Ryder Cup 2025: Five U.S. Players Making Their Case for Captain’s Picks
The Ryder Cup stands as one of golf’s most iconic and pressure-packed events, and the 2025 edition at Bethpage Black in New York promises to be one of the most emotionally charged in recent memory. With the European Team coming off a dominant 2023 victory in Rome, Team USA enters this year’s contest with something to prove, and they'll have the weight of doing it on home soil. Captain Keegan Bradley has the challenge of balancing a team built on veteran reliability with the emerging momentum of rising stars. While six players will automatically qualify based on Ryder Cup Points, the remaining six will rely on Bradley’s judgment to complete a team capable of reclaiming the Cup. Every birdie, every missed cut, and every clutch Sunday finish between now and the selection deadline will matter. It’s not just about who’s playing well, but who can rise in the moment and thrive in the cauldron of match play, where chemistry, emotion, and nerves often decide the outcome.
As of May 2nd, 2025, the top 15 players in the U.S. Ryder Cup Points Rankings are:
The Top Six Automatically Qualify
Scottie Scheffler – 14,578.75
Xander Schauffele – 11,133.11
Collin Morikawa – 8,585.60
Bryson DeChambeau – 8,190.00
Russell Henley – 7,582.83
Justin Thomas – 7,582.83
Maverick McNealy – 5,745.21
Brian Harman – 5,714.29
Andrew Novak – 5,587.60
J.J. Spaun – 4,778.49
Patrick Cantlay – 4,329.17
Harris English – 3,714.30
Tom Hoge – 3,693.36
Daniel Berger – 3,577.42
Lucas Glover – 3,374.08
With these rankings in mind, here are five players making a compelling case for a captain's pick.
Maverick McNealy – Rising Star with Consistent Performance
Maverick McNealy has quietly become one of the most consistent American performers on the PGA Tour in 2025, climbing to seventh in the U.S. Ryder Cup Points Rankings. Statistically, McNealy has been a model of steady excellence this season, already posting five top-10 finishes across various courses and conditions. His adaptability and calm demeanor under pressure suggest he could thrive in the intense, unpredictable environment of Ryder Cup match play. McNealy’s short game has become one of his strengths, particularly his putting, ranking among the best in strokes gained on the greens, a critical asset in match play formats where every putt can swing momentum. Including McNealy in the U.S. squad would inject fresh energy and reward one of the most quietly effective players on Tour this year, making him a natural fit as a captain’s pick.
Max Homa – Clutch Performer with Match Play Experience
Max Homa's 2025 season hasn’t gone quite to script, as he’s struggled to find the consistent form that made him a fixture atop leaderboards in recent years. However, when it comes to team events, Homa has a proven track record of elevating his game, earning the nickname “Captain America 2.0” among his peers for his Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup heroics. His fiery competitiveness and his status as one of the most well-liked players in the U.S. locker room make him invaluable for team chemistry. Homa thrives in match-play scenarios, where his intensity and clutch putting shine through and through, often delivering big moments when they matter most. Despite his current ranking outside the automatic qualification spots, he’s currently 25th in Ryder Cup Points. His leadership and ability to bond with teammates would make him a crucial veteran presence in this year’s squad.
Akshay Bhatia – Young Talent with Global Aspirations
Akshay Bhatia has emerged as one of the brightest young stars on the PGA Tour, steadily climbing to 20th in the Ryder Cup Points Rankings and building momentum for a possible captain's pick. At just 23 years old, Bhatia represents the next wave of U.S. talent, and selecting him this year could signal a broader strategy of grooming future Ryder Cup stalwarts. His fearless, aggressive style of play and his left-handed shot shape could provide strategic advantages in alternate shot formats and matchups. Bhatia has already shown he can contend on big stages, and his youthful enthusiasm could give the U.S. team a jolt of fresh energy and unpredictability. Including him would not only reward his stellar play this year but also begin the process of integrating young talent into the fabric of future American teams.
Patrick Cantlay – Experienced Competitor with Steady Game
Patrick Cantlay may not always be the flashiest player, but his track record in team events tells a different story. Currently ranked 11th in Ryder Cup Points, Cantlay is remembered for his fiery performance at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, where he earned the monikers “No Hat Pat” and “Patty Ice” for his clutch play and cool demeanor under intense European crowd pressure. His ability to thrive in hostile environments and deliver when matches tighten makes him one of America’s most dangerous match-play competitors. Cantlay’s methodical approach, combined with his elite ball-striking and putting under pressure, can turn the tide in tightly contested matches. Given his prior success in the Ryder Cup arena and his ability to pair well with various teammates, Cantlay remains a near-essential pick for the U.S. side this fall.
Billy Horschel – Passionate Player with Competitive Spirit
Billy Horschel is known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, and his passion for team competition is unmatched amongst his peers. Sitting at 16th in Ryder Cup Points, Horschel’s fiery nature has propelled him to success throughout his career, and his emotional outbursts are exactly the kind of spark a U.S. team needs in a cauldron like Bethpage Black. He was visibly fired up when he helped lead his team, the Atlanta Drive, to victory in the inaugural TGL, and it’s easy to imagine that same energy multiplied tenfold in the Ryder Cup setting. Horschel’s grit, short game wizardry, and mental toughness make him well-suited for the match-play grind, where momentum can swing wildly and passion can turn a match. If Captain Keegan Bradley is looking for a player who can ignite the crowd and his teammates, Horschel deserves serious consideration as a heart-and-soul selection.
Final Thoughts
With the Ryder Cup quickly approaching, Captain Keegan Bradley faces the challenging task of finalizing this U.S. team. The selections will undoubtedly aim to blend experience with emerging talent, ensuring a competitive edge against cup-bearing Team Europe. The aforementioned players have demonstrated the skill, resilience, and form necessary to contribute meaningfully to the U.S. team's success. Their inclusion could be pivotal in reclaiming the Ryder Cup on home soil. The final decisions will be eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike.
