Will Fowler be part of the US Ryder Cup effort?

Rickie Fowler's last contribution to the Ryder Cup was to shake hands with Sergio Garcia after the Spaniard became the record points scorer in Paris three years ago. Since then his form has dipped remarkably, he wasn't actually eligible for this year's Masters and US Open, and he's now outside the top 40 in the US standings – the top six are guaranteed a spot while captain Steve Stricker has six picks.

But he might now be at Whistling Straits but with the 32-year-old as a vice-captain. Stricker has already named Davis Love III, Zach Johnson and Jim Furyk as three of his assistants and Fowler could also be in Wisconsin on September 24.

“With the position I’m in, age-wise, and yeah, I’d have to play my (rear) off the next few weeks to have a chance there, which like you said, it’s not out of the question. But yeah, if the team – if the guys wanted me there, I’d be there in a heartbeat,” he said. “They’re such fun weeks to be a part of whether you’re playing or not. Some of my favourite times have been when I’ve sat out and basically got to be there as, you know, a makeshift assistant captain in a way. You’re out there supporting the crew and being around.”

It's not unknown for a player from the younger brigade to be on hand for the biennial matches, Bubba Watson stepped in at Hazeltine after missing out in 2016 while Garcia was in Wales in 2010 when his form discounted him from a playing role – and Fowler, who was part of the original US Ryder Cup Task Force, is one of the more popular players in the American camp.

“It’s a lot more fun playing, but just being a part of those weeks is very special. Yeah, if I got asked or had the opportunity to go be a part of it, it would be awesome. We’ll see if we can take advantage of the next month or so starting here this week and give ourselves an outside shot at it.”