On Tuesday at the Philadelphia Marriott West, U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk unveiled three of his four picks for the 2018 biennial matches in Paris, France (Sep. 28-30).
Furyk’s three picks were no surprise, as the captain chose the players who finished 9th, 10th, and 11th in the standings: Bryson DeChambeau (9), who won the first two legs of the FedExCup Playoffs, along with legends Phil Mickelson (10), and Tiger Woods (11).
After each player was introduced by PGA president Julius Mason, Furyk commented on the choice, and what each would bring to the team.
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU
JIM FURYK: Unbelievable. Obviously a tough spot. Finished ninth in points and it’s tough to get really close and not quite get over the hump, and probably he put a ton of pressure on himself, we all do, as players. But to see the way he worked through that, came out, hit the ground running, won his first two Playoff events at both THE NORTHERN TRUST and Dell, just incredible.
And not only won, but won definitively on the back nine. Took control and seized control of those tournaments and took big leads and was able to finish out tournaments.
So I have to say, I guess, thanks, you made it really easy on the captain.
PHIL MICKELSON
FURYK: Actually, quite amazing. We grew up together. I knew how special Phil was when we were kids and playing in college, but to be able to play at that level, that elite level for as long as he had, to be that consistent for 23, 25 years, is an impressive feat and one that will be very difficult to be equalled.
Excited to have him on the team, and really, just from a veteran leader, someone that really provides — knows the inner workings of our team room, and provides, I don’t know, a spark.
I think he’s a lot of fun in the team room and has a knowledge of kind of the other players and will help — significantly help a lot of folks on our team, so it’s great to have him be a part of it.
TIGER WOODS
FURYK: I think we’re all excited. Tiger and I spent time as partners. We spent a lot of time as vice captains talking strategy, talking pairings, and I can attest to the amount of texts that Davis Love has received. I think I’m maybe not quite as many, but I’m darned close.
But it’s been great to have his help, and to get like a little feel of, you know, one of the best minds in the history of the game on your side helping you out, it’s been great to have.
But I have to say, we are all excited to see him healthy and playing the way he has, backed up against the wall, to play so well at The Open Championship, to play so well at the PGA; Phil is correct, we have all kind of becomes fans, as well, and it’s a feather in our cap to have him playing in our side.
