The U. S. Ryder Cup team is slowly losing its players as golfers withdraw due to injuries and personal reasons.
U.S. Ryder Cup team captain Tom Watson admitted that the current status of the team worries him, what with the numerous players withdrawal in the past week. He told USA Today: "There is concern. We're dropping like flies."
The past week saw Matt Kuchar withdraw due to back spasms, with Jason Dufner following suit due to bulging discs in his neck. Previous to that, Dustin Johnson excused himself from the squad to seek assistance for personal challenges. That makes three players of the current nine golfers who are automatically qualified for the team.
Of course, there's the question of whether Watson will pick former world no. 1 Tiger Woods who has struggled this year with a bad back. Most recently, Woods shot two consecutive 74 and failed to make the cut at the PGA Championship.
"There's concern with what is happening to the team," Watson added. "But there is time for recovery. And there will be a lot of golf played between now and Sept. 2. That's the magical day I make the picks."
But all is not lost for the team, with former Ryder Cup members Hunter Mahan and Brandt Snedeker rounding out into tip top shape. Other potential candidates are Ryan Palmer and Phil Mickelson.
"The main thing is right here. Who's got the heart?" Watson said. "Who's got the guts to make the 5-footer when the chips are down, to be able to grind it out and get that one point? That's what I'm looking for."
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