Ryder Cup Update: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and four others secure spots for Bethpage

With less than two months to go until the Ryder Cup, the field is starting to take shape. Both Team USA and Team Europe will feature 12 players — six earning automatic qualification and six chosen by their respective captains.

So far, three players from each side have mathematically locked in their spots. The final automatic U.S. qualifiers will be decided after this week’s BMW Championship, while Europe’s last automatic places will be set following next week’s British Masters.

Locked In
United States: Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau
No surprises among the first three — Scheffler continues to dominate, Schauffele has bounced back from early-season injury, and Spaun’s U.S. Open win at Oakmont has proven no fluke. DeChambeau, though currently fifth in points and out of opportunities to qualify on the LIV Tour, has already been guaranteed a spot by captain Keegan Bradley.

Europe: Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood
McIlroy is a Ryder Cup mainstay, while Rose and Fleetwood have secured their places through steady, high-level play. Rose is enjoying a career resurgence, and Fleetwood’s string of near-misses has still netted him enough points.

In Position to Qualify Automatically
United States: Russell Henley, Harris English
Henley’s strong run, capped by an Arnold Palmer Invitational win, has him on the verge of a spot. English has collected a Farmers Insurance Open win plus top-two finishes at the PGA and Open Championship — both behind future teammate Scheffler.

Europe: Robert MacIntyre, Tyrrell Hatton, Sepp Straka
Hatton, like DeChambeau, can’t earn more points on LIV but remains a proven talent. MacIntyre nearly won the U.S. Open, and Straka already has two Tour wins this season.

Likely Captain’s Picks
United States: Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas
Morikawa remains a strong candidate despite a carousel of caddies. Thomas, once a controversial pick, has proved his value as both a competitor and a team leader.

Europe: Shane Lowry, Ludvig Åberg
Lowry’s steady play and rapport with McIlroy make him an attractive choice. Åberg has cooled off slightly since his pro debut but still brings ice-cold composure. Jon Rahm is also in the mix despite limited points from his LIV stint.

The Bradley Question
Keegan Bradley’s captaincy adds a unique twist. Ranked 10th in the U.S. standings, he could easily justify a playing spot — but will he choose himself? The decision could see him serve as a rare playing captain, step aside for another player, or even relinquish the captain role entirely. Whatever he decides, it will be one of the most scrutinized calls heading into Bethpage this September.