Ryder Cup Build-Up: Make DJ your easy Ryder among the captains picks

DJ is ready to repay his captain's faith in him
Take a walk on the wildside with Dustin Johnson, advises Romilly Evans. His game should fit Medinah perfectly
With four wildcards, Davis Love obviously enjoyed more freedom and variety in his picks than his counterpart, Jose Maria Olazabal, who just had two. Olazabal was further restricted in that Ian Poulter (a man with an exquisite Ryder Cup record) fell outside the qualification spots, while Nicolas Colsaerts was on-song and only a fag paper short of an automatic berth.
Those who wanted Padraig Harrington, the three-time major winner, were majorly misguided. Unpopular with the Spanish (having accused Olazabal of a rules' breach at the 2003 Seve Trophy) and possessed of a awful Ryder Cup record, poor old Pod never stood a chance.
Ian Poulter - needs no introduction as the European standard-bearer, the self-styled brash Englishman wears his heart on his sleeve in this biennial battle. He has also played accordingly - the top points-scorer on either side in 2008 (when a controversial pick by Nick Faldo) before securing another three points at Celtic Manor in 2010. The secret's out, though, and his results have been largely disappointing this term. He is one to take on as he is priced on myth and hype in a fickle format which respects neither.
Nicolas Colsaerts - I've profiled the monster-hitting Belgian in depth elsewhere and I think he could be a star for Europe if he gets off to a quick start. However, with more proven performers filed under wildcards in Team USA, the fear is that he won't play enough to prevail in this bracket.
Brandt Snedeker - a golfer whom I typically oppose, due to his erratic ball control. That said, immaculate putting can make up for all manner of swing sins, and Snedeker pulls a rabbit out of a hat more than most. Could be an effective matchplay opponent for that very reason - after all, there's nothing more galling than have an inferior striker lap you on the greens with a hot flat-stick. Still, the percentages are to avoid him.
Dustin Johnson - Rory McIlroy aside, possibly the most in-form player over the Playoffs. DJ has effortlessly returned from knee surgery, winning the St Jude in June and invariably contending ever since. His rare blend of raw power and bullseye putting make him the perfect fit for Medinah on paper and Johnson could well prove the star in the stripes this week.
Steve Stricker - a ready partner for Tiger Woods, going undefeated with the great man in the 2009 Presidents Cup. However, it was a different story last year, when the pair struggled - even falling to a humbling 7&6 defeat at the hands of Adam Scott and KJ Choi (although I'm sure Steve Williams thinks he contributed more than the Korean). Stricker played well earlier in the year, but has been on a relative slide since. Tiger may ask Love to look elsewhere for his dance partner.
Jim Furyk - anyone who can shoot 29 on the outward nine at East Lake is clearly a player in-form. And it was high time that this Steady Eddie allayed concerns over his temperament, having blown both the US Open and the WGC earlier in the campaign. Furyk simply loves the Ryder Cup and lives for golf. So should Stricker not get the Tiger gig, Furyk would appear a logical and dependable foil to Woods' dramatics. Just watch his price tumble.
Recommended Bets
Back Dustin Johnson to be Top Wildcard at 3.55/2 or better
Back Jim Furyk to be Top Wildcard at 4.03/1 or better