Four rookies, Justin Thomas a shock inclusion and Brooks Koepka the only LIV Golf star in Zach Johnson's Team USA Ryder Cup squad
USA captain Zach Johnson picked just one LIV Golf representative in Brooks Koepka in his team to take on Europe in next month’s Ryder Cup.
Johnson announced his team to the press on Tuesday which includes four rookies for the showpiece event at the Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome.
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Among those selected, Justin Thomas is the surprise inclusion while he and Koepka will be joined by Sam Burns, Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa and Jordan Spieth.
Automatic qualifiers Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele make up the 12-man squad.
“Having new blood is refreshing and energising," Johnson said. "I’ve had many talks with our rookies already and they are excited. That excitement is attractive.
“I’m very pleased with our six qualifiers. Scottie Scheffler is Mr Consistency. Patrick Cantlay is another model of consistency, played great at the end of the year.
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“Max Homa is a rookie Ryder Cupper but has played some high level international golf. Xander Schauffele has played amazing as of late and is a great team player. Quality guys, great competitors and probably even better off the course than on it."
Johnson was full of praise for Burns ahead of his first Ryder Cup appearance, citing his importance to the team.
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"Sam is a stud athlete," he added. "Won the World Golf Matchplay this year. He’s a tremendous putter, which always helps at the Ryder Cup. To say he meshes well with the other guys would be an understatement. He’s a versatile teammate, guys want to play with him.”
Much will be made of the inclusion of Koepka, who left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf last year.
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The 2023 PGA Championship winner played just 11 LIV events this season but he did win in Orlando and finished third twice.
He has also been brilliant in the majors this year, claiming victory at Oak Hill and performing well at the Masters and US Open and that was enough to persuade Johnson to include him.
“What a performance at Oak Hill in May,” said Johnson. “Five-time major champion, three time PGA Champion, he’s built, in my mind, for the biggest of stages - and there’s no bigger stage in my mind than the Ryder Cup.
“I know his buddies want him on the team. Guys want to play with him, that’s evident, and I’m excited to have him go to Marco Simone on what will be the biggest stage in golf.”
