The Ryder Cup may be weeks away, but the rumblings have already begun. While golfers are willing to go the extra mile for that one shot at glory, not everyone can be destined for greatness. You’d think failure is the most fitting antonym in that case, but it seems like ‘snub’ fits it like a glove.

In 2023, when Sam Burns, Rickie Fowler, and Justin Thomas were selected for the U.S. Ryder Cup team, they sat at No. 12, 13 and 15, respectively, while Keegan Bradley at No. 11 experienced a hard pass. And Cameron Young? Despite sitting at a confident No. 9, he met the same fate, thanks to then-captain Zach Johnson. “I’m super bummed out…I’ve always been an outsider in the sport but I have tried to get closer to the guys I thought would be on the team. I feel like moving forward I’m going to have to automatically qualify for the Ryder Cup … I am pulling for the U.S. team,” was Bradley’s response to the matter. But, Young—forever the low-key, social media allergic star—was more measured in his response.

Besides the high ranking, Young was also part of the US Presidents Cup team, had reportedly finished T8 or better in four of his previous seven majors, and clinched 10 top-three finishes worldwide in his previous two seasons. Yet, when talking about his failure to reach Italy, the golfer was self-critical with a dash of defiance. “I think I walk away from it thinking, maybe I feel like I should have made the team but it wasn’t up to me. And two years from now, if I put myself in a position where they don’t have a choice, that’d be the better way to do it,” he had said. And, even now, he’s kept his demeanor unchanged. During an appearance on the Dan on Golf show, the host had asked, “You really wanna make this Ryder Cup team. Do you believe that your game would help the team?…Why should you be on the team?”

To this, the player responded, “I think this week proves what I am capable of,” Cameron Young reacted after his win at the Wyndham Championship. “I’ve got just about the most top 10s, I think maybe fourth or fifth most top 10s in majors since I’ve started playing on the PGA Tour. So, I think I tend to show up in big spots and, obviously, like that golf course, it’s home for me up there. So, if you’re asking me, I think my golf helps. I think it probably would have helped the last time, too, but I know I’ve got some work left to do to prove that to him. And this is week one of four that I have the opportunity to do that. So, got three more.”

Although this was Young’s first career win, his game has shown brilliance since joining the PGA Tour. Currently ranked 21st in the OWGR, he has earned six top-10 finishes in majors since 2022. And with this victory, Young’s chances of making the Ryder Cup team have never looked better. He delivered consistent, impressive golf throughout the Wyndham Championship, opening with a 63, following up with a 62, then a 65, finishing with a 2-under 68 to claim the title.

Having said that, in the 2023 Ryder Cup, U.S. captain Zach Johnson faced criticism for choosing Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler over in-form players like Bradley and Young. Even though he was ninth on the points list, Young was left out of the team. Reflecting on that disappointment, Young said, “It hurt pretty bad to miss it a couple of years ago…so I was a bit frustrated with that.” Now in 2025, Young is determined to prove himself and secure a spot. 

He is ranked 16th in the FedEx Cup standings with 1,464 points, a strong position with more playoff events still to come. With the Ryder Cup course being one of his favorites, and with a new captain, Keegan Bradley, who knows what it’s like to be left out, Young is focused on playing well enough to make the team this time.

But it’s not just Cameron Young whose Ryder Cup hopes are hanging in the balance…

Ryder Cup hopes hang in the balance for several PGA Tour stars

Akshay Bhatia and Brian Campbell are among those who have played well enough to get into the conversation, but not enough to guarantee a spot on Keegan Bradley’s 2025 U.S. team.

For Bhatia, the season has been a roller coaster. He slipped to 46th heading into the 3M Open. Chasing a Ryder Cup spot added to the pressure, which affected his game. Still, when asked about the team, Bhatia showed maturity beyond his years. “Regardless if I make the team or not, I just really want us to succeed this year.”

With the U.S. coming off a 16.5–11.5 loss to Europe in 2023, he knows the pressure at Bethpage Black will be immense. And so, he has chosen to focus on supporting the team’s success over his own selection.

Campbell’s position is similar. His second win of the season at the John Deere Classic lifted him to 28th in the Ryder Cup rankings, sparking talk about his chances. And Campbell’s reactions have been realistic. “Well, I’ve had no thought about that whatsoever. I just know how much I love the Ryder Cup, and to let alone be in the same conversation as the Ryder Cup is wild,” he said after his win. While he continues to work and keep moving forward, he knows his driving stats and current ranking make him an outsider for a captain’s pick.

Strong seasons can get a player into the conversation, but with limited spots and plenty of talent vying for them, even multiple wins or consistent performances don’t guarantee a place at Bethpage Black. But do you think Cameron Young will make it this time?