The U.S. team's official qualifying phase for the 2018 Ryder Cup ended this Sunday at the PGA Championship, with the eight highest-ranked players in points earning automatic entry.
On Sunday at the 2018 PGA the official qualifying for the American side for Ryder Cup 2018 concluded that the eight top players in Ryder Cup points automatically qualify for the team.
Justin Ray from the Golf Channel noted that while the top eight players remained the same as they were at the week's start, their internal order shifted. Brooks Koepka claimed the number one spot after his win, and there was some movement among the players ranked five through seven. Regardless, Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, and Webb Simpson have all officially qualified.
Captain Jim Furyk is tasked with four additional picks, with three decided in the first round and one in the second. Those fighting for these final spots include a competitive group such as Tony Finau, Matt Kuchar, Xander Schauffele, Phil Mickelson, and Bryson DeChambeau. Kevin Kisner, who entered the week ranked 15th, is also a viable candidate, leaving Furyk with a tough decision. Moreover, Tiger Woods is firmly in the conversation; not only did he secure a second-place finish at the PGA Championship, but he has repeatedly expressed his eagerness to compete as a player. Although currently serving as a vice captain, his recent performance has propelled him to 26th in the Official World Golf Rankings. The first three of Furyk's picks will be revealed after the Dell Technologies Championship on September 3, with the final spot announced following the BMW Championship on September 9.
Of course, there is also Tiger Woods, who not only just finished runner-up at the PGA Championship but has vocalized, over and over, the desire to participate in the 2018 Ryder Cup as a player. Woods is presently a vice captain and has rocketed up the Official World Golf Rankings after a second-place PGA finish. He now sits at 26th in those rankings.
The first three of Furyk’s captain’s selections will be announced following the Dell Technologies Championship Sept. 3, and the final selection will be announced after the BMW Championship on Sept. 9.