DeChambeau wins PGA playoffs opener
Northern Trust winner Bryson DeChambeau's last Ryder Cup experience involved paying for his own flights and hotel to watch from the gallery as a passionate fan.
But after romping to a four-shot victory in the first event of the $US67-million FedEx Cup playoffs, the 24-year-old all but guaranteed he will be one of Jim Furyk's captains picks for the Europe-versus-America teams event in Paris next month.
DeChambeau started the final day at Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey with a four-shot lead and closed with a two-under-par 69 to earn an 18-under total - leaping to first on the FedEx Cup points list and nine spots on the world rankings to No.12.
Tony Finau (68) was runner-up at 14 under, with Australian Cameron Smith (69) and Billy Horschel (68) sharing third at 13 under. Adam Scott (69) finished a shot further back in a tie for fifth.
Although he won the prestigious Memorial Tournament in Ohio in June, DeChambeau recently missed out on making the eight automatic qualifiers for Team USA - by one spot.
But the Californian is a near certainty to be thrown a lifeline by Furyk when he makes the first of three captain's picks on September 3, with a fourth to come on September 9.
DeChambeau's likely Ryder Cup debut will come in stark contrast to the 2016 edition when he travelled to Minnesota's Hazeltine golf course at his own expense.
Having only turned professional six months prior, DeChambeau wasn't on the radar of Team USA selection.
"It was different," DeChambeau said about watching from the stands.
"But I definitely wanted to have that experience.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I hope I get the opportunity to do that in the next few weeks."
Securing 2,000 points and a $1.62-million ($A2.2 million) cheque for his Northern Trust win, DeChambeau moves to No.1 on the FedEx Cup standings with three events remaining.
He was seemingly in cruise control on the final day, opening with two straight birdies which allowed him to weather two bogeys on the front nine.
He threw the hammer down with back-to-back birdies at the par-4 12th and par-5 13th and never looked back as he secured his third career US Tour title.
"It's amazing; this one (win) is different," DeChambeau said.
"Not really knowing what to do under the gun with a tremendous lead, it was a big learning experience."
Meanwhile, Australian Jason Day carded a lacklustre even-par 71 to finish tied 20th at eight-under.
Marc Leishman's 67 left him sharing 34th at five under, while 14-time major winner Tiger Woods tied for 40th at four under courtesy of a 70.
