USA Ryder Cup team takes shape

US Open clarifies matters – and what a team is emerging

Following Webb Simpson's Olympic achievement, the American team is suddenly taking shape.

They will arrive at Medinah having won only once since the turn of the millennium. Expected to be underdogs, but suddenly that does not look the case and their team is packed with players at the peak of their form.

Leading the way is the unlikely figure of Jason Dufner, who has been transformed from the epitome of the journeyman tour pro into a money-making machine.

He has barely been off the first page of the leaderboard wherever he has played since missing out in a play-off for last year's PGA that Keegan Bradley won. He is now assured of a Ryder Cup debut at Medinah.

Next come America's two freshly minted Major champions – Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson.

Their team is packed with players at the peak of their form.

Then it is quality and experience all the way – Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods the multiple Major champions and Hunter Mahan and Matt Kuchar, both of whom have won big events (the Players and WGC Matchplay respectively) already this year.

After that, the last five places are very much up for grabs. Captain Davis Love has four picks and he will be selecting from the likes of Zach Johnson, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker.

That looks to be an ominously good team.

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