Koepka and Mickelson reignite Ryder Cup conversation for LIV rebels 

The makeup of the United States team remains a thorny issue with notable performances from interlopers at the Masters

GOOD SHOWING: Brooks Koepka lines up a putt on the second hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National. Pic: AP Photo/Mark Baker

The latest batch of United States Ryder Cup rankings featured interlopers. Brooks Koepka has risen to 16th position. Phil Mickelson sits 20th on the table. Patrick Reed has leaped to 33rd. The performance of LIV golfers at the Masters has reignited the Ryder Cup conversation.

The sense that team Europe will not be materially harmed by defections to the LIV circuit was only endorsed by Jon Rahm’s win at Augusta National. Luke Donald will call on a Masters champion. In Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Matt Fitzpatrick, Donald already has the core of a formidable team.