Ryder Cup 2018: Contenders for Jim Furyk's final captain's pick

After Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau were selected by Jim Furyk, we look at the contenders for his last captain's pick.

Published : Sep 05, 2018 21:54 IST

American golfer Jim Furyk
American golfer Jim Furyk
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American golfer Jim Furyk

Just a spot on the United States Ryder Cup team is still to be decided after captain Jim Furyk made three of his captain's picks official.

Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau will join the eight qualifiers at Le Golf National, later, this month as the USA looks to successfully defend the cup on European soil.

The final player will be selected by Furyk after this week's BMW Championship, and, here, we assess five contenders to be the 12th man for the USA in Paris.

READ: That little gold trophy kept my heart beating - Poulter thrilled at Ryder Cup call

XANDER SCHAUFFELE

The 2017 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year's performances in major championships over the last two years – three top-10 finishes in seven – have ensured he was always going to have a chance. Furyk had the opportunity to get to know Schauffele at the US PGA Championship, too, as they were grouped alongside another potential candidate in Tony Finau.

KEVIN KISNER

One of the form options, Kisner finished in a tie for second at The Open and 12th at the US PGA Championship, boosting his hopes of a maiden Ryder Cup appearance at the age of 34. He was an outside shot two years ago and his performances on the biggest stages surely put him in a better position this time around, his placing 14th in the points list evidence enough of that. Kisner certainly let nobody down when he represented his country at last year's Presidents Cup, winning two and halving two of his four matches.

ALSO READ: Garcia: Off-course value key to Ryder Cup selection

TONY FINAU

Although Finau has won only once on the PGA Tour – before the last Ryder Cup two years ago – he has consistently been in the mix this year. The 28-year-old achieved top-10 finishes in the first three majors of 2018, although his failure to deliver again when playing alongside Furyk at the US PGA Championship perhaps worked against him. There is no doubt that Finau is a man in form once more, lying fourth in the FedEx Cup standings after strong finishes in the first two Playoff events.

BRIAN HARMAN

Harman has struggled for form since his tied-sixth showing at the Travelers Championship, one of his five top-10 finishes this season, but his play on the green could swing matches in the USA's favour. He is 13th in strokes gained putting on the PGA Tour in 2018.

BRANDT SNEDEKER

Snedeker has made a late surge into consideration. He finished tied third at the Greenbrier before another top 10 at the Canadian Open and a remarkable performance at the Wyndham Championship, which he won with the help of an opening-round 59. Snedeker also has history on his side, having been part of the last two victorious USA Ryder Cup teams in 2012 and 2016.

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