24 August 2023 , 18:47
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Open champion Brian Harman has welcomed the addition of Brooks Koepka to the U.S. Ryder Cup team after securing his place in the 12-man setup for the first time in his career.
Harman secured his maiden major championship last month, with a convincing six-shot victory at Royal Liverpool to secure the Claret Jug. This victory catapulted him up the Ryder Cup rankings, and ever since the Champion Golfer of The Year has remained inside the top six.
His place in the squad was confirmed earlier this month, with Harman joined by Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Max Homa, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele in the six automatic spots.
One man who just missed out on a qualifying place was Koepka, who slipped to seventh following the close of qualification last Sunday. This means the LIV Golf star is now relying on being one of Zach Johnson's six captain's picks, as he bids to play in his fourth straight Ryder Cup.
Out of the Americans' six confirmed spots, three are rookies with Homa, Clark and Harman yet to represent their country in the matchplay event. Amid this lack of experience, the recently crowned Open champion believes the pedigree of Koepka would be a big addition to the team.
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Speaking at this week's Tour Championship, he said: "I think if, you know, Brooks he's right there I think he would be a pretty good addition to the team. I'm not totally familiar with his record in Ryder Cups, but the experience would certainly help, especially considering there's probably going to be a fair amount of rookies over there.
Brian Harman will play in his first Ryder Cup (PA)"In my opinion, the goal of the Ryder Cup is to win, so whoever Zach thinks that can help us win the Ryder Cup I think needs to be on the team." As mentioned by Harman the power now lies with the captain Johnson, but it appears the two-time major winner has some doubts about picking LIV Golf players as part of his team.
This comes after Johnson admitted he had been unable to watch Koepka and Co. as much as he would have liked to due to their LIV allegiances. Speaking to GOLF.com's 'Subpar' podcast, he said: "There hasn’t been much communication. I’m going to be fully transparent.
"It’s hard because I’m not able to witness what they’re doing and see their form, with the exception of four events a year. What Brooks has done this year, well no one’s surprised. I’m just glad he’s healthy." Johnson will deliver Koepka his fate next week, with his six skipper selections revealed after this weekend's Tour Championship.