in golf. The most noteworthy development was Bradley’s announcement of his six U.S. Ryder Cup captain’s picks, notably excluding himself. This decision was wise; despite being among the best 12 American players this year, he had more at stake than benefit by competing. He can now focus on guiding the team.
2. Sam Burns
Who stepped in for Bradley? Burns. His overall season was modest (finishing 16th in Ryder Cup points), yet after losing a close playoff at the RBC Canadian Open in June, he almost clinched the U.S. Open and achieved two top-10 finishes in the season’s final events. Additionally, as one of the best putters and a close associate of Scottie Scheffler, his selection is a debatable yet safe choice.
3. Cam Young
A pattern is emerging. How do we know Burns was selected? After Young received the fourth captain’s pick, he inadvertently disclosed Burns’ inclusion. Following Cantlay’s selection, it became clear Bradley would refrain from being the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. Oops.
4. Miranda Wang
We can’t focus solely on Ryder Cup selections (we haven’t even discussed the European team!). Let’s acknowledge Wang, the Chinese golfer who secured her first LPGA title at the FM Championship. This victory made her the seventh rookie to win this season while holding off world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul by a single stroke. Notably, there have been 23 tournaments this season, with no repeat winners.
5. Matt Wallace
Moving on to the European Ryder Cup team, the mention of Wallace, who did not qualify, is noteworthy. The 35-year-old Englishman likelyneeded a win at the European Masters to secure his spot, but after finishing as runner-up, he realized it wasn’t sufficient. Overcome with emotion, he expressed his disappointment about missing the chance to compete at Bethpage Black. For players, especially Europeans, the Ryder Cup holds significant value.
6. Luke Donald
Though the European captain didn’t generate much buzz recently, he largely maintained the 2023 team (the only change being the switch of Rasmus Hojgaard for his twin Nicolai). Any speculation about LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton being excluded was quickly dismissed by Donald, as expected.
7. Patrick Cantlay
Back to the Americans, Cantlay’s selection raised eyebrows given his 15th place finish in points. During the announcement, he appeared disengaged, resembling a co-worker who was reluctant to join a Zoom call, which quickly went viral. His gloomy demeanor prompted questions about whether he would forego wearing a hat again.
8. Charlie Woods
The 16-year-old made headlines with a hole-in-one at the Junior Players Championship, carding an ace on the 177-yard par-3 third hole at TPC Sawgrass. Despite finishing 7 over, spectators are fascinated by his performance. For the record, he also had an ace at the PNC Championship last December.
9. Ernie Els
In a familial gesture, Els pleaded with the Palm Beach Post for Tiger Woods to join the PGA Tour Champions next season once he turns 50. While Woods’ prime may be behind him, his participation would invigorate the over-50 circuit and allow fans to see him compete for titles again, possibly from a cart.
Also considered: Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, Matt Fitzpatrick, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Thriston Lawrence, Jin Hee Im
Dropped out from last week: Tommy Fleetwood, Brian Rolapp, Scottie Scheffler, Rasmus Højgaard, Robert Garrigus, Sam Bairstow, Brooke Henderson, Donald Trump
