British Open: Chris Gotterup's career-altering run in the UK has forced himself into the Ryder Cup conversation
That's not a bad thing, it was just reality. The 26-year-old only turned pro a few years ago, and he had won a single time on Tour.
But now, after a dominant and stunning two weeks in the United Kingdom, Gotterup will return home playing just about as well as anyone in the sport. It's been so good, in fact, that he's even now in the conversation to represent the United States at Bethpage Black this fall.
'I expected to play well, but I don't think I expected quite this well,' Gotterup said after his third-place finish at the British Open on Sunday. 'I don't know what's going on over here, but maybe my European blood in me has come to life.'
Gotterup posted a 4-under 67 on Sunday at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland to record what was by far his best finish in a major championship. He was in the mix for most of the week with everyone except for Scottie Scheffler, who rolled to a blowout four-shot win.
Gotterup, however, wasn't even supposed to be in the field at Portrush. He had to earn it with his victory last week at The Renaissance Club, which left him an emotional wreck in the immediate aftermath on the green in Scotland. The win was the second of his career, following his inaugural PGA Tour victory in Myrtle Beach last year, and earned him admittance to just his fourth ever major start.
After shooting a 1-over 72 on Thursday at the British Open, Gotterup rebounded to back up his win perfectly. He made two eagles on Friday to get right back under par, and then he kept himself in it with a third-round 68. While it wasn't enough to catch Scheffler — nobody could — Gotterup never wavered.
This two-week stretch has completely changed Gotterup's career trajectory. He entered the Scottish Open at No. 158 in the Official World Golf Rankings. His win there jumped him up more than 100 spots, and Sunday's outing will move him to a new career-high. He's at No. 23 in the FedExCup standings, too, which now has him solidly in the FedExCup Playoffs and the Tour's signature events next season.
Gotterup is also bringing home a $1.128 million check, which brings his two-week total to just more than $2.7 million. That came about $65,000 shy of matching his previous career earnings.
He's undoubtedly set up for success on the Tour for years to come, and in a much more stable position than he was earlier this month. But perhaps most notably, Gotterup has thrust himself into the Ryder Cup conversation.
Gotterup moved up 30 spots in the Ryder Cup standings after his Scottish Open win, and his third-place finish should move him inside the top 20. While that's likely too far out of it to earn an automatic bid — the top six American golfers in the standings after the BMW Championship will earn guaranteed spots on the team — it's not unreasonable to think that Keegan Bradley could use one of his captain's picks on Gotterup to round out his 12-man team.
That is something that had never crossed Gotterup's mind.
'I haven't thought about it at all. I mean, it really wasn't ever on my radar,' Gotterup said. 'I obviously helped to play well, and it would be a miracle. Now I mean, I have no idea.
'Northeast is my home, and we'll see what happens.'
Regardless of what happens with his U.S. Team future, Gotterup absolutely erupted over the last two weeks. His golf future is trending up faster than anyone could've guessed.
And if he keeps it up, that may just make Bradley's decision even easier.
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