Brooks Koepka Moves Up To Second In Ryder Cup Points' List
Following his PGA Championship success, Koepka has now vaulted up to second in the US Ryder Cup standings
After three appearances on Team USA's Ryder Cup team, it seemed that Brooks Koepka's chances of appearing in another US side were over after his move to the LIV Golf League. However, following an incredible run in Major events, the 33-year-old has put his name firmly in the rear view mirror of captain, Zach Johnson.
Koepka, who picked up a fifth Major title at the 2023 PGA Championship, looks to be back in his imperious form, especially after a runner-up finish at the Masters and a second victory on the LIV Golf circuit in Orlando. Certainly, with just four months until the Ryder Cup tees off in Italy, he sits second in the automatic standings for Marco Simone.
Although the American can't play in PGA Tour events, due to his move to LIV in 2022, he can still participate in all four Majors and, given his results in the first two of 2023, it's going to be hard to stop Koepka, who sits comfortably inside the top 6.
You may wonder how the system works. Well, for every $1000 earned in a Major, players will receive two points, whilst one point is handed out in normal Tour events for every $1000 secured. From there, the top six will secure an automatic spot in the USA's Ryder Cup side, with captain Johnson selecting six other players to complete the 12.
Already, captain Johnson has said that LIV players will be on the team if they qualify, with the two-time Major winner stating: "Yeah, he's on the team. He's got direct ownership in that, absolutely." However, Johnson didn't admit whether he'd be comfortable with LIV golfers on his 12-man team come September.
Speaking about the possibility of a fourth Ryder Cup, Koepka explained that: "It would be awesome to represent the United States, anytime we do it, it's always fun. But I'm not focused on it. It's not, like, my first thought when I go play well this week. If I handle my business out here, everything will take care of itself."
Currently, the standings feature the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Koepka, Schauffele, Max Homa and Patrick Cantlay but, with plenty of elevated events and two Majors to go, that will likely all change.
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The main priority for the American side though is retaining the cup, something they haven't done since 1993, with the victory at the Belfry also the last time they won on European soil.
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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