LIV players for Team USA this September? According to Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson, the concept is “not even a discussion item” at the moment.
Players who left the DP World Tour are no longer qualified to compete on Team Europe in the biannual tournament, although American athletes are still allowed to participate even if they were barred or quit the PGA Tour for joining LIV.
With points earned from PGA Tour competitions and majors, six players will automatically qualify to play for Team USA at Marco Simone Golf Club this September. Johnson will then choose six wildcard players to round out his side.
Following his tied-second place result at The Masters last month, Brooks Koepka (ranked 22nd) is the highest-ranked LIV player in the qualifying rankings, and 16 players from the Saudi-funded circuit have the chance to gain qualification points this week at the PGA Championship.
Johnson said in his pre-tournament press conference at Oak Hill when asked whether he was thinking of including LIV players on his squad this fall: “We’re at a position right now where it’s not even a discussion subject.
There are perhaps a few players who have nearly locked up a position in the top six, but when it comes to selections, it’s not even on my radar, especially given how many points are still up for grabs, whether you’re talking about big championships, enhanced tournaments, or all of the above.
“I believe that even mentioning that would be premature and even irresponsible. I’m not currently aware of it.”
Which LIV players may be included in the USA’s roster?
It will be difficult for players like Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Patrick Reed to play their way into an automatic qualifying spot because LIV players can only accrue points in the final three majors of the year.
Johnson stated, “In my opinion, every guy who wants to play for the US Ryder Cup team should try to finish in the top six.” However that appears, you have to perform well and earn a spot on that team.
“I’ve experienced that from both sides. Both waiting for that phone call to be selected and not getting picked are unpleasant experiences. As a professional, you must endure this difficult situation. I want each of those folks to work hard to join the team and prioritise it.”
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