Ryder Cup 2025 - All matters

Seems Wallace is playing himself out of contention for a pick....
+7 after 15 today and miles off the pace - and hasn't been on it all tournament.
Probably going to make Luke's job a little easier....
 
Harry Hall . Smashing into the Top 30 this week (he probably needs to be Top 3 in the tournament to do so?) to get to next week, then winning or nearly so at East Lake might change the narrative - but that's the minimum he'd need to do - and that's an incredibly high bar...
Hall has done the first bit. Does that make next week an even bigger week for him than the money…?
 
Well, it's going down to the wire. PGA finals this week, and The Belfry also. I think it's Rasmus vs Hall quite clearly - Nicolai isn't in good form, Wallace same (unless he wins the Belfry), Penge would be a wild card pick, but he too would almost have to win at The Belfry.... Then again, who knows?
 
Well, it's going down to the wire. PGA finals this week, and The Belfry also. I think it's Rasmus vs Hall quite clearly - Nicolai isn't in good form, Wallace same (unless he wins the Belfry), Penge would be a wild card pick, but he too would almost have to win at The Belfry.... Then again, who knows?
Is there someone Luke really likes the look of who he thinks could be a great partner for someone?
Aberg was a bit of a shot in the dark last time and came up trumps.
Let’s see who wins the H4H day before we make a final decision.
On the tee from Hertfordshire Fragger!!!
 
There are lies, damn lies and data...

Harry Hall hasn't been eligble for Signature events most of the year; only played 3, one of which was the comedy Hawaii one over New Year where none of the top players turn up (shouldn't be a Signature!), and one on a proper test of a golf course (Pebble Beach) where he never broke 70 and came 58th.

His statistical record is largely from 2nd tier - and even 3rd tier - events where the courses are set up that bit easier. Explains the stat comms trot out about him shooting in the 60s more than any other player than Scheffler - less impressive than it seems.

As such he'd need to really excel in the big events he did play to be worthy of a pick. Instead he's been quietly very good rather than great. Plenty of Top 20s without really contending. Two top 30s in the majors he did play also sums it up - certainly creditable but not dazzling. MC at The Players.

What he's proved this season is that he's a consistent Tier 1 player who should be in all those Signature events and all the Majors. Fair play to him - that's a great season, a clear move to a level up for him and he gets the opportunity to push on from here next year. It's not Ryder Cup level though. Smashing into the Top 30 this week (he probably needs to be Top 3 in the tournament to do so?) to get to next week, then winning or nearly so at East Lake might change the narrative - but that's the minimum he'd need to do - and that's an incredibly high bar...
I think his best case for being picked is probably his putting which would be a real weapon, especially in the foursomes and four balls. I suspect though he probably won't quite make the team? Wouldn't entirely surprise me though. Currently tied 15th.
 
It’s shaping up to be so good, both teams absolutely riddled with quality no matter who the picks are going to be
 
Doesn't look like they have a scoobies. What are they playing at?

“I am going to be really happy when this week is over,” Bradley said. “I have about had it with this whole thing. I am ready to figure out what we are doing and get a team together.”
 
That was some round from Penge. If I was Luke Donald and looking to take a rookie I’d certainly be considering him. Played superbly last week as well, seems to be in great form at the right time.
 
Simple, follow the rankings, Wallace out, Rahm in. Only question mark is Straka, something is wrong there. Perhaps have a reserve lined up for him?
 
Personally think Fitz is a given. He’s such a good player, and although I understand he doesn’t have the best RC record, it would be a big risk not to take him.

Then it depends on what’s going on with Strakka. I think he’s earned his place, but is his recent dip in form down to an issue we don’t know about?

If Strakka’s a no go it would be between Penge and Hojgaard for me, and I’d probably take Penge. Wasn’t great yesterday but he’s in good form apart from that, and has it in him to go on a run.
 
Personally think Fitz is a given. He’s such a good player, and although I understand he doesn’t have the best RC record, it would be a big risk not to take him.

Then it depends on what’s going on with Strakka. I think he’s earned his place, but is his recent dip in form down to an issue we don’t know about?

If Strakka’s a no go it would be between Penge and Hojgaard for me, and I’d probably take Penge. Wasn’t great yesterday but he’s in good form apart from that, and has it in him to go on a run.

I agree in regards Fitzpatrick - there is a lot of talk about his record not being great in the two Ryder Cups he has played but he is on form and has the experience


I think the last spot is a choice between Penge and Strakka
 
Hall & Penge would be good picks. Hall is ready to be thrown in and partner in any format; Penge is an excellent rookie to bring along, get a taste of the environment and used for minimal sessions - unless he impresses in the get-togethers - and will set him up well moving forward. Straka is the only one I'd consider as being unfortunate to miss out.
 
As sad as it is that Matt Wallace won’t be picked, I can’t help but think he’s gone about it the wrong way, mentally.

Whenever most players are asked about qualifying for the RC, they always say they’re just trying to play well every week, and see where that gets them at the end. This might be lip service, but I’m sure it helps reduce the pressure.

Wallace has been solely focused on the RC. Every interview I’ve seen he says he’s desperate to qualify, wants it more than anything else etc etc. The mental game seems as important as the physical, and so it seems to me he’s lost focus on the main thing that will get him into the team, and has put way too much pressure on himself.
 
So

Straw poll

There is prob two picks up for grabs

Who do we think will get them from

Penge
Fitzpatrick
Strakka
Hall
Wallace
Rai
N Hojgarrd

Another
I think it will be Straka and Fitzpatrick. I would certainly have Fitzpatrick in, but personally I'd consider not picking Straka since his recent form has been quite a drop off, I'd be more inclined to pick someone who's in great form now, and can give us something different, like Penge. However I believe they'll just pick Straka.
 
Marco Penge hits it long, and Bethpage is a long course.
I don’t know if Marco Penge has any experience of playing in America, but he does have experience of playing under pressure, (a putt to retain his tour card and two wins on the DP tour this year). He is also 2nd on the Race to Dubai, behind Rory McIlroy.
I think he would be a decent rookie, pair him up with one of the experienced players, and let’s see what happens.
 
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