The countdown to the 2025 Ryder Cup has begun, and golf pundit Smylie Kaufman has named the PGA Tour player he thinks is the perfect fit for Luke Donald’s European team.
The Europeans have a brand new points list in place ahead of the Bethpage Black event, with only one operational during the 2024/25 season. LIV Golf star Lee Westwood highlighted some of the issues, suggesting it’s nearly impossible for a DP World Tour player to make the team.
Donald, of course, will have six captain’s picks, and Kaufman believes one of the PGA Tour’s in-form players has an excellent chance of competing next September.
Smylie Kaufman: Aaron Rai is the perfect alternate shot Ryder Cup pick
Speaking on the latest edition of the Smylie Show live from the St. Jude Championship, Kaufman believes Aaron Rai is one to watch over the next 12 months.
“100 per cent,” Kaufman said. “Aaron Rai could easily qualify for the Ryder Cup. I think that Luke Donald, you’ve got to give him all the credit where credit is due when it comes to picking a team. I thought at the beginning of the year and halfway through the year the Europeans would be really lacking depth on that team. We will see who ends up making that roster and whether it stays intact from the Ryder Cup in Rome.”
Rai landed his first PGA Tour win at the 2024 Wyndham Championship, and Kaufman went on to suggest the Englishman would be an excellent selection for the alternate shot format at the Ryder Cup.
“Man, Aaron Rai just seems like he would be a really nice fit for a day of alternate shot,” he added.
Aaron Rai could prove a threat in the race for the FedEx Cup
After his victory in North Carolina, Rai sits 25th in the FedEx Cup standings and stands a good chance of punching his way into the Tour Championship at East Lake.
Of course, the 29-year-old will need to perform well at the St. Jude and BMW Championship beforehand, but current signs are positive for the Englishman.
Rai has contended regularly throughout the season, and after his breakthrough victory, the pressure is now off heading into the playoffs. Whatever he achieves from now until the end of the month is a complete bonus.
Scottie Scheffler, of course, will be extremely tough to catch, but placing in the top ten on the FedEx Cup points list isn’t out of the question. Rai’s 2024 FedEx Cup performance is even more remarkable, considering he hasn’t featured in any of the signature events, which provide a select group with a chance to boost their ranking.
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