Who will play together for Team USA in the Ryder Cup?

Which pairings will Zach Johnson select?

USA Captain Zach Johnson knows that picking his pairings wisely will be key to ending a 30-year wait for victory in Europe

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Strolling through Rome without an apparent care in the world Zach Johnson’s shades are surely hiding a captain’s mind racing with potential pairings capable of doing an Italian job in Rome.

The Belfry in 1993 was the last time the USA managed the feat on European soil, prevailing 15-13 under the guidance of legendary Tom Watson, and if the bookmakers have it right, 2023 is perhaps their best chance since to make a statement victory.

The size of the task is massive, and if there is one area of the USA’s approach that has been questionable over the past couple of decades, it would be the team’s comradery and desire to dig deep. An abundance of ability, talent, and Major trophies to boot, there is no other explanation.

But following a demolition job (19-9) at Whistling Straits in 2021, Team USA have their tails up and will arrive in Rome confident of shrugging off their European demons and defending the trophy for the first time since 1993.

Zach Johnson will be acutely aware however of the danger in letting Europe build up a head of steam and will be relying on his big guns to come out firing from the get-go come September 29.

Ensuring he pairs the right personnel together that can match Europe’s intensity will be crucial to that goal.

A great help to Johnson in this area will be his five-strong team of vice-captains, including 2021 winning captain Steve Stricker and some serious experience in Davis Love III, Jim Furyk, Fred Couples, and Stewart Cink.

Johnson managed to get the majority of his team out to Rome for a practice day out on the Marco Simone course, something prioritized by Stricker prior to the 2021 match and later noted by European captain Padraig Harrington as being instrumental to the American’s success at Whistling Straits.

Aside from this fly-by of a scouting trip, Johnson will have to rely on his intuition and the past performances of partnerships from years gone by. He hasn’t had the luxury afforded to Luke Donald of keeping his team together for a full-on dress rehearsal at a high-profile tour event.

Luckily Johnson will be able to draw from the learnings of seven members of 2021’s winning side which will ensure some level of continuity, while also bringing in some high-quality experience in the shape of Rickie Fowler and Brian Harman, both of whom have enjoyed a strong 2023 season on tour.

Both sides have a great blend of talent and experience, and we can see why this 44th edition of the contest is so hard to call. If the USA are to get the job done, however, Johnson has to stop Donald’s men from establishing any form of early rhythm, starting with picking his pairings carefully.

Wednesday’s nine-hole practice session saw Max Homa, Wyndham Clark, Rickie Fowler, and Brian Harman go out together, with Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Sam Burns following. The final quartet comprised of Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffle, Brooks Koepka, and Patrick Cantlay.

Let’s take a look at some potential Team USA partnerships in a bit more detail.

Scottie Scheffler

Let’s kick off with the world number one and one obvious consideration for the green-hitting machine is the putting prowess of 2023 Open winner Brian Harman.

Harman made an astonishing 58 from 59 putts within 10 feet at Royal Liverpool and if these two can play anywhere their ceilings, then we’re not sure they can be beaten, particularly in the foursomes.

Another like-for-like alternative to Harman would be rookie Sam Burns, 2nd on the PGA Tour stats for putting within 7 feet, or the equally proficient with flat stick in hand, Max Homa. Both rookies could really benefit from Scheffler’s iron-striking and will feel confident with the world number one in tow.

Scheffler’s Wednesday 27 Practice Round Partners: Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Cantlay

Scheffler’s Tuesday 26 Practice Round Partners: Brooks Koepka, Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns

Jordan Spieth

The ultimate competitor and on the verge of his fifth Ryder Cup appearance, Jordan Spieth will once again have a key role to play if the USA are to defend the trophy in Rome.

While not hitting the dizzy heights reached in 2015, Spieth currently sits just outside the world’s top 10 and has been showing glimpses of his capabilities throughout 2023.

Being best friends with Justin Thomas, who will need to feel comfortable after a poor run of form, few will look past this as an opening-day partnership. Rickie Fowler could easily slot in here too, and Johnson may feel Spieth’s experience would prove settling for one of his rookies also.

