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It’s Decision Time for U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson, and It Doesn’t Look Easy

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Here’s our best guess at who makes the U.S. Ryder Cup team and who gets snubbed

It is possible the decision is easier than it appears. Zach Johnson might very well have the exact pieces he wants to fill out his U.S. Ryder Cup team roster, leaving the rest of us to overanalyze the situation.

Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa, and Xander Schauffele are the automatic qualifiers for the Americans, having qualified through the BMW Championship.

Here’s a look at the players—in order of the final points finish—and some guesses as to who might be in Rome next month.

U.S. Ryder Cup Captain’s Picks: Contenders

The reigning PGA Championship winner, who tied for second at the Masters and has Ryder Cup experience, should not be in doubt. But the political infighting due to LIV Golf leads to the possibility that Koepka is left off the team. The guess here is that Johnson wants to avoid that negativity and knows that Koepka will be an asset.

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Ranked 12th in the Official World Golf Ranking and 15th in the Sports Illustrated World Golf Rankings, Spieth is a virtual lock, at least according to several sportsbooks that have him off the board. His experience—and the fact that he’s been a good partner to another possible pick, Justin Thomas—and finishing eighth in points is more evidence. If you want to look for negatives, Spieth barely qualified for the Tour Championship, didn’t have a great week in Atlanta, and hasn’t had a top-five since the Memorial. But do you skip the 12th-ranked player who was eighth in points? The guess here is Spieth is on the team.

The reigning PGA Tour rookie of the year contended at the British Open again but has yet to win on Tour and has just six top-10 finishes in 2023. An excellent ball striker, his putting woes mirror some others on the team, which is why he is a risky pick. It’s possible that Johnson sees a role for such a solid player. And it’s tough to pass on No. 9. But the guess here is that Young gets left out.

A two-time major champion who has failed to win in each of the past two seasons, Morikawa is difficult to leave off the team based on his excellent ball-striking ability. He went 2-1 last year at the Presidents Cup and 3-0-1 at the 2021 Ryder Cup. The guess here is that Morikawa gets a pick.

A two-time winner this season, Keegs hasn’t played in the Ryder Cup since 2014, and both of his team experiences were losses. But he’s viewed as the kind of fiery competitor that the U.S. team can use, and his putting has improved immensely. Since winning the Travelers Championship, he had not placed in the top 20 until the Tour Championship. Whether that is enough is up for debate. The guess here is that Bradley is a surprise pick.

His victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic—against Morikawa in a playoff—was one of the field-good stories of the year after more than four years without winning. But is that enough to get a Ryder Cup pick? His experience and overall good-guy vibe, along with being a solid putter, are assets. But he’s just 3-7-5 in four Ryder Cup appearances. And while he was trending well ahead of his victory this summer, he’s cooled off since. Another tough call. The guess here is yes.

A difficult decision that promises to be controversial if Thomas gets picked. He’s missed the cut in three major championships, shooting in the 80s in two of them. He failed to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs, finishing 71st. He’s also had just one top-five finish all year. But this is where having all the picks allows for intangibles, gut feelings, or pairings. Thomas is 6-2-1 in his two Ryder Cups, including 4-1 in Paris in 2018. He’s been a team leader at the Presidents Cup as well. And he’s the type of player who can get under an opponent’s skin. And let’s not forget, Tiger Woods has some influence behind the scenes. Woods and Thomas are buddies. You know Thomas will be ready. The guess here is yes

Notable Others

Certainly, there are others to consider. Sam Burns: He seemed a lock after winning the WGC Match Play in March, but Burns has not done much since that time, and his record at last year’s Presidents Cup—0-3-2—is nothing to get excited about either. But he’s good friends with Scottie Scheffler, and how much influence does the No. 1 player yield? They went 0-1-2 as teammates at the Presidents Cup, which at least means they have experience playing together. This is a tough call. The guess here is no. Denny McCarthy: He’s 14th in points and had a playoff loss to Viktor Hovland at the Memorial. It’s probably not enough for a player who’s never won and never played in a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup. He’s had a solid year and shown plenty of promise, but there are too many other choices. The guess here is no. Lucas Glover has won twice lately and is a popular player who’d get along with anyone and could be a good partner for several players. Tony Finau somehow is just 21st in points despite a victory earlier this year and has been a member of several Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams. Dustin Johnson, who plays for LIV Golf, went 5–0 two years ago. Bryson DeChambeau, who also plays for LIV, is intriguing given his length.

There are numerous directions Zach can go. The good news is that we will get the answers today!

I have gone over and over it, back and forth… BUT – Here’s my final roll call on the U.S. side: Keep in mind It’s 4 a.m. and I am sleep-deprived…

Automatically qualified: Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa, and Xander Schauffele
Easy Captain’s Picks: Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, and Collin Morikawa
Harder, but Still Definite Captain’s Picks: Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler
Last Man In: Keegan Bradley in a surprise upset pick
First Man Out: Sam Burns or Cam Young Too Close to Call, but I believe both will be watching on TV
Close, but No Cigar: Lucas Glover, Denny McCarthy, Tony Finau, DJ

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Pepperell’s Resilient Comeback, Chasing Glory on the DP World Tour

English golfer Eddie Pepperell’s journey back to the DP World Tour spotlight showcases his resilience and determination to reclaim his place among golf’s elite.

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Eddie Pepperell, the 33-year-old English golfer renowned for his candid demeanor and sharp wit, has been a notable presence on the DP World Tour. After securing two tour victories in 2018, his career faced challenges, leading him back to the Qualifying School (Q School) in 2024—a path he hadn’t traversed since 2016.

