Rickie Fowler handed USA Ryder Cup captain's pick for Hazeltine

Davis Love III has named Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar and J.B Holmes as his three captain’s picks for the USA Ryder Cup team, with Bubba Watson missing out.

Fowler has been selected despite a disappointing year on the PGA Tour, with the 27-year-old failing to qualify for the season-ending Tour Championship and posting just two top-10s in his past 12 starts.

Matt Kuchar will make a fourth Ryder Cup appearance, while J.B Holmes returns to feature for the first time since playing in the USA winning team in 2008. 

Watson has appeared in the previous three Ryder Cups but has missed out on an initial pick, with Justin Thomas and vice-captain Jim Furyk among those to also not be selected.

"Rickie Fowler is so excited to be on the team again," Love told a media conference on Monday. "We found no weaknesses in his game, he's such a great team-mate and is really confident on the big stage.

"J.B (Holmes) is so steady, he's easy to pair, has a lot of experience and has been on a winning team in the Ryder Cup in the past.

"I've been on a lot of teams with Matt (Kuchar). He has a great attitude for matchplay, makes a great partner and like J.B is consistent so easy to pair."

Kuchar and JB Holmes finished joint-fourth at the BMW Championship on Sunday, while Fowler was left sweating over his place after ending the week in 59th spot.

Love still has one more player to name and will complete his line-up following the conclusion of the Tour Championship on September 25.

"These three guys are who we really all wanted," Love added. "We're really confident in them and we're excited to have our 11 players now.

"It has a tough decision and we had plenty of great choices, but I know this is the 11 we want today."