Talor Gooch backed by LIV Golf teammate to play in Ryder Cup

Bubba Watson insists LIV Golf teammate Talor Gooch should “definitely” be selected in the US Ryder Cup team this September.

Gooch became the first player to win three LIV events at Valderrama last week and has been the most consistent performer this year on the Saudi-backed circuit.

There are growing calls for the 31-year-old to be considered by Team USA captain Zach Johnson with just under three months until the biennial contest with Europe at the Marco Simone Club in Rome.

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“I think my play has shown that it’s at least worth a discussion,” Gooch said after his one-shot victory over fellow American Ryder Cup hopeful Bryson DeChambeau in Andalucia.

“The better I play, the more that is just going to be a discussion hopefully. I’ve got to go win, and I’ve got to go prove that I’m worthy of having a discussion about.”

Two-time Masters champion Watson, who plays alongside Gooch on LIV’s Range Goats GC team, is fully backing his teammate to join the resurgent Rickie Fowler in Johnson’s team this autumn.

“I don’t know where Rickie Fowler is on the Ryder Cup standings, but he’s got to be up there, too,” Watson said, when asked about Gooch’s Ryder Cup chances.

“But I would have to say those two have been the impressive ones the last few weeks, just their high finishes and how they’ve been playing pretty much all year.

First, I want to congratulate @talorgooch on the win! What a clutch putt at the end there! Second, We took second as a team and I’m super proud of our team! I didn’t finish the way I wanted but we will get there.
Last, Thank you Spain and Valderrama was awesome! pic.twitter.com/J1HLGTvOdW

— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) July 2, 2023

“If they’re not already – if Rickie is not already in in points, he’s definitely getting a pick, and Talor should definitely get a pick. He’s playing that well, and he plays really good outside the U.S.”

LIV golfer and PGA champion Brooks Koepka will almost certainly be in Rome, given he is third in the current US standings.

But Gooch will need one of Johnson’s six captain’s picks, given his victories on the LIV series have not been rewarded with any world ranking points and therefore Ryder Cup points.

LIV Golf hosts its second consecutive event this weekend at Centurion Golf Club, the scene of the fledgling circuit’s surreal inaugural event in St Albans 12 months ago.