Early Career and Rise

Pepperell’s ascent in professional golf was marked by his victories at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and the Sky Sports British Masters in 2018. These achievements elevated him to a career-high 32nd in the Official World Golf Ranking, showcasing his potential to compete among the elite.

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Challenges and Return to Q School

Despite his early successes, Pepperell’s subsequent seasons were inconsistent. In 2024, after narrowly missing the top 114 in the Race to Dubai Rankings, he returned to Q School at INFINITUM, aiming to regain his tour card. Embracing the six-round “ironman” challenge, he expressed optimism about the opportunity to refine his game.

Recent Performance

Pepperell’s determination was evident at the Mauritius Open, where he led after the first round with a six-under-par 66, including birdies on four of the last five holes. Reflecting on his performance, he noted, “After bogeying the second hole I was worried it was going to be one of those Thursdays again. But I turned it around really nicely and played very well to be honest. So I’m very pleased.”

Pepperell’s journey underscores the resilience required in professional golf. His recent performances suggest a potential resurgence, and his candid reflections continue to endear him to fans. As he strives to regain full status on the DP World Tour, the golfing community remains attentive to his progress.

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Welcome to the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open!

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Hello, everyone! Kelly Hodgeson here, your go-to for all things golf betting. As we gear up for an electrifying week at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas for the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open from October 17-20, I’m here to guide you through the field and share some inside tips on where to place your bets.

Let’s talk about Will Gordon. Despite the odds sitting at +30000, there’s a potential goldmine if he pulls through with a win. A modest $10 bet could turn into $3,010! And if you’re looking for something a bit safer, his top 10 finish at +1800 could return $190 on that same $10. It’s all about finding those hidden gems.

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PING Hoofer

Now, onto the stars of the show—Tom Kim is back, aiming for a spectacular three-peat with odds of 12-1. His performance at the Presidents Cup has everyone buzzing, and rightfully so. Other big names to watch include Davis Thompson and Taylor Pendrith, both with solid 25-1 odds. These players have shown they can handle the pressure, making this tournament anyone’s game.

At Spreads, we made sure even the casual bettor felt like a VIP, and that’s exactly what I’m bringing to Clickit Golf. Whether you’re betting big or just here for the thrill, I’m here to make sure you’re getting the VIP treatment.

Remember, golf is unpredictable, but that’s where the fun lies. Whether you’re here to place a bet or simply enjoy the game, the Shriners Children’s Open is set to be a fantastic display of talent and nerve. So, grab your scorecards and let’s make this tournament one for the books!

Don’t forget the incredible work that Shriners Children’s Hospital does for their patients. Maybe use some of that bankroll to make a bet on them, it’s a sure winner.

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The Final Day of the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship

A thrilling showdown looms

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As the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson heads into its final day, golf fans are eagerly anticipating an electrifying finish. The tournament has already delivered high-stakes competition and plenty of nail-biting moments, with the field of contenders showcasing both resilience and finesse throughout the week.

After three rounds of spectacular golf, Keith Mitchell enters the final day leading the pack at 20-under par, with Beau Hossler right on his heels at 19-under. Mitchell, whose only PGA Tour win came more than five years ago at the Honda Classic, faces a critical moment on Sunday as he aims for his second title. He was flawless on Saturday, carding a bogey-free 7-under 65 to climb to the top, but he knows Sunday will be a true test of nerves and skill.

“Tomorrow is a completely new day,” Mitchell stated after his round. “Last group. Been there before and failed a bunch on Sundays in the last group. I’m hoping I can learn from those mistakes.” Whether Mitchell can hold his composure and deliver a steady final round remains to be seen, but fans are excited to see if he can secure the victory.

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Beau Hossler, searching for his first PGA Tour victory, will be applying pressure throughout the day, keeping Mitchell in his sights. Hossler’s performance so far has been marked by a series of strong rounds, but a crucial double bogey on the par-4 12th hole on Saturday set him back. Despite the setback, Hossler remains just one shot behind Mitchell at 19-under par. His determination and strong play make it evident that a breakthrough win may not be far off for the 29-year-old.

The final round also promises notable performances from several other players, adding to the intensity of the event. Kevin Yu is currently in third place at 18-under, after an impressive birdie streak on the back nine during Saturday’s round. Meanwhile, Bud Cauley, Lucas Glover, and Jacob Bridgeman are all tied for fourth at 16-under. Each of these players has shown tremendous fight, and the final round could see anyone emerge as a challenger.

Hayden Springer, who began the tournament as somewhat of an underdog, has turned heads with his exceptional play throughout the week. The TCU alum is tied for sixth, marking one of his best performances on the PGA Tour. Springer’s rise up the leaderboard exemplifies the competitive depth of this year’s field.

Charlie Neibergall / AP

One of the highlights of the championship so far has been David Skinns’s course-record 60 during the first round. Though Skinns has struggled to maintain his initial momentum, currently tied for 44th, his performance on Thursday will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the tournament.

As Sunday approaches, Keith Mitchell will need to display the confidence and determination required to close out a win against a talented field. He will need to play calculated golf, understanding when to take risks and when to be conservative. The final round is set to be a thrilling showdown, with Mitchell, Hossler, and the rest of the contenders all striving to make their mark.

Whether Mitchell can capture the Sanderson Farms Championship trophy or if one of the chasing pack will rise to the occasion is still uncertain. For fans, the anticipation is building, and all eyes are on the Country Club of Jackson as the final chapter of this year’s tournament unfolds. The 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship has already provided an exhilarating showcase of high-caliber golf, and the final day promises even more drama and excitement.

Stay tuned as we await the final results and see who will emerge victorious in this thrilling battle for the Sanderson Farms Championship title.

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