The 2025 season began with a promising 68 at The Sentry, but quickly turned rocky for the American PGA Tour pro. A brutal run of nine missed cuts — including a 75 at The American Express — made Top 10 finishes elusive. Then came the Genesis Scottish Open, where a season-best 65 delivered a stunning win and vaulted him to 27th in the Official World Golf Ranking. Strong follow-up performances over the next few events pushed that ranking even higher, proving that against the odds, Chris Gotterup’s season was far from over. Now the question is — will this surge earn him a Ryder Cup call-up?

Following his career-defining win at the Scottish Open, Gotterup carried that momentum into his next two starts. At The Open, he kept the pressure on, finishing T3 at 12-under — a result that firmly kept his Ryder Cup hopes alive. The following week at the 3M Open, he added a T10 finish, further strengthening his case for selection.

However, the momentum began to cool once the FedEx Cup Playoffs started. In the first playoff event, the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Gotterup struggled to find his best form. He opened with rounds of 72 and 73, followed by 70 and a final-day 66, ultimately finishing T54. Reflecting on that week, Gotterup admitted, “Obviously, last week was a little disappointing… I didn’t play my best.”

Still, he remained optimistic heading into the BMW Championship. “Regardless, I felt like I’ve had a… great summer, and I am excited for this week. It’s going to be a good test. And yeah, I mean, whatever happens, happens. I’ve had a good year, and hopefully I can finish it off in style.”

As for his Ryder Cup chances, Gotterup acknowledged that the decision rests firmly with Captain Keegan Bradley, who has been clear about the challenge ahead. “And the main thing that he’s said is just, you know, leave no doubt out there,” Gotterup shared. Speaking on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, he added, “I mean, it’s really, he’s been very honest about it. He said, you know, as expected, it’s going to be really hard to make your first time.” Currently sitting at No. 21 in the Ryder Cup standings with 4,450.44 points, Gotterup remains on the outside looking in.

Now sitting 26th in the FedEx Cup standings, Gotterup knows that Bradley’s decision will be pivotal — and that every shot counts from here.

Whether he makes the spot or not, Gotterup’s summer has made its mark. Now, Gotterup eyes the BMW Championship as the event that can finally shift things around.

Players in contention for the Ryder Cup US Team

Chris Gotterup’s spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team is still very much in the balance. Despite a breakout summer, including his surge at the Scottish Open, Gotterup currently sits 26th in the FedEx Cup standings. With only six automatic spots available and the final positions solidified after this week’s BMW Championship, Gotterup will have to deliver a strong showing to remain in contention for one of captain Keegan Bradley’s six picks.

Other American golfers have a much better hold when it comes to making the team. Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, and Xander Schauffele have already secured automatic qualification through consistent performance. Russell Henley and Harris English are in strong positions to join them. Bryson DeChambeau, thanks to his consistent form throughout, might make the team as well.

The final layer of intrigue revolves around Bradley himself. Already 10th in the U.S. standings, he faces the rare decision of whether to select himself as a playing captain. Choosing to play would guarantee his place on the squad but would also add enormous pressure and scrutiny.

Regardless, the Ryder Cup US team is already shaping up to be electric. With major golfers confirmed to tee it up, alongside rising stars like Chris Gotterup, in a possibility of contention, the US might secure the best lineup this year.