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J.B. Holmes & Justin Leonard make intriguing Ryder Cup picks

Thursday February 7, 2008 | 02:07:24 pm 249 words, 3683 views  

It’s never too early to start talking Ryder Cup. Especially since the months prior are usually the best part for Americans: talking strategy, standings and captain’s picks leading up to the inevitable beat down from the Europeans.

One thing is clear, the U.S. squad needs a shake up to end its embarrassing drought, and toss in some fresh names to the squad. I have a couple early picks.

First, restore the Americans to former glory by bringing back the hero of the 1999 Brookline squad, Justin Leonard. His game has been solid since the Fall Series, playing his best golf since his major wins. If he can keep through the summer, his veteran leadership and past Ryder Cup performance could be a real boost.

They might also need a few intimidating bullies, like long hitter J.B. Holmes.

Blasting your drive 40 yards past your opponent in match play can be demoralizing. Holmes, who ousted Phil Mickelson in a playoff at last week’s FBR Open proved he can not only destroy the ball, but beat good competition in playoff pressure.

He’s also a Kentucky native and has played 2008 Ryder Cup host Valhalla many times. That intangible can prove to be a huge difference as we saw with Mike Weir defeating Tiger Woods at the Presidents Cup in his native Canada last fall.

If Holmes and Leonard don’t qualify, U.S. Captain Paul Azinger should consider them as a Captain’s Pick. Or maybe a colorful and naive pup like Bubba Watson.

Permalink 5 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Oliver Sudden [Visitor]
J.B Holmes looked shaky as Don Knotts coming down the stretch at the FBR. Incidentally, Vince Cellini said "He used to be called John Holmes but that didn't work out too well". This was funny but 95% of the viewers probably didn't get it and those that did might have thought it inappropriate.
PermalinkPermalink 02/07/08 @ 18:33
Comment from: Josh [Visitor]
Ha, I didn't know his first name was John, mind you if he were to be paired with Dickie Pride and Richard Johnson the commontators would have as much fun as covering Olympic women's weightlifting.

PermalinkPermalink 02/08/08 @ 07:28
Comment from: Mark [Visitor]
Oliver: He sure looked shaky enough to win the FBR Open, didn't he?
He won twice as a Walker Cup member and has done well overall in match play situations.
PermalinkPermalink 02/09/08 @ 11:43
Comment from: Golf Goddess [Visitor]
Holmes and Leonard: So crazy it just might work?
PermalinkPermalink 02/12/08 @ 17:06
Comment from: YourGolfFix [Visitor] · http://www.yourgolffix.com
It's nice to see Justin Leonard's game on the up and up. I sincerely hope that he can build on his recent successes. His presence in '99 was invaluable.

PermalinkPermalink 02/12/08 @ 20:46

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Brandon Tucker Brandon Tucker

a WorldGolf.com Blog

WorldGolf.com blogger Brandon Tucker offers his unique perspective on golf and travel destinations from Scotland and Ireland to Myrtle Beach. He also chimes in on news events on the PGA and LPGA Tours, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and other happenings around the world of golf.