Skip to content

Rickie Fowler relishing first home Ryder Cup after wildcard pick

Tuesday 13 September 2016 06:28, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

USA Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III confirms three of his four wildcard picks

Rickie Fowler is excited by the prospect of making a first Ryder Cup appearance on home soil, after being named as one of Davis Love III’s captain’s picks.

The 28-year-old was the first of Love's initial three wildcard selections, with Matt Kuchar and J.B Holmes also being announced at a press conference on Monday.

Fowler hasn't registered a PGA Tour victory win all year and has only posted two top-10s in his past 12 worldwide starts, finishing 59th at Crooked Stick in last week's BMW Championship.

Rickie Fowler of Team US putts on the 10th green during Sunday's Singles matches on the final day of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Gleneagles Hotel
Image: Fowler halved three and lost two of his matches in 2014

The world No 9 has featured in the past two USA sides on European soil, failing to win any of his matches at Celtic Manor in 2010 and Gleneagles in 2014, but is now looking forward to trying to help the hosts to victory.  

"It's really cool getting to play on home soil," Fowler said. "The Ryder Cup is a whole different animal and I'm looking forward to that opportunity.

"Having played the two overseas, it's going to be pretty amazing getting to play in front of a home crowd and it will be a completely different feeling for sure.

CARMEL, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Rickie Fowler watches his tee shot on the ninth hole during the final round of the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club
Image: Fowler ends the year 31st in the FedExCup standings

"Hazeltine is a place where I've played well at, so I'm looking forward to getting the opportunity to go around the course again."

Also See:

Fowler missed out on Tour Championship qualification when Holmes holed his par putt at the last on Sunday, with Holmes chosen for a first Ryder Cup appearance since being on the USA's winning side in 2008.

"It's been one of my main goals all year to get on this team, and to get that call from Davis was just a very exciting moment," Holmes said.

LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 21: J.B. Holmes of the USA team (L) celebrates alongside his caddie (R) after completing his singles matches on the final day o
Image: J.B. Holmes was unbeaten from three matches when the USA defeated Europe 16.5-11.5 at Valhalla

"Some of my greatest memories in golf were at Valhalla, so I'm just really excited to get back in the Ryder Cup format and getting out there and playing.

"He (Love) has got a great team around him and it's going to be a lot of fun."

Kuchar will make a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance, with the Olympic bronze medalist missing out on automatic qualification despite an impressive season on the PGA Tour. 

AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Matt Kuchar of the United States celebrates after winning the 2nd hole during the Singles Matches of the 2014 Ryder
Image: Matt Kuchar is without a PGA Tour title since the 2014 RBC Heritage

"This is my first team I've required a pick and it's not a pleasant position to be in," Kuchar said. "But when that phone call did come last night, it was a very exciting moment.

"I really am thrilled to be part of this. We have so much respect for him (Love). For me to make this team, I can't wait to make amends and try to bring the cup home.

"I hope that great things come and I hope that this is the year that we can experience the triumph."

Watch the Ryder Cup from September 30-October 2 live on Sky Sports - your home of golf

Around Sky

Sign up for Sky Sports push notifications

Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch every minute of end of season