Spieth’s Wednesday 27 Practice Round Partners: Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, and Sam Burns 

Spieth’s Tuesday 26 Practice Round Partners: Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas

Brooks Koepka

Koepka has enjoyed a strong 2023 season, becoming the first LIV player to win a Major (PGA Championship), and coming close to a second at the Masters, where he eventually tied for second. He partnered with Daniel Berger to take one win from their two matches together in 2021, with a further 2&1 loss (with Spieth) to Rahm and Garcia in the Saturday fourball.

If Zach Johnson is to make the most of a fully firing Koepka this time around, many feel the Floridian is a perfect substitute for the absent Dustin Johnson who enjoyed a 100% record from his three matches with Colin Morikawa at Whistling Straits.

Other potential options to complement Koepka’s ball-striking off the tee would be Scottie Scheffler, Xander Scheauffele, or Rickie Fowler, all of whom rank highly for greens in regulation.

Koepka’s Wednesday 27 Practice Round Partners: Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay 

Koepka’s Tuesday 26 Practice Round Partners: Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns

Patrick Cantlay & Xander Schauffele

When considering potential USA pairings it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to find a reason for suggesting Cantlay-Schauffele is not a dead cert.

In addition to winning the 2022 Zurich Classic together, the pair have delivered six wins from their nine outings together in the Presidents Cup (2019, 2022) and 2021 Ryder Cup, including an emphatic 5&3 routing of McIlroy and Poulter.

Both multiple winners on tour and good friends off it, this is one pairing Johnson will look to lean heavily on across the opening two days, particularly if they get off to a winning start.

Cantlay & Schauffele’s Wednesday 27 Practice Round Partners: Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka 

Cantlay & Schauffele’s Tuesday 26 Practice Round Partners: Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas

Wyndham Clark

Clark may be a Ryder Cup rookie, but his 2023 form has been undeniably strong with wins at the Wells Fargo Championship and US Open catapulting him into the top ten of the world rankings.

Fellow rookie Max Homa is a reasonable shout here, as Clark could be seen as a similar replacement to Tony Finau who formed a winning partnership with Homa at the 2022 Presidents Cup. Clark’s ball striking off the tee combined with the putting capabilities of Homa, Burns, or Haman could be lethal.

Alternatively, Morikawas’s accuracy and approach play is something Johnson may well consider when choosing who best to partner with Clark. Lots of options here and a tough one to call.

Clarks’s Wednesday 27 Practice Round Partners: Max Homa, Rickie Fowler, Brian Harman

Clarks’s Tuesday 26 Practice Round Partners: Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, Sam Burns

Rickie Fowler

Rome sees Fowler make his fifth Ryder Cup appearance, and first since 2018 after the Californian rediscovered his title-winning form of old. Fowler has also been on the winning Presidents Cup on three occasions making him one of the most experienced of Johnson’s 2023 team.

Fowler has a strong all-course game, making him ultra-versatile and a perfect partner for a rookie or any player lacking in the confidence department. His good friend Justin Thomas springs to mind here, and the two of them have won together before.

Rookie Max Homa is a fellow Californian who would perhaps feed off Fowler’s experience and confidence, or alternatively, the iron-striking genius of Scottie Scheffler would surely give Fowler a plethora of excellent birdie looks.

Fowler’s Wednesday 27 Practice Round Partners: Max Homa, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman

Fowler’s Tuesday 26 Practice Round Partners: Colin Morikawa, Brian Harman, Max Homa

Brian Harman

Georgia’s Harman makes his Ryder Cup debut at the age of 36 after climbing back into the hierarchy of golf’s world rankings from finishing outside the top 120 in 2019. His 2023 Open Championship triumph was a victory for the ages and his performance at Royal Liverpool left little doubt in Johnson’s mind that Harman is the man he needs at the end of a putter when the pressure is on.

