Ryder Cup: Top 5 Contenders for Love’s Final Pick
By Sam Belden
Daniel Berger
Age: 23
PGA Tour wins: 1
Ryder Cup appearances: 0
The case for: Like Thomas, Berger is young and knocking at the door. The Florida native has been on a continuous upswing since joining the PGA Tour for the 2014-15 season, and at No. 37 in the world ranking, he’s got more than enough game to hold his own at Hazeltine. He’s a much more consistent player than most of the other contenders for the final spot.
The case against: The problem here is that Berger doesn’t have much going for him over Thomas. The latter has contended at more big events, has a better pedigree and is better friends with Team USA members like Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler. Berger doesn’t drive the ball as far or putt it as well, though he is better with his irons.
Recent results: Berger played his way into the Tour Championship by tying for 10th at the BMW Championship. He’s three-over through the first two rounds, sitting just outside the top 15.