ATLANTA – With less than a week to go until U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker makes his six wildcard selections for this year’s Presidents Cup squad, there is no shortage of contenders for him to choose from.
Veterans Justin Thomas and Xander Schauffele.
Hotshot newcomers such as Chris Gotterup and Michael Thorbjornsen.
Major champions like J.J. Spaun.
Snedeker could even look at his own back-room staff.
Gary Woodland will serve as a vice captain for this year’s American team at Medinah, but he was asked Wednesday about his own prospects for playing on the team.
After all, Woodland has compiled an impressive record this season: a victory among six top-10s, including in a major and playoff event. Plus, he has a major victory on his resume and prior cup experience, further evidence that he can handle the big stage.
Woodland himself admitted that “from top to bottom, my game is better than it’s ever been.” His speed has returned. His iron play has gotten tighter. His putting is better and more consistent than at any point in his career. Throw in the fact that he’s been the most inspirational story of the season, having climbed back into the game’s elite despite brain surgery and battling post-traumatic stress disorder, and he makes a compelling case.
“There’s nothing I want more than to help Team USA – I’ll run through a wall, not only for Sneds, but for the team,” Woodland said. “Sneds has said the whole time: Golf is going to be the answer. Golf will explain for itself. There’s a lot of guys here this week, there’s a lot of guys at home that are all deserving of being the pick. We’ll see what happens at the end of Sunday, but Sneds is going to do what’s best for Team USA, and I fully support that.”
It wouldn’t be unprecedented for a U.S. assistant to be thrust into a starting role. It happened just two years ago at the Presidents Cup, when Keegan Bradley won the second playoff event and earned one of the six captain’s picks while also playing a supporting role as a vice captain. He went 2-1 and earned the clinching point.
