Players 'dropping like flies' as injuries hit Tom Watson's Ryder Cup team
Non-playing captain Tom Watson may have to bring his clubs as Matt Kuchar fights back spasms and Jason Dufner struggles with neck pain
At the rate American stars are getting hurt, Tom Watson might become a playing captain when his US Ryder Cup squad try to reclaim the trophy from Europe next month.
Sixth-ranked Matt Kuchar, already set for the roster based on qualifying points, withdrew before the start of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club with back spasms.
And defending champion Jason Dufner lasted only 10 holes before walking off the course because of neck pain that has nagged him since the Masters.
Add the struggles of 14-time major champion Tiger Woods with back surgery in March and a withdrawal last Sunday owing to back spasms, and it seems like the Americans will be lucky to have a healthy 12-man roster for the September 26-28 showdown at Gleneagles, Scotland.
Watson helped his cause on the eve of the year's last major by naming 23rd-ranked Steve Stricker, 47, as an assistant captain. He could be called on to play as an injury replacement any time before the Ryder Cup opening ceremony.
"All these guys are dropping like flies on our team. It is a bit scary," Stricker said after a first-round 69. "It doesn't bode well for us, but there are a lot of good players still, and guys are still jockeying for position to try to make that team."