Tuesday 29 September 2015 08:12, UK
Rich Beem has sprung a few surprises with his prediction for how Team USA will line-up for the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine.
Just over a year ahead of the contest, Beem is pinning his hopes on a number of rookies making the team, and he believes the "old guard" of the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will struggle to qualify.
The Sky Sports commentator, who has fond memories of Hazeltine having won a memorable PGA Championship at the iconic Minnesota venue in 2002, would like to see Jordan Spieth paired with talented young rookie Justin Thomas for next year's contest.
He has selected Pat Perez and Ryan Palmer to add some much-needed steel to Davis Love's side, but Woods and Mickelson are the notable omissions along with established pros Jim Furyk and Matt Kuchar.
Explaining his selections, Beem said: "I think since we, the Americans, have been beaten roughly since the Tiger era started, it's time for a change-up in players.
"Tiger, Phil and Jim have played all the Ryder Cups since I can remember, and I'm fairly certain none of them have winning records. They have made over $350m in combined earnings, but that hasn't equated into Ryder Cup wins.
"We need some fresh new players that haven't been beaten yet. Ryan Palmer and Pat Perez are two gritty players that the USA could lean on.
"Neither player is going to be intimidated by either the moment or the opponent. I would think that Tony Finau will be close to qualifying, as well as Kevin Kisner, Gary Woodland, Chris Kirk and Robert Streb.
"I like my 12 though. I think Hazeltine favors the aggressive players, as it's a big track, but holes can be shortened by cutting some corners. I look at most of the guys who I've picked as having the length and all have the attitude to win it in 2016."
