Pro Golf Now
Fansided

Steve Stricker Should Not Pick Patrick Reed for Ryder Cup Team

By Tim Letcher

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 30: Patrick Reed of the United States reacts to a putt on the second during singles matches of the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National on September 30, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 30: Patrick Reed of the United States reacts to a putt on the second during singles matches of the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National on September 30, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

As United States Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker makes his captain’s picks for the 2021 U.S. side, he will have some decisions to make. Stricker gets six selections and has plenty of good options from which to choose.

Stricker has six players who have already qualified for the event. Collin Morikawa, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay were the automatic qualifiers. Now, Stricker must fill out his team.

More from Pro Golf Now

Among those who will be considered for the team is Patrick Reed. He sits in 12th place in the Ryder Cup standings as Stricker gets ready to make his choices.

Reed has had quite a bit of success in his Ryder Cup career. He has posted seven wins, three losses and two halves while playing for the U.S. side in 2014, 2016 and 2018.

Normally, a player with that kind of experience and that kind of record would be an automatic choice. Or so it would seem.

Stricker, however, should avoid picking Reed.

First of all, Reed is coming off a serious battle with pneumonia. It caused him to miss the first two FedEx Cup playoff events. And he did not seem to be himself at East Lake, although his 66 on Saturday was a very nice round.

However, it’s something else about Reed that should keep Reed off the team. His history of being largely unlikeable make him someone that should not be on the team.

The focus of the Ryder Cup, from the U.S. side, will be the rivalry between Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka. In a team event such as this, any dissention on the team could be costly.

dark. Next. 2021 Tour Championship: Winners and Losers at East Lake

Adding a player like Reed could affect the team chemistry in a negative way. Reed is not well-liked among players on the PGA Tour. Having to pair him with someone else could be a difficult choice for Stricker.

Despite his accomplishments and record, Stricker needs to avoid picking Reed with one of his captain’s picks. It’s what’s best for the U.S. side.

Home/Ryder Cup