Ryan Moore, Andy Sullivan poised to serve as X-factors

Omnisports

September 28, 2016 12:18 AM

Ryan Moore and Andy Sullivan are not the most high-profile names at the Ryder Cup this week, but the soft-spoken duo could help turn the tide.

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Ryan Moore and Andy Sullivan are not the most high-profile names at the Ryder Cup this week, but the soft-spoken duo could help turn the tide for their respective teams.

Moore, who was a last-minute addition to the United States' Ryder Cup team as Davis Love III's final captain's pick, said he actually missed the call telling him the good news following a dramatic play-off loss to Rory McIlroy at the Tour Championship.

"I was rifling through my text messages, just making sure I hadn't missed a phone call," Moore said on Tuesday during his news conference.

"But it was about 45 minutes after. I was in the parking lot loading everything up and I actually missed his call. I was like, 'Whoops.' I meant to be paying closer attention.

"But I called him right back and obviously I could tell right away it was a positive conversation."

Moore, ranked 31st in the world, has four top-10s in his last six starts, including a win at the John Deere Classic and a runner-up last week.

He has been one of the most consistent putters during that time, which certainly will come in handy in matchplay.

Despite the form, Moore was a controversial pick considering Love passed over world number seven Bubba Watson.

But Moore was not surprised he got the call after forcing McIlroy into four play-off holes at East Lake.

"I think I knew pretty well what I needed to do last week, and I kind of did it," Moore said with a chuckle.

"I did it, but I didn't do it. At least getting into a play-off and showing the form of where my game is right now and showing that I can make some putts when it matters."

On the other side, Sullivan looks poised to be a difference maker for Europe.

The Englishman qualified on points, highlighted by two runner-up finishes on the European Tour.

"Anyone that came to watch me, I would be happy," Sullivan said Tuesday.

"If Tiger [Woods] comes to stand next to me and watches me play golf, I don't think I'd get nervous. I'd want to impress him almost and just go out there and do my thing. I'd give him a little smile and a handshake and congratulate him on what he's done for golf."

Omnisports

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