The 2016 Ryder Cup finally is here, and the United States appears to have arguably its best chance to win the coveted prize for the first time since 2008.
Europe is 6-1 in the Ryder Cup ever since Justin Leonard’s memorable putt lifted Team USA to victory in 1999, and it still has experienced firepower with Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia on the roster. But Darren Clarke’s European squad also has six (!) rookies, which could be the opening captain Davis Love III and the Americans have been waiting for this weekend at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.
So, let’s take a look at the Ryder Cup players ranked from worst to Rory McIlroy.
24. Andy Sullivan, Europe
The Ryder Cup rookie has gone winless this year and missed the cut in three straight tournaments before finishing in a tie at the Italian Open two weekends ago.
23. Matt Fitzpatrick, Europe
The 22-year-old Ryder Cup rookie has a win this year, and he’s finished in the top 10 in three of his last five European Tour appearances.
22. Thomas Pieters, Europe
Pieters, another Ryder Cup rookie, recently finished fourth at the Olympics and followed it up with a second-place finish at the Czech Masters and a win at Made In Denmark.
21. Chris Wood, Europe
Since withdrawing from the British Open, Wood hasn’t finished better than 17th in five appearances. His health also has been a question mark this summer.
20. Ryan Moore, USA
Moore earned Love’s final captain’s pick with his play over the past two months, including his remarkable playoff duel with McIlroy at the Tour Championship.
19. Rickie Fowler, USA
Fowler’s 2016 has been one to forget, and he’s 0-3-5 in his Ryder Cup career.
18. Matt Kuchar, USA
Kuchar has been incredibly consistent this season. He’s also 4-5-2 in his Ryder Cup career, which no doubt helped him earn one of Love’s four captain’s picks.
17. Brandt Snedeker, USA
Snedeker was a key player in Team USA’s collapse in 2012, and this is his first chance to redeem himself at the Ryder Cup since.
16. Lee Westwood, Europe
Westwood hasn’t done much this season, but his 20-15-6 Ryder Cup record was more than enough to earn him a captain’s pick.
15. Martin Kaymer, Europe
It’s been a while since Kaymer’s won — 2014, to be exact — but he has Ryder Cup experience and was the one who clinched Europe’s win in 2012.
14. Brooks Koepka, USA
The Ryder Cup rookie failed to make the Tour Championship after a not-so-impressive end to the 2015-16 season, but he still can hit the ball a mile.
13. Rafa Cabrera Bello, Europe
The 32-year-old Ryder Cup rookie hasn’t won since 2012, but he has top-10s on the European Tour, PGA Tour and Olympics this season.
12. Danny Willett, Europe
The Masters champion will make his Ryder Cup debut fresh off a second-place finish at the Italian Open.
11. Jimmy Walker, USA
Walker broke through to win his first major championship this season, and he has limited Ryder Cup experience with a 1-1-3 record.
10. Zach Johnson, USA
Johnson won’t win any driving distance competitions, but the two-time major winner is one of the most reliable Americans with a 6-6-2 Ryder Cup record.
9. J.B. Holmes, USA
Hazeltine is perfect for Holmes, who constantly ranks near the top in driving distance. He certainly was a smart captain’s pick with his 2-0-1 Ryder Cup mark, too.
8. Phil Mickelson, USA
When it comes to experience, nobody has more for Team USA than Mickelson. He’s 16-19-6 in his Ryder Cup career, and he’s a combined 39-35-18 in team competitions.
7. Jordan Spieth, USA
Spieth was 2-1-1 in his Ryder Cup debut in 2014, and he’ll once again teamwith Patrick Reed to form what should be Team USA’s most prolific duo.
6. Patrick Reed, USA
The same goes for Reed, although he was 3-0-1 at the 2014 Ryder Cup.
5. Dustin Johnson, USA
Nobody has been better in 2016 than Johnson, and he’s 4-3-1 at the Ryder Cup.
4. Sergio Garcia, Europe
Garcia might never win a major, but he’s always a huge threat in the Ryder Cup. He’ll be one of the most experienced golfers on the course this weekend with a 18-9-5 Ryder Cup record.
3. Henrik Stenson, Europe
Stenson made the most of his first 2014 Ryder Cup nod with a perfect mark alongside Justin Rose. He also has had a strong 2016 season, although his knee is something to keep an eye on.
2. Justin Rose, Europe
The Olympic gold medalist is a remarkable 9-3-2 in his Ryder Cup career. Expect that to continue with Stenson as his partner.
1. Rory McIlroy, Europe
McIlroy is one of the hottest golfers on the planet right now after winning the FedEx Cup playoffs, and he has plenty of Ryder Cup experience.
Thumbnail photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
