Ryder Cup: How do Davis Love III’s wildcard picks stack up?

The 41^st Ryder Cup is a little over a fortnight away, and we now know all bar one of this year’s competitors. USA captain Davis Love III revealed three of his four wildcard picks yesterday, welcoming Rickie Fowler, J.B Holmes and Matt Kuchar into the fold.

Love has one more spot to fill for the dual at Hazeltine National Golf Club, Minnesota, with Bubba Watson the big-name omission as things stand.

But for now, we’re running the rule over USA’s confirmed wildcard trio…

Rickie Fowler

This year’s tournament could make or break Rickie Fowler as a future Ryder Cup competitor.

In what will be his third event, the Californian’s record reads 0-3-5 and statistically he holds the lowest winning percentage of any non-rookie at Hazeltine.

The pressure really will be on Fowler, especially after another year without landing a Major, but in his first Ryder Cup on home soil, the potential reward could be mighty.

JB Holmes

With a fourth at the Masters and a third at the Open, plus another quartet of top-six finishes, it can’t have been difficult for Love to include JB Holmes.

The 34-year-old boasts solid Ryder Cup pedigree too, picking up 2.5 points in the victory at Valhalla in 2008, claiming his singles match versus Soren Hanson while winning and halving his four-balls.

Matt Kuchar

In terms of Majors, this was Matt Kuchar’s weakest year since 2009, but a number of top-10s throughout the year plus vital Ryder Cup experience means his inclusion is another sensible choice from Captain Love.

Heading into this fourth tournament, the 38-year-old has proven his quality time and time again.

Two points in 2010 and 2012 were backed up with a singles win at Gleaneagles two years ago, to bring a very respectable 4-5-2 record into Valhalla.

Summary

All in all, Love’s selections make plenty of sense when you factor in that he’s picked players in 10^th, 11^th and 12^th positions in the points rankings.

Kuchar brings experience, while Holmes shone in 2008, and we all know Rickie Fowler’s potential.

It’s little wonder then, to see that the hosts are 8/15 favourites for victory at Hazeltine.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.