International competitions are nothing new for Matt Kuchar. When he tees it up at the 2014 Ryder Cup, it will be his fifth straight year of representing the United States in Ryder Cups or President Cups. He played a secondary role during many of those tournaments. One of the solid players down the roster, behind the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and others. His place on the roster this year might be different. He’s no longer the young, green guy and is instead one of the veterans. His individual results should likely playing a major role in whether the Americans are able to pull the upset.
How Matt Kuchar is used could determine American team’s success at 2014 Ryder Cup
Playing in his third Ryder Cup, Matt Kuchar has plenty of experience in international competition. The American team might need him to have plenty of success too if they are going to contend.
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Based on resume alone, Kuchar should be one of the strongest players on the U.S. roster. The 36-year-old is in the prime of his career, ranked No. 9 in the world and coming off another consistently strong season. He added a victory and 11 top 10s to his career resume this season and finished eighth in the FedEx Cup. Kuchar is solid tee-to-green, hits it straight, is experienced in big events and is even one of the more-likable players on the American roster. While some players may be challenging partners to play with, Kuchar should be the opposite.
Given that flexibility, who he plays with will be a very important piece of strategy. He owns a positive Ryder Cup record with three wins, two losses and a pair of halves, but nearly all of the success has come in two-man events. His singles record is 0-2-0, including a 3-and-2 singles loss to Lee Westwood on Sunday in 2012 that helped the Europeans complete their improbable comeback. When paired with a teammate, Kuchar has been much better with a 1-0-0 record in foursomes and a 2-0-2 record in fourball. If he continues that success and pulls an upset or two in the early stages, the Americans may have a better shot than most think.
The partners have yet to be set, but early indications are Kuchar could be paired with Jordan Spieth or Zach Johnson. His experience might work well with the young Spieth while he and Johnson would form a boring but deadly ball-striking duo.
Age: 36
World ranking: 9
Ryder Cup record (Win-Loss-Halve): 3-2-2
Past Ryder Cup appearance: 2010, 2012
How he qualified: Automatic spot -- 6th in American standings
