It’s the Ryder Cup’s dirty little secret. Apart from his picks and choosing the pairings and lineup order, course setup is a home captain’s most potent lever to influence the matches.
In naming Sergio Garcia, Shane Lowry and Ian Poulter, the European Ryder Cup captain has added a total of 15 past appearances in the biennial contest, even with Lowry, a rookie, in that mix.
Stricker acknowledged that the uncertainty over Reed’s health and the resulting lack of tournament play became too much of a liability to pick him for the American team.
The Americans will win the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits one year from now. And McIlroy will be spraying champagne with Old Glory draped around his shoulders.
Australian Golf Digest
