Spieth reveals Ryder Cup priority

Scott has top 4s in all three of this year’s playoff events, while Casey comes in off back-to-back second place finishes.

I don’t have a Ryder Cup (win). Golf pros don’t get paid to compete in the Ryder Cup competition between Europe and the US.

Still, the process of making the USA team is over the top. One more ride with ol’ Dirt McGirt in 2016.

FedEx Cup standings (US unless stated): 1. They are all experienced players, they’ve all won big tournaments, and they have all performed on the big stage – most notably Danny Willett winning the Masters earlier this year.

Despite the sympathy for Watson, Spieth said the final place on the U.S. team should go to whoever demonstrates the best form. He must feel like every shot will determine whether he flies to Minnesota on Sunday night or has time to check on his new candy store in Pensacola, Florida.

The other contender if none puts up a hand is Jim Furyk, not playing this week but popular with the captain and other members of the infamous task force set up post Gleneagles to interrogate the reasons for Europe’s repeated success and America’s failings. The first is obviously who can take the FedEx Cup (and monstrous paycheck that goes with it).

Here is a look at the relationship between driving distance and scoring average over the last two seasons and where Spieth’s last three seasons fall (continued below; orange line is the trendline).

The tournament starts Friday due to the Labor Day holiday.

The changes to the layout came about following a meeting between PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, and Tom Cousins, founder of the East Lake Foundation.

“I think its challenging.

“I can control what I can control”, Spieth added.

Spieth and Thomas have been friends since they were 14. DraftKings offers European Tour games now, and offices on both sides of the pond will be holding Ryder Cup pools next week.

“Once we landed here, it’s all business here”, Spieth said.

Scott has coincidentally finished fourth in all three previous FedExCup tourneys, while Casey also placed second at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

Russell Knox of Scotland is part of the 21 who will not. By the end of last season, he had plunged to No. 381 in the world ranking. Once he was overlooked as a pick, Knox has thought about only one cup.

“I’m just hoping for a close one”, he said.

Though the Australian has piled up career earnings of more than $35 million, not to mention a great deal of off-course income, $10 million is enough to get his attention.