United States Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson has picked Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson and Hunter Mahan as his three wildcards for the biennial team battle with Europe at Gleneagles in Scotland later this month.
Watson's way —
United States Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson has picked Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson and Hunter Mahan as his three wildcards for the biennial team battle with Europe at Gleneagles in Scotland later this month.
Noam Galai/Getty Image
Bradley, the 2011 U.S PGA Champion, will be playing in his second Ryder Cup after starring for the U.S. in Chicago two years ago. Watson referred to the 28-year-old's "unbridled passion" as a major reason for picking him.
Keegan Bradley —
Bradley, the 2011 U.S PGA Champion, will be playing in his second Ryder Cup after starring for the U.S. in Chicago two years ago. Watson referred to the 28-year-old's "unbridled passion" as a major reason for picking him.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images/file
Bradley returned three points out of four in his first Ryder Cup, forming a strong partnership with five-time major champion Phil Mickelson. But he lost his Sunday singles match to Rory McIlroy as Europe overturned a 10-6 deficit to win 14 ½ to 13 ½. He said: "I think this is a redemption year for a lot of guys who were on the team in 2012."
Partnering Phil —
Bradley returned three points out of four in his first Ryder Cup, forming a strong partnership with five-time major champion Phil Mickelson. But he lost his Sunday singles match to Rory McIlroy as Europe overturned a 10-6 deficit to win 14 ½ to 13 ½. He said: "I think this is a redemption year for a lot of guys who were on the team in 2012."
Jamie Squire/Getty Images/file
Webb Simpson was also part of the 2012 United States team at Medinah. Despite an up and down year form wise, Watson said Webb's contribution two years convinced him to pick the 2012 U.S. Open champion.
Simpson's Webb —
Webb Simpson was also part of the 2012 United States team at Medinah. Despite an up and down year form wise, Watson said Webb's contribution two years convinced him to pick the 2012 U.S. Open champion.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images/file
Simpson joined forces with Bubba Watson, winning two of their three contests by a handsome 5&4 margin. But he succumbed to Ian Poulter in the singles. "I'll never forget the feeling that I had watching the other team celebrate," Simpson said of 2012.
Backing Bubba —
Simpson joined forces with Bubba Watson, winning two of their three contests by a handsome 5&4 margin. But he succumbed to Ian Poulter in the singles. "I'll never forget the feeling that I had watching the other team celebrate," Simpson said of 2012.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images/file
Hunter Mahan missed the 2012 Ryder Cup but has spoken of his desire to avenge the defeat the U.S suffered in 2012. The contest came down to his singles match with Graeme McDowell, the Northern Irishman getting the better of his opponent to seal victory for Europe.
Mahan's redemption —
Hunter Mahan missed the 2012 Ryder Cup but has spoken of his desire to avenge the defeat the U.S suffered in 2012. The contest came down to his singles match with Graeme McDowell, the Northern Irishman getting the better of his opponent to seal victory for Europe.
PETER MUHLY/AFP/Getty Images/file
Mahan was vociferously defended by Mickelson in the team press conference after that reverse in Wales and his recent victory at the Barclays convinced Watson to pick him. "Losing lingers," Mahan said of his 2010 experience. "It's been four years, but it feels like yesterday."
All for one —
Mahan was vociferously defended by Mickelson in the team press conference after that reverse in Wales and his recent victory at the Barclays convinced Watson to pick him. "Losing lingers," Mahan said of his 2010 experience. "It's been four years, but it feels like yesterday."
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images/file