The USA are dominating team golf at present. Ben Coley assesses who might represent them at the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris.
After the United States' crushing victory over their International counterparts in the Presidents Cup, should we expect the same 12 players to take on Europe in next year's Ryder Cup?
The odds suggest that just half of that side can be considered certain to feature and below, I look at some of the alternatives before taking a stab at predicting Team USA.
The equivalent European piece can be found here.
United States
Dustin Johnson (1/100)
What needs to be said? The world number one probably wasn't at his best in the last Ryder Cup but he'll have to do something very silly to be anything other than a key part of this US side, as he was when winning 4.5 points at the Presidents Cup.
Justin Thomas (1/100)
Solid performance on Presidents Cup debut considering he'd been slogging it out for the FedEx Cup just days earlier, capping a remarkable season in which he also became a major champion. No limit to his potential and has an excellent, aggressive match play game, which is almost certain to make him a fundamental part of any US success here.
Jordan Spieth (1/100)
Singles issues notwithstanding, Spieth has already proven to be a key US team member whose partnership with Reed remains very strong. Possible that his next captain decides to mix things up somewhat around a golf course which will punish their wayward driving but whoever paired with, he will make for a fearsome opponent. Fascinating to see how he does get on when playing solo after another defeat at the Presidents Cup, but likely an anomaly which will correct itself.
Rickie Fowler (1/66)
Thumped by Rory at Gleneagles but put that behind him by beating Rose at Hazeltine, where he surprisingly played just three matches. Paired with Thomas at the Presidents Cup where he again won his singles match and that's a partnership we'll likely see continued at a course better suited to Fowler than some of his colleagues. No questions to answer when it comes to performing outside the US as a two-time European Tour winner.
Brooks Koepka (1/66)
US Open winner who starred at the 2016 Ryder Cup and carried that forward to the Presidents Cup, that is until beaten by Adam Scott on Sunday. Cool customer whose performances at the highest level have been outstanding since 2014 and whose partnership with Johnson really took off at Liberty National. Bound to be in the side even if he can suffer the odd dip in form, especially given experience playing the European Tour circuit.
Patrick Reed (1/25)
Ego took a big hit with defeat to Louis Oosthuizen at the Presidents Cup, but Ryder Cup a different kettle of fish altogether and the way he saw off Rory in 2016 is much more relevant. Hasn't qualified comfortably for team events but has already built a reputation big enough for that not to matter, not to mention partnership with Spieth. Also has plenty of experience playing outside the US.
Matt Kuchar (1/5)
Popular member of the team room whose consistency on the course in theory makes for a fine partner, often for DJ. That said, singles record is becoming a concern and is winless on the PGA Tour since 2014, which could encourage captain to look elsewhere given raft of emerging talent. All that being said he'll churn out decent performances and likely qualify in one of the final available places.
Daniel Berger (8/13)
Tough, battle-hardened youngster who capped solid Presidents Cup debut with singles victory against Si-woo Kim. Solid but unspectacular record in majors might need improving upon to rubber-stamp a Ryder Cup debut given the depth of American options, but this aggressive iron player and fine putter has the right game for the challenge - and the right mentality. Does look short though.
Phil Mickelson (Evs)
Earned wild card selection for the Presidents Cup and more than played his part once more having previously taken a solid 2.5 points from four matches at Hazeltine. Given his long history of team golf and relationship with the young players coming through, should be able to rely on a selection if needed unless losing the plot completely. Enough in his recent play to suggest that won't be the case and looks overpriced.
Kevin Kisner (11/10)
Enjoyed his Presidents Cup debut, albeit ending on a low note having halved a singles match he should've won. Earned his spot on that team with a second PGA Tour win and likely to pick up further titles in his turn, as a solid all-rounder who putts well and is tough under the gun. Whether that's enough to get through arguably the most competitive selection process in golf is another matter.
Xander Schauffele (11/8)
Capped a brilliant rookie season with victory in the TOUR Championship, having played well week-in, week-out following breakthrough success in the Greenbrier Classic. Not always do players cope with new-found stardom and the resetting of goals but seems a well-rounded type whose game has few weaknesses, so every chance he establishes himself at the highest level.
Brandt Snedeker (6/4)
Sky Bet's 12th man almost by default, it seems, given that he's been off injured since June and sits 17th in the current standings. Did go three-from-three at Hazeltine, however, and captain bound to be tempted to side with one of the best putters in world golf who could pair up nicely with just about anyone here. Memories of defeat to Paul Lawrie at Medinah are fading and will be a factor if returning in the best of health.
Key contenders
The United States captain, Jim Furyk, will also have four wild cards to select but with qualifying having been open for some time, his team is already beginning to take shape. Koepka has in excess of 3,000 points and leads the way from Thomas and Spieth, while Kuchar's 2,000 represents a solid start.
Brian Harman is the less-heralded name currently inside the crucial top eight thanks to his US Open effort, but at 5/1 he's still considered unlikely to make the side. In fact, he's only a point shorter than his captain, who could yet qualify and face a difficult decision.
There does look to be some scope for surprise names here - if 'surprise' is the right word. Kevin Chappell and Charley Hoffman are both 5/2, for instance, despite going nicely on their respective Presidents Cup debuts and sitting 12th and 10th respectively in the current standings, while an old stalwart like Zach Johnson can hardly be written off at 7/2 given that he is 11th currently.
The best bet is Mickelson, who is overpriced at evens given how likely he is to be selected should he fail to qualify, but Patrick Cantlay should also be considered at 9/4. As I mention here, the 25-year-old is a player I expect to be on that side despite currently sitting down in 47th. I'm not sure the price is outstanding but have absolute faith in the player.
If you take the current standings as a fair indicator of what to expect, then Brendan Steele should be considered at 25/1. Comfortably inside the top 20 at present and one place ahead of 6/4 chance Snedeker, he also has in his favour a fine record at Le Golf National, where he's finished seventh or better in all three visits. He might not strike you as a would-be Ryder Cup player but not much improvement is required.
Best of the rest
Bill Haas: One place outside the top eight currently and a fairly frequent winner whose major performances are improving
Bubba Watson: Played cheerleader at Hazeltine but will be desperate to return as a competitor; no fan of Paris but otherwise...
Ryan Moore: Secured the winning point at Hazeltine and could be overpriced at 7/2 to earn a return to the side
Tony Finau: Would be a popular selection even if side is guaranteed to have enough power already
Tiger Woods: Clearly, no guarantee he ever tees it up again but if able to return this side of the Masters would look overpriced at 14/1
Ben Coley's team
Johnson, Thomas, Spieth, Fowler, Koepka, Reed, Kuchar, Mickelson, Schauffele, Snedeker, Cantlay, Chappell