So, who will be the man to give him those opportunities? They need to be long and accurate, a fairway finder and pin-seeker. Scottie Scheffler obviously fits the bill in this department, but Koepka may also be a shout.

Perhaps pairing Harman with another short-game maestro like Jordan Spieth is something that has crossed Johnson’s mind too, the thinking being that if one misses, surely the other won’t!

Harman’s Wednesday 27 Practice Round Partners: Max Homa, Wyndham Clark, Rickie Fowler

Harman’s Tuesday 26 Practice Round Partners: Colin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, Max Homa

Colin Morikawa

As already mentioned, Morikawa has had success partnering with big hitters in the past and therefore Brooks Koepka or Wyndham Clark would seem logical choices to pair with the two-time Major winner.

Only Scottie Scheffler ranks above Morikawa for strokes gained on approaches to the green with Xander Schauffele making up the top three.

Pairing Morikawa with a like-for-like in this area could work wonders for the USA, leading to a relentless assault on pins across the opening two days and making life extremely difficult for any European pairing.

Morikawa’s Wednesday 27 Practice Round Partners: Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Sam Burns

Morikawa’s Tuesday 26 Practice Round Partners: Brian Harman, Rickie Fowler, Max Homa

Justin Thomas

After an uncharacteristic season, former world number one Justin Thomas was perhaps the player most fortunate to be given the nod for Rome.

Thomas’s record with best pal Jordan Spieth speaks for itself however, with the pair going four from four at the 2022 Presidents Cup, and winning three from four at the 2018 Ryder Cup, half their team’s points across opening two days of competition.

It’s hard to see past Spieth, or potentially Fowler, being the confidence-inspiring partner Thomas needs in Rome, with Colin Morikawa an outside shot to provide a steady pair of hands.

Thomas’s Wednesday 27 Practice Round Partners: Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth, Sam Burns

Thomas’s Tuesday 26 Practice Round Partners: Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele

Remaining Rookies

Sam Burns and Max Homa make up the remaining spots on Team USA in Rome and it’s unlikely that Johnson will choose to feature both rookies in all five sessions despite strong seasons.

Both players are extremely proficient in the putting department and will likely feature alongside someone who has Ryder Cup experience and who can provide them with plenty of birdie opportunities. Scheffler, Morikawa, and Fowler are likely suspects here.

Burns’s Wednesday 27 Practice Round Partners: Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas

Burns’s Tuesday 26 Practice Round Partners: Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, Wyndham Clark

Homa’s Wednesday 27 Practice Round Partners: Wyndham Clark, Rickie Fowler, Brian Harman

Homa’s Tuesday 26 Practice Round Partners: Colin Morikawa, Brian Harman, Rickie Fowler

Today’s Golfer’s Pairing Picks

The team at Today’s Golfer have all chipped in with the pairings they see Zach Johnson giving the nod to when the action gets underway. Here’s what they had to say:

Magazine Editor Chris Jones on Scheffler-Harman: “What do you get when you pair a green-hitting machine with one of the best putters in the game? Birdie-central!”

Equipment Writer James Hogg on Schauffele-Cantlay: “Almost seems inevitable. They had a winning record together in the foursomes and fourball in 2021 and are really good friends on and off the course.”

Content Writer Will Shreeve-Peacock on Spieth-Thomas: “Do I need to say anything? Think this pairing is a given, best mates with great Ryder Cup success. Their form going into Rome is not the same as previous years but they’re a fierce pairing nevertheless.”

Today’s Golfer’s predicted USA pairings for the opening fourballs

Scottie Scheffler & Sam Burns

Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas

Brooks Koepka & Colin Morikawa

Patrick Cantley & Xander Schauffele

Today’s Golfer’s predicted USA pairings for the opening foursomes

Scottie Scheffler & Brian Harman

Jordan Spieth & Rickie Folwer

Colin Morikawa & Max Homa

Patrick Cantley & Xander Schauffele

Ryder Cup format: Fourballs, Foursomes and Singles

The first two days of the Ryder Cup offer up a total of 16 points split across eight matches (four fourballs and four foursomes). The final Sunday sees all 12 players compete in 12 singles matches to decide which side of the Atlantic will claim Ryder Cup bragging rights for the next two years. This format has been consistent since 1979.

