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

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.