Who is the most controversial US Ryder Cup captain's pick? Let Jon Rahm explain

Jon Rahm says there were 'no surprises' with Zach Johnson's captain's picks for Team USA ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup. 

That being said, the Spanish World No.3 did believe there truly was only one spot open for debate. 

And that was whether Sam Burns was going to get the nod ahead of the likes of Keegan Bradley, Tony Finau, Lucas Glover or Cameron Young. 

US vice captain Fred Couples has explained why Justin Thomas was selected after previously stating Young would 100 per cent be in Italy. 

Johnson claimed the previous statement from Couples was 'in jest' before explaining Young handled the disappointment with 'total class'. 

Rahm's live reaction to the picks was recorded by GOLF as he was being interviewed by James Colgan. 

The Spaniard said:

Watch:

Our @jamescolgan26 got to share Zach Johnson's captain's picks with Jon Rahm today. pic.twitter.com/1IsmxDsTVI

— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) August 30, 2023

When Johnson announced his picks he addressed each player individually and explained why they got the nod. 

Burns was described as 'a stud athlete'. "To say that he meshes well with the other guys on the team, again, would be a massive understatement". 

There will be four rookies in Johnson's side. 

Burns said of his inclusion:

How the teams are shaping up:

Team USA

Automatic qualifiers

• Scottie Scheffler
• Wyndham Clark
• Brian Harman
• Xander Schauffele
• Patrick Cantlay
• Max Homa

Captain's picks

• Sam Burns
• Rickie Fowler
• Brooks Koepka
• Collin Morikawa
• Jordan Spieth
• Justin Thomas

Team Europe

Automatic qualifiers

• Rory McIlroy
• Jon Rahm
• Viktor Hovland
• Tyrrell Hatton

Rahm has already earned his place onto the European side alongside Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton and the in-form Viktor Hovland. 

There is still one space up for grabs on the European points list and one more spot open via the world points list. 

Matthew Fitzpatrick looks likely to qualify via the world points list with Scotland's Bob MacIntyre in prime position to earn his spot on Luke Donald's side providing he plays well at the European Masters this week. 

There are five other players hoping to bump out MacIntyre. 

Still here? 

Read more:

• Former PGA Tour pro makes WILD (!) Justin Thomas Ryder Cup bet
• REVEALED: How the pairings will play out in US Ryder Cup team
• "US Ryder Cup picks confirm it's the Boys Club" Tiger Woods ex coach reveals all
• Keegan Bradley reacts to his Ryder Cup snub! "Super bummed out"

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