Jim Furyk knows from experience as the 2018 U.S. Ryder Cup team that the captain’s picks might be the most crucial decision he makes in determining the success of the U.S. side in the biennial competition against Team International. His four picks in 2018 didn’t pan out, going a combined 2-10-0 with Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods getting shut out.
This time around as the U.S. Presidents Cup captain, Furyk gets to make six picks — the first six were automatic selections — and will announce the remaining members of his 12-man team on Sunday, Sept. 4. With one last week to see the top candidates in action, Golfweek chatted with Furyk to discuss his thoughts on Keegan Bradley’s victory at the BMW Championship, what he’s looking for in choosing his captain’s picks and if there’s a role in store for Tiger Woods.
Furyk is holding his cards close to his chest. He wouldn’t even reveal who he prefers as the starting quarterback for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, only saying of Russell Wilson, “It’s his job to lose.” Furyk’s job is to win the Presidents Cup, which is being contested at Royal Montreal in Canada from Sept. 26-29, and he’s got some tough decisions to make that could make or break Team USA’s chances.