3 Sep 2014

Captains pick Ryder Cup wildcards

12:25 pm on 3 September 2014

The United States captain Tom Watson has opted for a blend of experience and form in choosing Keegan Bradley, Hunter Mahan and Webb Simpson as his wildcard picks for this month's Ryder Cup against holders Europe.

The former Ryder Cup players join automatic selections Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk, Jimmy Walker, Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed and Zach Johnson on the 12-man American team.

Tiger Woods ruled himself out of this year's tournament last month as he recovers from a back injury.

The U.S. will take on Paul McGinley's European team in the 40th edition of the biennial competition from September 26-28 at Gleneagles in Scotland.

Earlier on Wednesday, McGinley named Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher as his three wildcard picks for Gleneagles.

Ryder Cup wildcard Ian Poulter.

Ryder Cup wildcard Ian Poulter. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Already qualified were Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Victor Dubuisson, Jamie Donaldson, Sergio Garcia, Thomas Bjorn, Justin Rose, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell.

McGinley has at his disposal four of the top five ranking players in the world in McIlroy, Stenson, Garcia and Rose - all of whom have past Ryder Cup experience - along with three rookies in Dubuisson, Donaldson and Gallacher.

In all, seven players retain their place from the team that two years ago staged the greatest final day comeback in Ryder Cup history to defeat the Americans.

There was no place for former world number one Luke Donald, despite being ranked higher in the world than the three captain's picks.