Ryan Moore named as final US wildcard for Ryder Cup

Ryan Moore

Ryan Moore has been named by Davis Love III as the final wildcard pick for the US Ryder Cup team.

The World No.42 was chosen ahead of bookies favourite Bubba Watson, despite losing on the fourth play-off hole to Rory McIlroy at the Tour Championship on Sunday night.

Moore, a five time winner on the PGA Tour, was considered an outside bet for the US team heading into the season-ending event, but secured his place after carding a superb final round 64 in Atlanta to force a play-off with Kevin Chappell and Rory McIlroy.

He now joins Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar and JB Holmes as Love’s four wildcard picks for the Ryder Cup, which gets underway at Hazeltine in Minnesota on Friday 30 September.

Love, who made the announcement during half-time of the televised NFL match between the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, commented: “Ryan fits so well with what we have in place.

“He’s an easy-going, thoughtful guy, but don’t be fooled, Ryan’s a great match-play player with an incredible match-play record. He has guts and determination and everyone saw that [on Sunday]. We are thrilled to have him with us.”

Moore becomes the second rookie on the US team after Brooks Koepka. The 33-year-old’s inclusion means there is no place in the side for World No.7 Bubba Watson, who was part of the US team skippered by Love at Medinah in 2012.

But while the two-time Masters champion is a surprise omission, the form book suggests Moore’s performances over the last two months forced Love’s hand.

In his last six starts, Moore won the John Deere Classic and notched top 10s at the Barclays and Deutsche Bank Championship, culminating with a runner-up finish at East Lake.

Moore also has experience representing his country in team events, having played in the Walker Cup, Palmer Cup and the World Amateur Team Championship.