The home captain decides before play commences on day one whether the fourball or foursome matches will be played in the morning, and can switch this up again if desired on day two. In 2021, American captain Steve Stricker opted to play foursomes both mornings followed by fourballs in the afternoon. But what is the difference between fourballs and foursomes?

What is fourballs?

Each member of the two-man team plays their own ball, meaning that there will be four balls in play on every hole. The lowest recorded score from each team is counted and the team with the lowest score wins the hole. In the case that the two lowest scores from each team are the same, the whole is halved.

What is foursomes?

The difference with foursomes is that each two-man team only plays one ball per hole, taking alternate shots until the hole is completed. One player will hit tee shots from odd-numbered holes, with the other hitting first on even-numbered holes. The team registering the lowest score on each hole secures the point, and in the case of scores being tied, the hole is halved.

Whose ball is used in foursomes?

With only one ball in play per team during foursomes, how do players decide on whose ball to use, particularly with players ordinarily gaming a ball with the specific characteristics that complement their game? Unless Zach Johnson opts to pair players who use the same ball together, players and captains will be required to engage in some strategic decisions before the round starts.

Since 2006, pairings have been able to change balls every hole, and with the flight characteristics of different balls being less noticeable off the tee, pairings may choose to prioritize the player faced with hitting into the green. In doing this, the team increases the likelihood of being able to control spin on the shots where a high level of precision is required. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson found this out the hard way when they were paired together in 2004, eventually losing by a hole, with Mickelson famously being unable to control Tiger’s high-spin ball.

The most popular ball played by Team USA at the 2023 Ryder Cup will be the Titleist Pro V1x (Spieth, Clark, Cantlay, Thomas), and Titleist Pro V1 (Scheffler, Homa, Harman), so perhaps we are likely to see some foursomes pairings emerge from these pockets of players.

What is singles?

As the name suggests, all 12 players from Team Europe will play an individual match against a player from Team USA on Sunday with 12 points on the line – one in each match. The lowest score wins the hole and, if the scores are tied, the hole is halved.

Each captain decides the order his 12 players will play, which is announced on Saturday night, but they won’t know the order their opposing captain plans to select. The order very much depends on the state of the match with captains of the team that is trailing often choosing to top load their line-up by sending out their biggest or best-performing players in a bid to make a fast start.

Rory McIlroy has led Europe out in the singles in the last three Ryder Cups and has never been lower than the first three matches in any of his six previous Ryder Cup appearances. A different player has spearheaded the USA attack in every match over that period.

Captain Luke Donald famously led the Sunday charge as Europe produced an incredible fightback to win at Medinah in 2012.

READ NEXT:

– Who is playing for Team USA at the 2023 Ryder Cup?
– American Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson on the challenge of winning in Europe

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About the author

Ross Tugwood
Golf Equipment Writer

Ross Tugwood is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in data, analytics, science, and innovation. He’s also an expert in golf apparel and has a keen interest in sustainability.

Ross is passionate about optimizing sports performance and has a decade of experience working with professional athletes and coaches for British Athletics, the UK Sports Institute, and Team GB.

He has post-graduate degrees in Performance Analysis and Sports Journalism, enabling him to critically analyze and review the latest golf equipment and technology to help you make better-informed buying decisions.

Ross lives in Snowdonia National Park with his wife and 40 kg Bernese Mountain dog! He is a member of Porthmadog Golf Club with a handicap index of 13.8.

Away from golf, Ross enjoys hiking, trail running, and supporting the mighty Bristol Bears.

Ross uses a Cobra King SZ Speedzone driver, Titleist TSi2 3-Wood, TaylorMade Sim2 Rescue, Callaway Apex Pro irons (4-PW), Cleveland 588 RTX wedges (52°, 58°), TaylorMade Spider EX putter, and a TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball.