JB Holmes

Made his major debut as an amateur in the 2003 US Open, but had to wait 13 years for his first top 10 finish in them. That was a tie for fourth at the 2016 Masters and three months later he came third at Royal Troon, albeit 11 strokes behind Phil Mickelson and a further three adrift of winner Henrik Stenson.

His two Ryder Cup caps have both come as a wild card and both were victories. Chosen by Paul Azinger in his home state Kentucky in 2008 Holmes responded with an unbeaten display and then in 2016 was selected by Davis Love. His one Presidents Cup appearance, meanwhile, came after Jim Furyk withdrew injured in 2015 – and that was a win too. Underwent two brain operations in 2011, but the big-hitter returned the following season and got back to winning ways at the 2014 Wells Fargo Championship.

When he added the 2015 Houston Open he was up to 12th in the world, but his only success since then was this February’s Genesis Open, where he edged out Justin Thomas by a stroke. He was among 14 players who qualified for Royal Portrush off the world rankings on June 24.