Triple Major winner Pádraig Harrington could be forced to draw on a special one-time exemption if he is to compete full time on next year’s PGA Tour.

We’re not to the point of changing the team flag to red, white and orange, but you’d be safe to argue that at this point in the proceedings, the American team at the biennial Ryder Cup could have a fresh-faced leader in Rickie Fowler.

It has not been a great summer for American golfers, what with Tiger Woods’ back troubles, Dustin Johnson’s ‘leave of absence’ and a European surge up the world rankings.