2021 Ryder Cup Preview: What to Expect from Harris English

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The Ryder Cup competition between Europe and the United States begins this week at Whistling Straits Golf Course in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The top 12 players from each side will meet with the winner taking home one of the most coveted trophies in golf.

As the teams prepare for competition, we will be doing the same by previewing the players in this year’s event. Today, we look at Team USA’s Harris English.

Ryder Cup experience – English is making his first Ryder Cup appearance. His only national team experience came when he played for the United States in the Walker Cup in 2011.

Worldwide experience – English has won four times on the PGA Tour, including two wins in 2021. He claimed the title at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in January, then at the Travelers Championship in June.

What to expect – English was outstanding on tour during the past season. He finished 18th in the FedEx Cup standings after his two-win season that also included eight Top 10 showings.

Two of those Top 10s came in the U.S. Opens that were played over the course of the 50-event season. In September, English was in the hunt at the U.S. Open at Winged Foot. He shot 72-73 on the weekend to slip back a bit but still finished fourth.

Then, at the U.S. Open in June, English finished third at Torrey Pines in another solid showing.

It’s always hard to predict how any player will handle his first time in the Ryder Cup. The pressure and format can bring out the best, or the worst, in a particular player.

English has a bit of an advantage in that he is older than a typical rookie. At 32 years old, he has been through major championships and other events that should benefit him at Whistling Straits. Look for English to make a small contribution to the U.S. cause.