Golf: Moore receives last US captain's spot in Ryder Cup

Ryan Moore waves to the gallery on the 18th green during the final round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on Sept 25, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

(AFP) - US Ryder Cup captain Davis Love named Ryan Moore on Sunday as his final captain's pick to the American squad that will meet holders Europe starting on Friday at Hazeltine.

Moore battled Rory McIlroy in a dramatic play-off on Sunday before falling on the fourth extra hole, giving the European star the US$1.5 million (S$2 million) top prize at the Tour Championship in Atlanta and the US$10 million season play-off bonus.

But Moore's runner-up effort and fight to the finish with McIlroy was enough to convince Love to hand him the last spot on a US side trying to snap a three-match losing streak to Europe.

Love's earlier captain's picks were Matt Kuchar, the Rio Olympic bronze medallist, Rickie Fowler and J.B. Holmes.

Moore's best finish in 35 Major starts was a share of ninth at the 2009 PGA Championship.

He was won five US PGA Tour titles, most recently at last month's John Deere Classic.

Moore will join Brooks Koepka as the only rookies on the US Cup squad while half of the 12-man European roster will be making a Ryder Cup debut at the suburban Minneapolis course.

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