Lucas Glover, the PGA Tour’s only golf player to secure consecutive wins this season, is now setting his sights on earning a place in the prestigious Ryder Cup competition. Glover’s recent triumphs at the Wyndham Championship and the FedEx St. Jude Championship have thrust him into the spotlight and ignited whispered discussions about his possible inclusion in the American team.
Over the past two weeks, Glover has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the world of golf. His nail-biting victory over Russell Henley at the Wyndham Championship was followed by a thrilling playoff win against Patrick Cantlay at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Remarkably, Glover’s back-to-back triumphs at the age of 43 place him in esteemed company, alongside golf legends Vijay Singh and Hale Irwin, as the third oldest golfer to achieve this feat in the last 40 years.
Having never previously qualified for the Ryder Cup, Glover is now determined to secure a spot on the American team. When asked if he deserves a place, Glover responded confidently, confirming his belief in his own capabilities and citing his solid performance on the course. His belief is supported by an impressive 16th ranking in the current U.S. Ryder Cup standings.
Automatic qualification for the American team is granted to the top six players based on their performance in the BMW Championship. Currently, Scottie Scheffler and Wyndham Clark have already secured their places. The remaining six spots will be chosen by U.S. Captain Zach Johnson as captain’s picks after the Tour Championship concludes.
Glover undoubtedly deserves strong consideration for one of the captain’s picks. His recent form speaks for itself, with five top-ten finishes since the start of July. Notably, his putting has been a revelation and a significant improvement compared to his previous years on the tour. Glover himself acknowledged his past underachievement, attributing it to putting struggles. However, his perseverance and a newfound belief in himself have propelled him to newfound success on the greens.
Throughout the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Glover demonstrated exceptional putting prowess under intense pressure. Notably, he sunk a pivotal 20-foot putt for par on the 13th hole, enabling him to stay in contention. Despite a challenging double-bogey on the following hole, Glover displayed remarkable resilience, holing a crucial 29-foot putt to salvage a bogey. These crucial moments showcased his ability to perform under pressure, a quality invaluable to any Ryder Cup contender.
Glover’s recent victories showcased the importance of his scrambling skills and putting prowess, both of which are vital in the Ryder Cup format. Despite being considered a seasoned veteran, Glover is currently playing the best golf of his life. If he continues his impressive form at upcoming tournaments such as the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship, Captain Zach Johnson may find it difficult to overlook his well-deserved inclusion. Glover’s consistent performance and ability to handle high-pressure situations make him a compelling choice compared to struggling individuals like Justin Thomas.
Lucas Glover’s back-to-back victories have propelled him into the Ryder Cup conversation and ignited hope for his long-awaited inclusion in the American team. His recent triumphs, along with his exceptional putting and resolute resilience, make him an ideal candidate for a captain’s pick. As the season progresses and Glover continues to excel, all eyes will be on Captain Zach Johnson as he finalizes the American team roster.