The 2025 British Open is over, which means the end of the golf season is looming… but then there’s the Ryder Cup in September, the event that we all look forward to as USA takes on Europe again and hopes to end its mostly losing ways.

And after Scottie Scheffler dominated The Open, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to the United States team. There are obviously six auto-qualifiers based on the standings, but then captain Keegan Bradley has some serious decisions to make with Captain’s picks.

So let’s take a snapshot as the mid-August deadline approaches for putting together a team that can take down the always-formidable Europeans who will play on the road at Bethpage in Long Island.

Tier 1: The current auto-qualifiers

1. Scottie Scheffler (qualified)

2. Xander Schauffele

3. J.J. Spaun

4. Russell Henley

5. Bryson DeChambeau

6. Harris English

DeChambeau’s unreal final three rounds at Royal Portrush basically guaranteed him a spot no matter what happens in the next month. But this group is kind of fascinating — English was on the 2021 team that won the Ryder Cup, Henley and Spaun would be rookies. You have to like having the world’s best golfer on your squad.

Tier 2: Probably Captain’s PicksJustin ThomasCollin Morikawa

They’re just outside the top-six at the moment, but you have to figure they’re going to hear their names called given experience and how they’ve played this year.

Tier 3: Will captain Keegan Bradley pick Keegan Bradley the player?

How awkward for Bradley! He’s played so well that he’d be an obvious pick for any other captain! I think he does it and becomes the first player-captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963.

Tier 4: In the running for Captain’s PicksBen GriffinMaverick McNealyBrian HarmanPatrick CantlaySam BurnsWyndham ClarkTony FinauChris Gotterup

An interesting mix here. You’ve got names with experience and some possible rookies playing in good form. If it’s me, I go experience over form, with apologies to McNealy and Gotterup.

There’s still a lot of golf to play, though!

Current Ryder Cup standings (top-six qualify)

Scottie SchefflerXander SchauffeleJ.J. SpaunRussell HenleyBryson DeChambeauHarris EnglishJustin ThomasCollin MorikawaBen GriffinKeegan BradleyMaverick McNealyBrian HarmanAndrew NovakPatrick CantlaySam BurnsWyndham ClarkLucas GloverDaniel BergerCameron YoungTom Hoge