As the Ryder Cup approaches in September at Bethpage Black, Keegan Bradley faces a critical decision regarding Jordan Spieth‘s inclusion on Team USA. Despite Spieth’s solid performance in recent Majors and ranking 28th on Data Golf, he currently sits 26th in Ryder Cup standings, making automatic qualification unlikely without an unlikely surge during the FedEx Cup Playoffs. This puts Bradley in a position where selecting Spieth would mean bypassing higher-ranked players.
Spieth’s experience and ability to excite the New York crowd weigh in his favor, especially given that some other big names like Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, Brooks Koepka, Wyndham Clark, and Rickie Fowler have not demonstrated strong form lately. Yet, Spieth’s inconsistency raises doubts, making his selection a potential high-risk, high-reward scenario that has sparked divided opinions across the country.
Strengths Supporting Spieth’s Ryder Cup Inclusion
Jordan Spieth’s case for joining the Ryder Cup team rests primarily on his experience, exceptional skill, and proven partnerships. He possesses a natural talent comparable to legendary players such as Seve Ballesteros, capable of winning holes from seemingly impossible positions during intense 18-hole match play formats, which differ greatly from typical stroke play tournaments.
Spieth’s flair for dramatic shots and clutch performances offer a captivating prospect for fans, especially at a home venue like Bethpage where the crowd’s energy can be pivotal. Imagining him executing a daring recovery shot, chipping in from a challenging lie, or sinking a long putt against European opponents helps illustrate why Bradley might lean towards including him.
Additionally, with established players like Justin Thomas on the cusp of qualifying and having a strong partnership history with Spieth, there are synergies that Bradley might want to leverage, hoping the duo’s connection could inspire top-level performances under pressure. Considering recent struggles by other key players, Spieth may provide the spark that Team USA needs to remain competitive.
Still, Bradley must weigh these benefits against the uncertainty inherent in Spieth’s game, as trusting his volatility may either pay dividends or hinder the team’s chances dramatically.
Reasons Against Selecting Spieth for the Team
Despite his Ryder Cup experience and 10.5 points earned in previous appearances, Jordan Spieth’s recent track record raises concerns. At the last Ryder Cup in Rome, he failed to secure a victory, ending with a 0-2-2 record, and even during the dominant USA performance at Whistling Straits, he managed only 1.5 points from four matches.
Notably, Spieth has never won a singles match at the Ryder Cup, currently holding a 0-3-2 record in such contests, an indication of struggles in one-on-one pressure situations. His sometimes erratic style can lead to spectacular shots but also costly errors, which may not be ideal in the highly strategic and pressure-filled Ryder Cup environment.
This season he has also struggled with putting—a skill usually considered one of his strengths—ranking only 77th on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained: Putting. Spieth himself described the goal of making the Ryder Cup team as “a far-fetched goal” following a delayed start to the season caused by injury.
Given the depth of consistent performers available, some argue that Bradley should favor steadier options who are playing well this summer. The Ryder Cup is a unique tournament requiring not only talent but also mental toughness and reliability under intense pressure, and choosing Spieth may be seen as too much of a gamble at this stage.
Deciding Factors and What Lies Ahead for Bradley
Ultimately, the choice of including Jordan Spieth in the Ryder Cup squad will hinge on who qualifies outright and Bradley’s judgment on whether to use his captain’s pick on himself or Spieth. Form fluctuations throughout the summer and the chemistry between players such as Justin Thomas and Spieth will be major considerations.
Bradley faces a challenging balance: Spieth offers spectacular highs and undeniable star power but comes with a level of unpredictability that could either inspire Team USA or undermine its stability. For fans and analysts alike, the decision will be scrutinized closely as the Ryder Cup nears.
The final roster announcement will reveal whether Bradley’s gamble pays off or if he opts for a more cautious approach. Either way, Jordan Spieth’s role could significantly influence Team USA’s quest to reclaim the Cup on home soil.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Jordan Spieth a millionaire?
A. Several websites estimate Spieth’s net worth to be about $120 million, thanks to his numerous endorsement deals.
Q. Was Jordan Spieth ever #1?
A. Jordan Alexander Spieth, born on July 27, 1993, is an American golfer who competes professionally on the PGA Tour. He has been ranked as the world’s number one golfer in the past.
Q. Does Jordan Spieth have a private jet?
A. Jordan Spieth often travels in private jets, especially the Gulfstream G550, known for luxury and long flight range. He doesn’t own one fully; he has a shared ownership in a jet.
Q. Has Jordan Spieth ever been number one?
A. Jordan Alexander Spieth, born July 27, 1993, is a golfer from the United States who plays on the PGA Tour. He was once ranked as the top golfer globally in the Official World Golf Ranking. Spieth has won three major tournaments and was the FedEx Cup champion in 2015. He is from Dallas, Texas.