GOLF: RYDER CUP: THE UNITED STATES TEAM
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.DAVID DUVAL
Age: 27
World ranking: 2
The only American rookie and will have to rid himself of the idea that the Ryder Cup is an "exhibition". The world No 2 has played in two Presidents Cups, winning four out of four in the first but not winning in five outings last year in Melbourne. Is a proven winner.
Ryder Cup: debut
JIM FURYK
Age: 29
World ranking: 14.
Consistent and steady performer coached by his father, Mike. Unusual but effective swing and has won three times on the US tour. Made Cup debut at Valderrama in 1997, losing his first two matches but beating Nick Faldo in the singles.
Ryder Cup: 1997
Record: P3 W1 L2
TOM LEHMAN
Age: 40 World ranking: 23
Recovered from shoulder surgery over the winter to play well enough to be picked as a wild card. The 1996 Open champion could be the determined leader the US needs and has beaten Seve Ballesteros and Ignacio Garrido in his two singles.
Ryder Cup: 1995, 97
Record: P7 W3 H2 L2
JUSTIN LEONARD
Age: 27 World ranking: 12
Almost added to his Open triumph of 1997 with another victory at Carnoustie but lost with Jean Van de Velde in the play-off to Paul Lawrie. Halved with Thomas Bjorn at Valderrama, where he failed to win any of his four matches.
Ryder Cup: 1997
Record: P4 H2 L2
DAVIS LOVE
Age: 35 World ranking: 4
One of the few Americans to have experienced a winning match but may not play as big a part as captain Crenshaw would like after being forced to rest recently with a pinched nerve in his back. Won crucial point at The Belfry in 1993.
Ryder Cup: 1993, 95, 97
Record: P13 W5 L8
JEFF MAGGERT
Age: 35 World ranking: 16
Belied his low profile to beat Nick Price, Bernhard Langer and Tiger Woods en route to winning the new World Matchplay event in San Diego at the start of the year. Steady performer who beat Lee Westwood in the singles at Valderrama.
Ryder Cup: 1995, 97
Record: P7 W4 L3
PHIL MICKELSON
Age: 29
World ranking: 13
Brilliant former amateur who finished second to Payne Stewart in the US Open at Pinehurst and the following day celebrated the birth of his baby daughter, Amanda. Left-hander with a brilliant short game who was unbeaten on his debut at Oak Hill four years ago.
Ryder Cup: 1995, 97
Record: P7 W4 H2 L1
MARK O'MEARA
Age: 42
World ranking: 11
Played four times but only once on the winning side. Had a quiet year following his brilliant 1998 when he won the Masters and Open Championship. Long -held views about pay-for-play in Ryder Cup was catalyst for team row last month.
Ryder Cup: 1985, 89, 91, 97
Record: P12 W4 H1 L7
STEVE PATE
Age: 38
World ranking: 28
Surprisingly picked by Crenshaw because of his ability to fit into the team. Suffered damaged ribs in a car shunt going to the gala dinner at Kiawah Island and only played one match before going into the dreaded envelope for the singles.
Ryder Cup: 1991
Record: P2 H1 L1
PAYNE STEWART
Age: 42
World ranking: 8
Rekindled career in order to win his way back on to the US team for the first time since 1993. Followed early-season victory with inspired win at Pinehurst for his second US Open and third major. Sings the national anthem in his sleep.
Ryder Cup: 1987, 89, 91, 93
Record: P16 W8 H1 L7
HAL SUTTON
Age: 41
World ranking: 10
Former USPGA champion enjoying a recent revival having won the Tour Championship at the end of last season and the Canadian Open two weeks ago. A part of two losing US teams in the 1980s, has not played in the Ryder Cup for 12 years.
Ryder Cup: 1985, 87
Record: P9 W3 H3 L3
TIGER WOODS
Age: 23
World ranking: 1
America's main man and a far better player than at Valderrama, winning only once and losing to Costantino Rocca in the singles. Last month won the USPGA, his second major, and the NEC Invitational, his sixth victory of the season.
Ryder Cup: 1997
Record: P5 W1 H1 L3
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments