There was never any doubt that Corey Pavin would give Woods one of his captain’s picks, not least because the world No1 had publicly stated he wanted to play in this Ryder Cup – a desire not much in evidence down the years and, as such, it will have gone down well with the US captain. A question mark remains, however, about the world No1’s ability to contribute valuable points given that he is currently 're-modelling' his swing.
Previous Ryder Cup appearances 5
Matches played 25
Overall record (won-lost-halved) 10-13-2 Singles 3-1-1 Foursomes 3-6-1 Fourballs 4-6-0 Points won 11 Photograph: Michael Dwyer/AP
Unlike his great rival (and never-to-be-again) Ryder Cup partner Woods, Mickelson made the team by dint of his efforts on the course, not least his stunning victory at this year’s Masters. Since then, Lefty’s form has faded dramatically as he has struggled with recently-diagnosed arthritis. A great player, no doubt, but not always great in bad weather.
Previous appearances 7
Matches played 30
Record 10-14-16 Singles 3-4-1 Foursomes 2-4-4 Fourballs 5-6-2 Points 13 Photograph: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Who? A classic, made lots of money, never won a tournament, PGA Tour pro, that’s who. Overton battled his way onto Pavin’s team by dint of six top-10 finishes on tour this year. But how will he cope with pressure of a Ryder Cup and the unfamiliarity of a golf course in Wales in early October? Not great, one suspects.
Previous appearances None Photograph: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Currently playing the best golf of his life, Kuchar may also be playing better golf right now than anyone else on the American team. Possesses a goofy grin and a softness of manner that, but for the accent, might have him mistaken for a Church of England vicar. Don’t be fooled. A brilliant putter with a repeatable – albeit unorthodox – swing. Could be an unexpected American star.
Previous appearances None Photograph: Stew Milne/AP
An excellent performer under Paul Azinger two years ago and is likely to be an excellent performer again, especially if he turns up on the first tee at Celtic Manor with the same game that won him the Bridgestone Invitational in August. An excellent all round player – great ball-striker, fine putter and, vitally, thrives under pressure.
Previous appearances 1
Matches played 5
Record 2-0-3 Singles 0-0-1 Foursomes 1-0-1 Fourballs 1-0-1 Points 3.5 Photograph: Stew Milne/AP
A big-hitter whose game should be perfectly suited to Celtic Manor, which is likely to be damp and playing longer than its yardage. Johnson may be the most singularly talented ball-striker to come out of the States since Tiger Woods, and more often than not reduces even the longest par-four to a smash with a driver and a flick with a nine-iron. His putting lets him down, though. And don’t ask him about the rules.
Previous appearances None Photograph: Mel Evans/AP
In a team stuffed with mild-mannered types, Stricker might be the biggest Clark Kent of all. Yet he will perform a vital role in Pavin’s team – that of Tiger Woods’s sidekick. The pair played together at last year’s President’s Cup and won all four of their matches. Afterwards, Woods said the victories were all down to Stricker’s brilliant putting. He wasn’t wrong.
Previous appearances 1
Matches played 3
Record 0-2-1 Singles 0-1-0 Foursomes 0-0-0 Fourballs 0-1-1 Points 5 Photograph: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
An emotional sort of fellow, which might hinder his performance or, more likely, work in his favour. The best Ryder Cup players are usually the most passionate souls. Watson has a homemade swing but he is absolutely magnificent to watch; a shot-maker of the old school. Doubts remain about his lack of Ryder Cup experience. He asked Ian Poulter a couple of weeks ago if he fancied playing a practice round together at Celtic Manor.
Previous appearances None Photograph: Hans Deryk/Reuters
Now that Tiger Woods has found a new partner, it is hard to see where Furyk will fit in. Certainly, not in the fourballs – where he has won just once in nine attempts. However, he is a dogged soul, with more grit than an Appalachian coalmine. Should do well in the singles, where he has only lost once in six appearances.
Previous appearances 6
Matches played 24
Record 8-13-3 Singles 4-1-1 Foursomes 3-5-1 Fourballs 1-7-1 Points 9.5 Photograph: Steven Senne/AP
Another captain’s pick, and a controversial one at that. Has done very little since winning the 2009 Open at Turnberry but, like Padraig Harrington, was presumably included to add some ballast and experience to a team a little short of both. Has a reputation of being a great Ryder Cup player – odd, really, given that his record (won four, lost seven, halved four) is mediocre.
Previous appearances 4
Matches played 15
Record 4-7-4 Singles 1-3-0 Foursomes 2-4-1 Fourballs 1-0-3 Points 6 Photograph: Mel Evans/AP
The 2007 Masters champion has only played in one Ryder Cup – 2006 at the K-Club – and that is an experience he would presumably like to forget, or at least make up for. A consistent performer on the PGA Tour who occasionally emerges from the pack to win a tournament. Nothing flashy, but is a very, very good putter and that is never bad quality in a Ryder Cup player.
Previous appearances 1
Matches played 4
Record 1-2-1 Singles 0-1-0 Foursomes 0-1-1 Fourballs 1-0-0 Points 1.5 Photograph: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
The new kid on the PGA Tour block, Fowler is like his pal Rory McIlroy, but with even worse dress sense and a golf swing that looks a little less reliable under pressure. Still, the 21-year-old Californian makes the birdies like the Jonas Brother record irritating pop songs. His selection by Pavin is one of those decisions that will be regarded as genius if the US win, and absolutely ridiculous if Pavin’s men should lose.
Previous appearances None Photograph: Hunter Martin/Getty Images
